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Christmas comes but once a year, and picking out the perfect tree to jolly up the living room is a family ritual full of fun and promise. But with all the different types of trees out there, it’s hard to know which one is right for your holiday display. Here are a few tips from our experts on how to pick one, the different types of real Christmas trees, how to measure for it, and make sure it lasts through December 25 and maybe into the New Year....

In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the proper use of a drill/driver. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Selecting and using a drill/driver To lock the drill bit into place on a drill/driver, place it into the keyless chuck and slowly press the trigger, then twist the chuck to lock it into place. To make sure you’re on the drilling setting, there should be a twistable feature on the top of the drill/driver with a picture of a drill bit....

Italianate with Two Porticos Price: $45, 000 Location: Martinsburg, WV Contact: Liz McDonald, Blackwell Realty; 304-885-0772 The History: This three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath Italianate was built by John William Keefe, a veteran of both the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. After years of soldiering, Keefe eventually settled down in Martinsburg and became a yardmaster and train dispatcher for the B&O Railroad. The circa-1866 house was handed down to his son, Hugh Keefe, who worked in the town’s thriving woolen mills, which later supplied blankets to soldiers during World War II....

Steps: When dealing with water issues, start from the main water shutoff and work your way back. Identify any areas where air is introduced to the system. Check any potential obstructions in the water line. If there’s a filter, a pump, or anything other than a water line, check to make sure it’s working properly. Water filters are naturally designed to clog, so be sure to check them often and change them regularly, as that could cause obstructions....

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to repair a leaky sprinkler system. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for How to Repair a Sprinkler System Shut off the water to the sprinkler system. Remove lid from valve box and clean out mud from inside of box with hand trowel. Pack valve box with dry rags to absorb water. Twist out the low-voltage solenoid valve, then wait for excess water to drain out....

Decks are becoming a much more popular option for entertaining as homeowners spend much more time outdoors. Unfortunately, if the deck isn’t maintained, you could put your family and guests at risk for injury. Here is a safety checklist for maintaining a wood deck to keep them safe and functional for many years. Deck Maintenance Do’s Here are the main things you should do to keep your deck properly maintained and safe....

We’ve teamed up with Lowe’s to bring you five fun projects, from building an outdoor kitchen to creating a raised garden bed, that will help you turn your yard into the ultimate summer oasis. Build an Outdoor Kitchen Center We love this beautiful outdoor kitchen center, complete with an all-weather countertop, a seating counter for guests, and storage for glasses. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll be dining alfresco in no time....

Whether you rely on a few pairs of shoes to get you through the week or have an endless collection, a shoe rack is a great way to meet your shoe storage needs. They keep each pair of shoes in your closet organized as opposed to scattered around your room or house. Keep reading to learn about the five best shoe racks as well as buying factors that will help you pick the perfect rack for your needs....

Q: I need to have my driveway redone. Is there a surface more environmentally friendly than asphalt or concrete? Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time —Lisa Matthews, Madison, N.J. Troy Johnson of Outdoor Escapes replies: The best way to green up a driveway is to install permeable pavers, which allow water to drain down through the gaps between them and into a bed of crushed stone. From there, it seeps gently into the soil....

Few home accessories are as fun and effortless as throw pillows. They are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home a quick update. And there are countless colors, patterns, and textures to choose from to revamp anything from a sofa, loveseat, or chair to a bed or even a bench. Caring for cushions is one of those chores that are sometimes overlooked. But throw pillows likely get a lot of use and can accumulate the dirt, dust, and stains that come with a busy household....

In this video, Richard Trethewey teaches the process of installing a garbage disposal where there was not one originally. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time What Is a Garbage Disposal For? Garbage disposals are helpful to have because there’s less risk of plumbing drain damage from food going down the pipes, less trash being generated from food waste, and there is reduced kitchen odor from rotting food. Steps for Installing a Garbage Disposal People might want to try to install one themselves, so it’s important to understand the basics involved with the installation, particularly the parts and pieces that are needed....

In this video, general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner patch a hardwood floor to make it look seamless. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for patching a hardwood floor: Purchase hardwood flooring about a week before and leave it in the room where it will be installed to let it acclimate. Begin laying boards in the corners and work across the room. Cut the underside of the trim using an oscillating saw....

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. Affiliate Disclosure There’s a lot more to redoing your bedroom than changing the paint color. Give your bedroom the makeover it deserves with the latest bedroom accessories from Casper. The company that has revolutionized the sleep industry has created another way to get snug and cozy, even when you aren’t in your bed....

Compare the Best Jump Ropes Best Color Options: Multifun Jump Rope Pros and Cons ✔ Has four buttons to control the built-in screen✔ Comes with binders to hold any extra rope on the ends✔ Tracks how many calories you burn and circles you do Multifun Skipping Jump Rope $27 Prices taken at time of publishing. A simple glance at the built-in screen on this jump rope’s handle gives you essential fitness data during your workout....

Top 5 Standing Desks Best Large Freestanding Desk: Vari Electric Standing Desk Best Corner Desk: SHW 55-Inch Large Electric Height-Adjustable Computer Desk Best Large Add-On: FlexiSpot Height-Adjustable Standing Desk Converter Best Small Add-On: FlexiSpot M2B Standing Desk Converter Best Small Freestanding Desk: FEZIBO Dual-Motor Height-Adjustable Electric Standing Desk Best Large Freestanding Desk: Vari Electric Standing Desk This freestanding desk from Vari is 60 inches long, making it large enough to hold all of your monitors, keyboards, mouses, writing utensils, files, and other desk accessories....

1. Nail Loose Boards or Shingles That untethered shingle you previously ignored could create a domino effect if ripped off by the storm, allowing water to get under the ones around it. Once you refasten it, apply a dab of roofing sealant under the shingle and over the nailheads to guard against leaks. 2. Board Up Windows You can easily board up lower windows from the outside with a single sheet of ½-inch or thicker plywood....

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. Buying a new mattress is exciting, carrying the promise of better, more comfortable sleep. It can also create concerns about spending some serious cash. Picking out a new mattress doesn’t mean you have to compromise your budget––the best affordable mattress will combine top-of-the-line designs and features with a great price....

Portable Heater Fold-Up Bench Dual-Use Fan No-Plumb Sink Rolling Cooler Stay warm and extend the BBQ season with this 46,000-Btu propane unit; no electricity required. Wheels make it easy to move. Storage shelves, a lattice back for hanging utensils, and ample counter space make this collapsible fir potting bench an ideal bar or serving station. About $127; Wayfair Keeps skeeters at bay while the breeze and built-in misters keep you cool....

The Ask This Old House team has true respect and admiration for each other. To uncover how much they truly love working with one another, they were asked to use one word to describe each of their co-cast members, and although they could rarely stick to the one-word rule, their answers were sincere. Kevin O’Connor “Generous,” “perceptive,” and “smart.” Touted as the best-listening host the team has ever had, Kevin is consistently seen as the backbone or glue that holds the team together....

Previous episode: S20 E17 | Next episode: S20 E19 In this episode: Plumbing and Heating Expert Richard Trethewey tells all about how his career as a plumber started. As a 4th generation owner of a successful plumbing and heating company, Richard knew what he would do for a career very early on. He would draw pictures of himself fixing sinks and making plumbing repairs in school. While working for his father’s business, Richard explains the company received a call from a public television channel asking if they’d be interested in appearing on the show....