Modernizing historic homes with sustainable materials and expert craftsmanship techniques

This episode of This Old House explores the integration of eco-friendly building materials into a historic home renovation. From durable composite decking to low-VOC paints, the team demonstrates how modern technology can improve home performance while maintaining quality standards.

At the Auburndale project, general contractor Tom Silva installs composite decking manufactured from recycled plastic and wood waste. This material features a proprietary finish backed by a 30-year warranty and utilizes a hidden fastening system. Meanwhile, master carpenter Norm Abram visits a paint factory to investigate the composition of low-VOC paints, which are designed to provide richer color profiles.

The episode also highlights practical interior updates, such as modifying a fireplace mantel to align with contemporary aesthetics. Through these demonstrations, the crew provides guidance on selecting materials and evaluating contractor performance, aiming to help homeowners preserve their properties effectively.

Source: This Old House | Making the Most of Green Products (S32 E12) | FULL EPISODE