Intellect PlusDIY & home improvement
1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 18 of 24.
Why table saw injuries happen and how to prevent themTable saws are responsible for numerous annual injuries, often due to bypassed safety devices or improper positioning. General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates the essential feat…
How to bypass the high cost of designer outdoor furnitureAll-weather patio furniture often carries a premium price tag, especially during the peak spring and summer shopping seasons. However, you can construct a handsome, three-seater s…
Turning a fallen oak into a functional bar topWhen a red oak tree fell on a Christmas tree farm, carpenter Nathan Gilbert saw an opportunity rather than a mess. This video explains how to salvage windfall timber into usable w…
How to transform a raw red oak slab into a polished bar topWatch general contractor Tom Silva and carpenter Nathan Gilbert convert a live-edge red oak slab from a Christmas tree farm into a finished piece of furniture.
Revitalizing community spaces through the art of cedar carpentryWatch as landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and carpenter Nathan Gilbert mentor a troop of Girl Scouts to restore decade-old raised garden beds. This project demonstrates how profes…
Can home improvement experts guess the pictures on their own headbands?The crew of Ask This Old House takes a break from home repairs to play The Headband Game. Watch as the experts attempt to identify the images attached to their headbands through v…
How to eliminate dead space by extending kitchen cabinets to the ceilingInstead of replacing your entire kitchen, learn how to build plywood upper boxes that sit atop existing stock cabinets to increase visual height and maximize storage.
Why a six-foot level might be your least useful toolMost homeowners reach for a standard spirit level as a universal solution for every project. However, the physics of your workspace dictate your tool choice. From the high-precisi…- How to expand your kitchen workspace with a DIY mobile islandEven after a complete remodel, extra counter space is often a necessity. This video demonstrates how to construct a functional, rolling butcher-block cart designed to add utility …
- How to transform a basic backyard with simple string lightingMaster electrician Heath Eastman demonstrates how to upgrade a standard deck into a cozy, charming outdoor space using accessible supplies found at most home centers.
How to stop a crumbling sloped yard from washing awaySloped yards often face erosion during rainy weather, leading to soil washing onto sidewalks. This video follows landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and Lee Gilliam as they transform…
Why replacing an old shower valve is often safer than repairing itWhen a leak appears in a vintage bathroom, the solution isn't always a simple fix. This video explores the delicate balance between preserving historical integrity and ensuring mo…
How to hide an unsightly gas meter with a custom utility coverUtility meters are often eyesores in front of a home. In this video, carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to construct a removable, weather-resistant cover that improves curb…
Why the Miracle Mineral of the past is a modern home hazardOnce hailed as a miracle mineral, asbestos is now a significant concern for homeowners. This video explores how to identify the material, when it actually poses a risk, and the pr…- Why extension cords are a dangerous way to power your home during outagesWhen the grid fails, a backup generator provides essential warmth and light. However, relying on extension cords—especially in an attached garage—is not the safest method for powe…
- How to restore a sagging lintel in a historic brick homeWhen a federal-style home's brickwork begins to sag, it threatens the structure itself. This video follows mason Mark McCullough as he demonstrates how to repair a failing lintel …
How to restore the efficiency of a cracked double pane windowWhen a double pane window cracks, you lose both aesthetics and energy efficiency. This video follows general contractor Tom Silva as he works with a glass specialist to repair the…- How to breathe new life into antique outdoor furniture with whitewashInstead of seeking perfection through heavy paint, painting contractor Mauro Henrique demonstrates how a whitewash finish can provide a rustic, refreshed look for an antique outdo…
How to enhance safety and style with a wrought-iron railingEven if your concrete steps meet building codes, adding a handrail can significantly improve safety for children and older adults while providing a durable, classic aesthetic.
How to turn heavy factory toolboxes into a mobile workshop stationWorkshop space is a premium commodity. This video demonstrates how to repurpose heavy factory toolboxes into a functional, mobile miter saw station featuring dual workbenches and …
How to build a professional masonry toolkit for your home projectsMason Mark McCullough demonstrates which essential tools a homeowner needs to master entry-level masonry tasks and tackle various repairs around the house.
How to refresh a 70-year-old front door without removing itMost homeowners assume a front door makeover requires heavy lifting and removing hardware. Paint expert Mauro Henrique demonstrates how to revitalize a historic entrance in place,…
How to transform a standard double window into a sliding patio doorFor homeowners with a fenced backyard, a window can be the key to better access. This video demonstrates the structural process of replacing a window with a door and building a lo…- Why skipping a home inspection could cost you thousands of dollarsIn a fast-moving real estate market where buyers often waive inspections to secure a home, host Kevin O’Connor asks experts to identify the structural red flags that should stop a…
- Why a master carpenter spends his Sundays digging through dusty boxesFor carpenter Nathan Gilbert, a Sunday spent in a crowded New England flea market is more than just a hobby. It is a strategic hunt for high-quality, history-rich tools that can o…
How to design flexible storage for a shared nursery closetWhen two children are set to share a single room, storage becomes a critical challenge. This video demonstrates how to construct a custom, adaptable closet organizer system to max…
How to effectively cover spray paint graffiti on garage wallsWhen a son's former passion for graffiti becomes a homeowner's renovation challenge, professional intervention is required. This video demonstrates the technical process of cleani…- Preserving the soul of an 1880s New England CapeWatch the team from This Old House take on a historic Cape Style home in Concord, Massachusetts. This episode explores the delicate balance between honoring 19th-century craftsman…
- Preserving history through the careful salvage and protection of a Concord homeIn Concord, Massachusetts, a historic renovation begins with a delicate balance of demolition and preservation. This episode follows the essential first steps of saving architectu…
- How to reinforce a historic home's foundation for a new basementIn this episode of This Old House, the team tackles the structural complexities of modifying an old foundation to accommodate a new basement, demonstrating the precision required …
- How to transform outdated pine paneling into a modern office spacePine paneling can make a room feel stuck in the past. This video demonstrates how paint expert Mauro Henrique uses primer and navy blue paint to give a paneled home office a sleek…
- You do not need to replace your toilet to upgrade your bathroomWhile high-end bidet toilets are the gold standard for hygiene, they often require a full bathroom overhaul. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey reveals how you can achieve similar …
Why the color you pick at the store might look different on your wallsA perfect swatch doesn't guarantee a perfect room. Paint expert Mauro Henrique reveals why colors behave unpredictably once applied, the hidden undertones that can sabotage your d…- How to preserve a historic Cape style home through structural renovationIn this episode of This Old House, the team tackles the critical structural work required to stabilize and modernize a historic Cape style residence.
- How to upgrade your bathroom with a tankless toilet-bidet combinationPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the installation of a tankless toilet-bidet unit, covering everything from non-electric attachments to the final tightening of the b…
- Why your chimney needs more than just a flueMason Mark McCullough explains the essential role of chimney caps, demonstrating how they function, the various installation options available, and how to select the correct size …
- Defending your home against the invisible threat of flying embersWildfires don't just burn down houses; they often destroy them from the inside out using tiny, airborne sparks. This video demonstrates how to strategically harden a home's exteri…
- How to master the structural complexities of historic home additionsIn this episode of This Old House, the team tackles the technical challenges of expanding a historic property, from managing uneven foundations to increasing headroom in a dormer.
- How to reclaim a garden overrun by aggressive invasive speciesWhen invasive plants take over a yard, they can quickly overwhelm local greenery. This video follows landscape contractor Lee Gilliam as he identifies and removes these aggressive…
How to design a landscape that resists wildfire damageIn California, wildfire safety is a critical design consideration. Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada demonstrates how to combine aesthetic preferences with fire-resistant plant cho…- The invisible art of blending new construction with historic bonesWatch how master craftsmen navigate the delicate transition between old and new. This episode reveals the precise techniques required to integrate modern masonry and structural sh…
- Structural stability meets arboriculture in this comprehensive home renovation episodeFrom reinforcing heavy second-story loads with Flitch beams to managing unruly trees, this episode explores the technical precision required to preserve and protect historic homes.
- How to recreate Shaker elegance using simple pine and stair treadsDIY expert Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to construct a classic dining bench inspired by museum-quality pieces. This project prioritizes traditional joinery and affordable materi…
Creating a backyard oasis with portable shade sail structuresLearn how to transform a sun-drenched backyard into a functional cooling space. This guide demonstrates a flexible, DIY-friendly method for installing a shade sail using portable …- Restoring a 19th-century school into affordable housing for veteransIn this episode of This Old House, Kevin O'Connor explores the complex restoration of an 1898 school building. Watch as experts navigate the structural challenges of converting a …
Why winter frost is the silent enemy of your concrete sidewalkIn the Northeast, the freeze-thaw cycle does more than just chill the air. As ground moisture freezes, it pushes rocks and obstructions upward, causing the devastating cracks and …- How four generations of family tradition shape the art of landscapingDiscover the craftsmanship behind Atlanta's landscapes through the eyes of brothers who have spent a lifetime perfecting their trade. This video explores how family legacy and dai…
- The structural evolution of a home's skeletonIn this episode of This Old House, experts demonstrate the precision required to frame exterior walls and manage the complex electrical and structural upgrades necessary for a mod…
- Can sticky paper replace traditional mortar for a kitchen backsplash?DIY expert Jenn Largesse tests a modern shortcut by installing adhesive tile mats instead of using traditional thin-set mortar. Watch her process and her honest assessment of this…
How to transform a mossy, shady backyard into a lush green lawnIf your backyard is dominated by dirt and moss rather than grass, landscaper Lee Gilliam demonstrates how to establish a healthy, shade-tolerant lawn using specific soil amendment…- The Structural Integrity of Modern Historic RenovationsSee how experts balance preserving history with modern engineering. This episode follows the renovation of two historic homes, focusing on structural load-bearing elements and lan…
- Are whole house heat pumps the right choice for your home?While heat pumps offer an economical way to heat your home without using fossil fuels, they are not a universal solution. This video explores the nuances of making the switch.
- How to transform a standard television into a custom piece of wall artBuying a specialized picture frame TV can be expensive. This video demonstrates how to use affordable molding and basic tools to build a custom frame for your existing television.
The engineering behind the minimalist aesthetic of cable railingsModern architecture often favors the sleek, open look of cable railings, but their beauty relies on specific structural integrity. This guide from This Old House explains how to s…- How to fix a cold bathroom by retrofitting radiant floor heatingWhen a new combi boiler system failed to warm a specific bathroom, a homeowner turned to the experts at Ask This Old House to tap into the water supply and install a radiant heati…
- How to fix a cold bathroom using radiant floor heatingWhen a boiler upgrade left a bathroom feeling cold, plumbing expert Richard Trethewey stepped in to demonstrate how to integrate radiant floor heating into an existing system.
- Modernizing historic homes through smart technology and precise craftsmanshipIn this episode of This Old House, the team tackles complex renovations, from installing remote-controlled skylights to implementing efficient mini duct HVAC systems in a historic…
The invisible infrastructure that defines modern human comfortWe often take for granted the systems that keep our homes habitable. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explores why modern plumbing is a profound marvel of engineering that fundam…- How to transform an old whiskey barrel into a functional rain barrelLandscape contractor Jenn Nawada and carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrate how to manage stormwater runoff by installing a DIY rain barrel using an aged whiskey barrel.
- How to redesign a front yard after losing mature shade treesWhen two rotten oak trees were removed, a couple's front yard was suddenly exposed to full sun. Watch landscape contractor Jenn Nawada demonstrate how to transition from a shaded …