DIY Smarts
Every month, Ask This Old House and The Home Depot will present a practical home improvement project—from maintenance and repairs, to enhancements and how-to’s—complete with video demonstrations, straightforward instructions, and a handy shopping list to get you started.
Everything You Need to Know to Replace a Water Heater
In this DIY Smarts segment, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace their old tank water heater before it fails.
Must-Know Christmas Light Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
Master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about holiday light safety, so he can be festive and safe.
How to Repair Gutters
In this DIY Smarts project, Tom Silva helps a homeowner solve a problem with leaky gutters over their patio.
How To Mount a Flat-Screen TV in Your Home in 5 Simple Steps
Read our step-by-step guide to mounting flat-screen TVs and get tips on mount selection, installation techniques, and creating a secure setup.
How to Build Window Flower Boxes
This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada build custom window boxes for a colorful touch of curb appeal.
How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring in a Kitchen
In this guide, carpenter Nathan Gilbert shows how to replace a dated vinyl kitchen floor with modern vinyl plank flooring.
How To Replace a Tub Drain
Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey shows a homeowner how to replace a bathtub drain when his old 1950s tub stops draining properly.
How To Set Up a First-Time Workshop
Looking to set up a small workshop? Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a young woodworker set up her first workshop.
A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Shingles on a Shed
In this DIY Smarts project, general contractor Tom Silva shows a homeowner the proper way to reshingle an old shed’s roof.
How to Replace a Deck Joist Hanger
Damaged joist hangers can make your deck unsafe. Check out our video and guide to learn how to replace your hangers and maintain your deck.
Installing a Dishwasher in an Old Kitchen
In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and carpenter Nathan Gilbert team up to help a homeowner retrofit a new dishwasher into an old kitchen.
All About Growing Echinacea
Ask This Old House Landscape Contractor Jenn Nawada explains how to identify and care for echinaceas. She also shares a variety of ways to incorporate them in a garden.
Building a Custom Fence Gate: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to build a custom fence gate with Ask This Old House Carpenter Nathan Gilbert while he helps a homeowner build their custom fence gate.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding
This Old House painter Mauro Henrique covers the basics of using a power washer to clean exterior vinyl siding.
How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet
Need to update your bathroom sink faucet? Watch this DIY Smarts as Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace a bathroom faucet.
How to Safely Hang Outdoor Christmas Lights
In this DIY Smarts, This Old House Master Electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner safely install a variety of Christmas lights.
How To Build a Firepit From a Kit
Want to spruce up your backyard? This Old House expert mason Mark McCullough shows us how to build a firepit with a kit and some simple tools.
How To Build a Self-Watering Vegetable Garden
In this DIY Smarts project, Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada travels to Raleigh, North Carolina, to help a couple build and plant a self-watering vegetable garden.
How You Can Clean and Prevent Grout With Homemade Cleaner
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva offers cleaning tips on how to get rid of dirty tile grout using only household supplies.
How to Choose a Good Paint Roller
In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique explains the different types of paint rollers and then demonstrates good rolling techniques.
Everything to Know About Frozen Pipes and Why They Burst
In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how and why frozen pipes burst.
How To Refinish Worn Out Stair Treads
In this article and instructional video, This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to refinish stair treads.
How To Plant Hardier Foundation Plantings
Landscape expert Jenn Nawada will show you how to create resilient foundation plantings that can withstand snow piles and seasonal changes.
Build It | Tool Storage Shelf
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a tool storage shelf out of leftover lumber from other Build It projects.
How To Tighten a Loose Newel Post
This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert travels to a Sears kit house in Richmond, Virginia to tighten an old, loose stair railing.
How to Install a Dining Room Chandelier
In this DIY Smarts, Heath Eastman installs a chandelier in a homeowner’s dining room.
How To Install Winter-Proof Planters
In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada installs a front entry planter that will last through the winter.
How To Brick Veneer a Fireplace
In this DIY Smarts project, Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a homeowner’s fireplace surround with thin brick veneer.
How a Heat Pump Clothes Dryer Works
Ask This Old House plumbing and HVAC expert Richard Trethewey tests out a new dryer in our DIY Smarts series that uses a heat pump to dry the clothes.
How To Hang a Sliding Barn Door
Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert installs a sliding barn door in an open-concept loft apartment.
How To Restain a Deck
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique teaches a homeowner how to restain her mahogany deck.
Why is This Lawn Patchy? Professional Tips for Maintaining a Yard
Watch as Ask This Old House landscape contractors Roger Cook and Jenn Nawada share DIY tips for killing weeds without hurting the lawn.
