Woodworking Ideas & Inspiration

Firewood requires dry storage and plenty of airflow for optimal burning. These wood shed ideas offer options—and add a certain cozy, rustic touch to your property.

As tough as wood is, once it’s converted to some house part—a chair, a door sill, a cabinet, a floorboard—it needs to be protected against the elements and general wear and tear. When it comes to wood finish, which should you use? Read this guide to learn more about the differences between polyurethane and polycrylic.

If you’re working on a project that involves wooden furniture or paneling, you’ll likely find yourself facing an important decision at the end: varnish or polyurethane for the finish? There’s a lot of confusion over the difference between these two popular wood sealants, and it’s important to know what sets them apart so you can choose the right topcoat for your project.

Carpentry projects call for a unique set of tools that can help woodworkers make intricate cuts, carve special patterns, and ensure the quality of their design. In this review, we’ll help you find the right gift for your carpenter by detailing 16 of the best carpentry tools and accessories available. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.

Are you looking for a new project to tackle outside using cedar? We’ve rounded up four DIY wood projects that will enhance your outdoor living space. 

Are you unsure of what type of plywood to use for your next project? Read our guide to learn how to sort through all the plywood options.

Before you grab a saw and begin a DIY bookshelf project, there are a variety of factors to consider. From wood selection to tools and materials, read our tips for building your own bookshelves.

Don’t dump your sawdust! Here are some ways to put it to work.

Learn the basics of how to properly use a band saw.

The details of your workshop depend on the projects you prefer and the space you’ve got available.

Pro painter Nick Slavik shows you how to spruce up an antique that is covered in thick shellac

Choosing tools for first-time woodworkers or experienced carpenters can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best gifts for woodworkers on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for the carpenter in your life. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.

From shiplap to salvaged barn board wood, simple interior wall cladding is making a comeback in home decor, giving rooms a style and texture boost, plus a dose of rugged charm. Here’s how to choose and use them.

These space-saving shelves help you organize on a budget

Nick Offerman is well-known as an actor, comedian, and author, but he’s also an accomplished woodworker. For 16 years, he’s owned the Offerman Woodshop in Los Angeles, a small collective of woodworkers and makers. Nick’s latest book Good Clean Fun offers readers an inside glimpse at the inner workings of his shop and even teaches some basic woodworking skills through step-by-step project instructions. Host Kevin O’Connor toured Offerman Woodshop for an episode of Ask This Old House. Here are some of the highlights from that visit.

Looking for the best bamboo flooring? Read our guide on what to look for, the difference in cost and durability compared to that of its rival hardwood, and how it delivers on style and versatility.

Our start to finish guide will help you decide how to remove paint from wood.

With the classic good looks of solid wood in a DIY-friendly package, these floors are easy to love—and install

This traditional half-wall paneling comes in all shapes and sizes. Here's how to pick the right one to make your room stand out

The wood you see beneath a clear finish determines whether your door's look will be rustic or refined

Everything Sam Maloof touches — every chair, every table, every cabinet, every rafter, every molding, every window, every door, every latch — reveals his genius

One of the big advantages of laminate flooring is the ability to combine a wide variety of colors and patterns. Here's how.