Kitchen How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our kitchen step-by-step tips & ideas.

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How to Replace a Smelly Dishwasher Drain Hose

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey comes up smelling sweet by installing a new discharge hose.
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How To Clean a Glass Stovetop

Our guide explains how to clean your glass stovetop correctly to restore its spotless surface without creating scratches.
The supplies needed to prepare a laminate countertop, including a paint brush and blue tape.

How To Paint Laminate Countertops: A DIY Guide

If you're looking to refresh your kitchen or bathroom without a complete makeover, painting laminate countertops may be the perfect solution.
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How to Install a Kitchen Sink

Interested in adding a new kitchen sink? We’ve created a 10-step guide on how to install a new kitchen sink like a pro. Read on to learn more.
S21 E18, Richard Trethewey helps install a vented microwave
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How To Install a Vented Microwave

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teams up with a local plumber to install a new stove and a vented microwave to exhaust the fumes.
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How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Painting kitchen cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. Follow our guide to help you on your DIY journey.
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How to Fix a Gas Stove That Won’t Light

Dealing with a stove that won’t light or takes too long to ignite can be frustrating and unsafe. Rather than dealing with unburnt fuel making its way into your home or resorting to take-out because the stove won’t kick on, check out this guide on what to look for when trying to repair a stove that won’t light.
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How To Assemble RTA Cabinets

The day your ready-to-assemble cabinets arrive is an exciting one—but can easily be overwhelming. Here’s how to manage it all.
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How To Dispose of Grease and Cooking Oil

In this guide, we discuss how to avoid the inconvenience of a clogged drain by properly disposing of your cooking and frying oils.
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How To Clean Butcher Block Surfaces

Learn how to sanitize and protect your butcher block with our comprehensive guide to cleaning butcher block surfaces.
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How to Steam Clean an Oven

Using steam power is a popular household cleaning method, and it works well for your oven, too. This guide shows you how to do it.
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How to Remove a Kitchen Faucet

With the right tools and tips, removing a kitchen faucet doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Whether you’re replacing your faucet or repurposing it on a new sink, this step-by-step guide will explain just how to do it.
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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.
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Finish Your Kitchen Remodel Punch List

Ask This Old House General Contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner wrap up a few small projects towards the end of her kitchen renovation.
Lifestyle image of a stainless-steel cooking range in a sparkling modern kitchen. Cover image for the This Old House Reviews Team's guide on how to remove scratches from stainless steel surfaces.

How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel

Learn how to remove scratches from stainless steel surfaces and discover effective products to make the restoration process quick and easy.
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How to Cut a Granite Countertop

Cutting granite for kitchen countertops whether indoors or outdoors—is a DIY-able job. But there are some caveats to consider before getting started.
Kitchen with as stainless steel refrigerator.

What to Do If Your Fridge Stops Cooling

Is your refrigerator no longer staying cool? There are a number of reasons why your fridge may be quitting on you. Read our guide to help diagnose and fix your fridge.
Cucumber is being peeled into a sink with a garbage disposal.

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Like any appliance, your garbage disposal needs a good cleaning every once in a while, or you could end up with a breeding ground for harmful bacteria or mold. Follow this guide to learn how to easily clean your garbage disposal.
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How to Paint Kitchen Appliances

If you’re looking for a quick new look, there’s no bigger bang for the buck than paint. It’s true for walls and cabinets, but also for appliances. 
A kitchen wall with restored copper pans.

How To Clean Copper and Restore Damage and Tarnish

Tackle dirt and tarnish to restore the rich, gorgeous gleam of any copper—on cookware, plumbing, and other household items.
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How to Upcycle a Bookcase into a Kitchen Island

Learn how to upcycle a bookcase into a stylish kitchen island. Follow along as Jenn Largesse completes this project from start to finish.
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How to Build Kitchen Drawer Dividers | This Old House: Live

Watch as Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to build custom kitchen drawer dividers.
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Running Electricity to Your Kitchen Island

Running electricity to your island shouldn’t be too difficult, especially if you’re taking out the existing cabinets.
A painted faux marble countertop in a kitchen.

How to Paint a Faux-Marble Countertop

Wondering if you can create a marble effect on your laminate surface? Read these steps to discover what you need to make marble countertop paint for much less.
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How to Make an End-Grain Cutting Board

Turn a piece of scrap wood into a useful butcher block.
Mounted breakfast bar with brown countertop.

How To Build a DIY Breakfast Bar

Add more counter space to your kitchen with a breakfast bar. We share our approaches and top tips to help you make a DIY breakfast bar.
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How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding

Read our guide to learn how to paint your kitchen cabinets without having to sand them first. You can get professional-looking results in less time and for less money.
Richard Trethewey fixes a common kitchen plumbing problem in the sink.

How To Deal with Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems

Kitchen plumbing issues can be a nuisance, but most are easy to fix yourself. Here’s how to handle leaks and clear clogs in your kitchen.
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How to Install and Maintain a Water Filter Under the Sink

Installing a water filter under your sink can remove contaminants, sediment, and unpleasant tastes. Read how to install this system yourself in our step-by-step guide.
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How to Upgrade to Soft-Close Cabinets in a few Easy Steps

Consider installing soft-close cabinets if you want to quiet down your kitchen a bit. Our guide tells you how to install these cabinets, how much money you'll spend along the way, and much more.
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How To Size a Kitchen Island

Our guide teaches you how to size a kitchen island to create a functional, attractive, and well-proportioned centerpiece in your kitchen.
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How To Fix a Chipped Sink: A Comprehensive Guide

Sinks can scar over time. Fortunately, you can fix chipped sinks yourself or with help from a pro. Here are tips for the best results.
A man painting a tile backsplash with a roller and a brush.
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Everything You Need to Know to Paint a Tile Backsplash

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor helps a homeowner apply a paint to her kitchen tile backsplash. Follow our step by step guide for your own project.