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.

Learn about varnish, a protective wood finish. Discover its types, uses, and tips for preserving your wood surfaces with This Old House.

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.

From cost considerations to tools and materials, read our tips for choosing the right wood to build your own bookshelves.

Sawdust left over from woodworking projects? Repurpose it with these ideas for alternative uses for sawdust.

Band saws are great for a variety of wood- and metal-working projects. Follow this guide on how to purchase, install, and use one safely.

Our experts share tips on how to plan a workshop for 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, interior wall cladding is making a comeback in home decor. Here is a detailed list of design ideas.

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, its benefits, and how it compares to hardwood floors.

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

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

Learn all about the different materials and finishes you can use for your wood entry door so you can make the best decision for your home.

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

Laminate is a budget-friendly flooring option that can take your space to the next level. Learn about laminate flooring options in our guide.