At most salvage yards you’ll find row upon row of these paneled doors, many made from old-growth timber, typically starting at about $60 each. Among my favorite creative reuse projects is to tip a series of these doors on their sides to serve as wainscoting along interior walls, a trick I learned from Brad Kittel of Discovery Architectural Antiques in Gonzales, Texas. Or a single door can be used as a platform for a hanging daybed suspended by chains, a fun idea that This Old House reader Kodie Ketchbaw put into action as a way to create extra seating on the porch of her home in Old Hickory, Tennessee....

Resources: Tom demonstrated a variety of hole saws that can all be found at home centers. Tools:

Bringing Up the Back They knew just where to begin: in back, where the Queen Anne’s spirits sagged visibly. Indeed, when the house went up in 1896—the first on its block near San Francisco’s Presidio—it proudly faced the street while turning its back on an inviting yard. Subsequent owners converted rear porches into rooms with few windows. “Often, the classic San Francisco house has a disconnection to the garden,” says architect Aleck Wilson, who was brought in to help nudge the house into the 21st century....

In this episode: Richard travels to Salt Lake City to replace a shower valve he has never seen before in his career with a conventional pressure balanced one; Nathan demonstrates how to refinish stair treads; Tom helps a homeowner remove moss from his roof and prevent it from growing back. How to Upgrade to a Pressure Balanced Shower Valve Richard travels to Salt Lake City to replace a shower valve he has never seen before in his career with a conventional pressure balanced one....

In this episode: Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains the purpose of a mini split ductless air conditioner and the process of getting one installed. Richard begins by explaining the basic principle of all cooling mechanisms; that heat will always transfer to cold, no matter what direction. He explains that inside any air conditioner there are two components: the evaporator and the condenser. Using a window A/C unit, he demonstrates that warm room air is drawn in by a fan and gets blown across a cold evaporating coil....

Why Save it? The 3,128-square-foot house retains many original elements, including parquet floors, ornamental plasterwork, paneled doors, and decorative casings inside, as well as fluted porch columns, clapboard siding, window trim, brackets, and dentil molding outside. It is the stateliest turn-of-the-century home among others on the block. Syracuse is experiencing a resurgence, with significant investment in its downtown and neighboring areas, including Southside, where the house is located. What it Needs While structurally sound, the house needs a top-to-bottom renovation and all new systems....

Buy an older house and you’ll likely find some junk along with the gems. Previous renovations had left this kitchen, located in a 1943 Colonial Revival in Washington, D.C., packed with nondescript Thermofoil cabinets and myriad column and pilaster flourishes that detracted from assets like the lofty ceiling and tall, arch-top windows. Shown: Removing some upper cabinets gave the striking copper range hood and new custom patterned wall tile center stage....

Today’s smart thermostats provide you with a lot more than just convenience: the average U.S. homeowner could save up to $180 per year by installing one now. And with the range of technology currently available, you can select from a wide variety of models from basic operation to highly sophisticated, based on your comfort level and individual needs. Smart Thermostats: How do they work? Smart thermostats work to minimize your energy use by only activating your heating or cooling when it’s needed....

Top 5 Bathtubs Best Small Freestanding: FerdY Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub Best Large Alcove: Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub Best Small Alcove: American Standard Apron Bathtub Best Large Freestanding: WOODBRIDGE Bathtub Best Walk-In: Empava Freestanding Walk-In Bathtub Best Small Freestanding: FerdY Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub Pros and Cons ✔ Made from acrylic that’s reinforced with fiberglass for long-lasting durability✔ Has a high load capacity of 1,750 pounds✔ Comes with a drain that you can purchase in different finishes ✘ May be difficult for people with limited mobility to climb into ✘ Has a six-year surface warranty that doesn’t cover scratches...

Most Customizable: Gorilla Grip Cutting Boards These three plastic and rubber boards measure 11.8 by 8 inches, 13.8 by 9.6 inches, and 16 by 11.2 inches. The rubber border and plastic cutting surface come in different color combinations to choose what you prefer and what matches your other kitchen tools. Key Features Three cutting boards: 11.8 by 8 inches, 13.8 by 9.6 inches, and 16 by 11.2 inches Made from plastic and rubber Juice grooves Reversible Dishwasher-safe...

Top 5 Fly Traps Best For Windows: Catchmaster Clear Window Fly Traps Best For Plants: Gideal Dual-Sided Yellow Sticky Traps Best For Outdoor Use: Flies Be Gone Fly Traps Best Reusable Trap: Safer Reusable Fly Traps Best For Indoor Use: Katchy Indoor Insect Trap Best For Windows: Catchmaster Clear Window Fly Traps Pros and Cons ✔ Is not made with harsh chemicals ✔ Is small and see-through, making it a barely visible trap ✔ Comes in a pack of 12 traps ✘ Can be difficult to remove from surfaces ✘ Will have an unattractive look once it gets full of flies What Customers Are Saying Those who liked these traps said that they stuck well to windows and caught a large number of flies....

Top 5 Recessed Lights Best Lifespan: Ensenior Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Lights Best For Small Spaces: TORCHSTAR Dimmable Slim LED Lights Best Power Savings: Amico Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Lights Best Baffle Trim: Sunco Lighting Dimmable Recessed Downlights Best For Large Spaces: Sunco Lighting Six-Inch Slim LED Downlights Best Lifespan: Ensenior Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Lights Pros and Cons ✔ Has housing that’s made from lightweight and durable aluminum✔ Available in multiple light colors and housing sizes✔ Can be in contact with ceiling insulation ✘ Is more expensive than many other models✘ Criticized for not being the advertised size...

Deck Maintenance Do’s Here are the main things you should do to keep your deck properly maintained and safe. Regular Cleaning One of the most important things you can do for your deck is to clean it. Over time, wood decks can develop moss, mold, algae, and grime on the surface that can cause them to darken and look unsightly. Therefore, it is a good idea to clean your decks at least once a year, preferably in the spring when it is dry and temperatures are between 60- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit....

In growing housing markets, hiring a professional real estate agent can be critical to ensure the most efficient sale or search for your dream home. With your needs in mind, the This Old House Reviews Team did the research on dozens of agents who operate in the area, discovering the top performers to recommend to our readers. Get started with an agent now by clicking through the tool below:...

Finding the best mattress for your new bedroom or guest room can be tough, especially when there are so many things to consider. One of the most important factors to take into account, though, is the budget. We’ve partnered with the knowledgeable team at Mattress Advisor to create this Tuft & Needle Mattress review in which we’ll cover why these mattresses are some of the best high-quality, budget-friendly beds on the market....