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In this episode: In this special episode of Ask This Old House, Jenn explains how various climates across the United States impact the design, care, and maintenance of different landscapes, which includes discussing USDA Hardiness Zones and native plant species. Kevin explains the USDA Hardiness Zone map and how it can help a homeowner determine which plants will work best in their backyard. In any landscape design, Jenn recommends looking for natural cues in the surrounding area to recreate in a controlled way in your yard....

In this episode: Richard Tretheway teaches Kevin O’Connor all about water heaters. Since 90% of water heater purchases are emergencies, Richard thought a bit of homework on the topic would help avoid purchasing what’s available over the best water heater for the scenario. It’s not just discussion, either; Richard shows Kevin the gruesome interior of the shop’s water heater, comparing it to the other models available. The two continue to discuss the four major types of water heaters available on the market, as well as how they work and the scenarios for which they’re best suited....

In this episode: From young blacksmiths metalworking to a woodworker who finds centuries-old lumber under water, This Old House features talented makers all over the country who make beautiful household items. A lumberjack sources his own material from the bottom of the Edisto River near Charleston, SC. He brings up an old cypress log, mills and dries it, and turns it into a unique dining room table. In Detroit, Ann restores leaded and stained glass window panels by replacing putty and glass where needed and solders the lead back into place....

In this episode: The house has seen a lot of progress in the last week. Floor joists are in, and the decking is down in what will soon be an open floor plan family room with a kitchen and dining room. The open floor plan requires new joists to support the dead and live loads above. Builder Matt Whitbeck, Tom Silva, and Kevin O’Connor replace the old joists with new I-joists....

Steps for How to Repair a Sprinkler System For More: How to Install an Automatic Sprinkler System; How to Install an In-Ground Sprinkler System Tools

I’m using strips of leftover ¾-inch plywood to create 4-foot-long shelves. I made two sizes, one to fit quart paint and stain cans and another taller and shallower size to fit spray paint cans. The full cut list is below. Scroll to the bottom of this page for the list of tools and materials needed for this project. for this project over on thisoldhouse.com. Project Cut List Quart Paint Can Shelf...

Best For Small Tasks: Makita MAC2400 Big Bore Air Compressor Best Starter Option: Craftsman CMEC6150K Air Compressor Best Pressure: DEWALT DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor Easiest to Maintain: PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free Air Compressor Quietest Compressor: California Air Tools Steel Tank Air Compressor Best For Small Tasks: Makita Big Bore Air Compressor Pros and Cons ✔ Has a powerful 2.5-horsepower motor✔ Features a cast iron construction to enhance pump life, improve recovery time, and reduce wear and tear✔ Has an oil-lubricated pump for cooler running temperatures ✘ Has a heavy frame that weighs over 80 pounds✘ Not as eco-friendly as other non-oil options...

Top 5 Carbon Monoxide Detectors Best Visual Alerts: First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Pack Options: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Plug-In Detector: Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Lifespan: X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Smart Detector: Google Nest Protect Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Visual Alerts: First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector This alarm offers two-in-one protection against smoke and carbon monoxide....

Knife sharpeners come in a variety of models, including electric machines, pull-throughs, stones, and sharpening kits. While the type of knife sharpener doesn’t dictate the result, each unique model comes with its own sharpening method and routine. To save you time and effort, we’ve researched and tested top knife sharpeners of various designs to help you make a selection that’s right for your kitchen. Review Standards To test the effectiveness of each knife sharpener, our team decided to use the top-rated PAUDIN Pro Kitchen Knife to cut through a tomato....

Here are our top recommendations. Top 5 Ozone Generators Best Plate Longevity: Enerzen Ozone Generator Most Portable: AIRTHEREAL Ozone Generator Longest Runtime: OdorStop Ozone Generator Highest Ozone Output: Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator Best Decorative: Ivation Ozone Generator Best Plate Longevity: Enerzen Ozone Generator Pros and Cons ✔ Has easy-to-access ozone plates that provide approximately 6,000 hours of runtime✔ Includes a large fan with a washable stainless-steel filter ✔ Is lightweight at 5 pounds ✘ More suitable for one specific room instead of the entire home✘ The cord is somewhat short...

Top 6 Tankless Water Heaters Best Electric Flow Rate: Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater Best Indoor Gas Model: Rinnai Indoor Tankless Hot Water Heater Best Outdoor Gas Model: Rinnai Outdoor Tankless Hot Water Heater Best Medium Capacity: EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater Best Small Capacity: EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater Best Temperature Readout: Rheem Tankless Electric Water Heater Best Electric Flow Rate: Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons ✔ Outfitted with memory settings✔ Provides silent operation✔ Has an advanced flow control function that keeps water temperature consistent while it’s in use ✘ Has a hefty restocking fee✘ Has a larger footprint than other electric models...

Top 7 Hammers Best Steel Handle: Estwing 16-Ounce Steel Claw Hammer Most Shock-Absorbent: HEIKIO 16-Ounce Steel-Forged Hammer Best Design: Stalwart 16-Ounce Natural Hardwood Claw Hammer Best Wooden Handle: Edward Tools 16-Ounce Oak Claw Hammer Most Heavy-Duty: CRAFTSMAN 20-Ounce Fiberglass Hammer Best Fiberglass Handle: Irwin 16-Ounce Fiberglass Hammer Best Stubby Claw: EFFICERE 8-Ounce Stubby Claw Hammer Best Steel Handle: Estwing 16-Ounce Steel Claw Hammer This 16-Ounce Estwing Hammer comes with a smooth grip wrapped around a steel frame that delivers a powerful swing and easily drives nails....

Host Kevin O’Connor gets the story from author Susan Freinkel, who shares the historic importance of the Redwood of the East. We learn about the cutting-edge technology that scientist Bill Powell is using to bring it back from extinction. We also talk to Rex Mann, who grew up in Appalachia with the American Chestnut and researcher Sara Fitzsimmons who is overseeing an orchard of new growth trees. Subscribe and listen to Clearstory on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts....

Arched Passageway PRO: Stewart Davis, principal architect, CG&S, Austin, Tex. SECRET: Convert a square or rectangular opening into an archway to call more attention to what lies behind. “An arch is a powerful design element because it has a pronounced center that turns whatever it frames into a focal point,” says Davis. So whether it’s a fireplace in the family room or the family room itself that you want to highlight, an arch is the ticket....

How to Keep Your Basement from Flooding Wet Basement Solutions: How to Stop the Leaks From Coming

Balcony Design Ideas Cover the floor Plain concrete is hardly inviting. And it’s the most commonly used material for balcony floors. If your balcony floor begs for improvement, choose a covering that suits your style. Consider laying a tile to complement your indoor decor. Wooden tiles will give the space a more natural vibe. You might also want to layer with a rug or two. An artificial turf rug will make the area feel more like the outdoors....