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 Build a Mobile Kitchen Island

This Old House DIY expert and House One editor Jenn Largesse shows how to build a rolling kitchen cart with a butcher-block top.
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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 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 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

Read this guide to learn 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 these easy DIY steps.
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How to Steam Clean an Oven

Using steam power is a popular, chemical-free method for cleaning a host of household surfaces, but how well does it work on gunky oven interiors? Read on to find out.
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How To Paint Laminate Countertops

Skip the kitchen design center and head to the paint department for a totally new look for your laminate countertops.
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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.
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How to Clean a Glass Stovetop

Restore the spotless, shiny surface to your smooth stovetop without creating unsightly scratches. Review our guide to learn how to clean your glass stovetop the right way.

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.

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. 
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How to Clean & Polish Copper

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

How to turn a bookcase into a kitchen island with fresh paint and a new top.
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How to Build Kitchen Drawer Dividers | This Old House: Live

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to build custom kitchen drawer dividers as part of This Old House: Live—an initiative providing daily programming and opportunities to connect with our experts during these challenging times.
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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.

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.
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How To Build a DIY Breakfast Bar

Read our guide to learn how to add more counter space to your kitchen with a breakfast bar.
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How to Refinish Cabinets Without Sanding

Want to save time on a kitchen update? Consider painting your kitchen cabinets without having to sand them first. Read our tips to learn how.
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How to Deal with Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems

Here’s how to fix leaks and clear clogs in your kitchen sink.
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How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Choose the right paint and primer to give your kitchen cabinets a high-quality finish—without breaking your budget. This Old House painting expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor the proper way to paint cabinets for a new, updated look.
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How to Install a Water Filter Under the Sink

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to Los Angeles to update a water filter to preserve the look of a retro faucet
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How to Upgrade to Soft Close Cabinets

In this video, Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert upgrades a kitchen to have soft close cabinets.
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How to Size a Kitchen Island

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva walks host Kevin O’Connor through the dimensions to consider for a kitchen island
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Fix a Chipped Sink

Whether it’s a plumber’s wrench or a heavy stockpot, slips happen—and vitreous china, fireclay, and enameled-metal sinks often bear the scars. Luckily, DIY repair kits that contain epoxy paints and fillers can heal chips in glossy ceramic surfaces. Here, tips for getting the best results
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How to Paint a Tile Backsplash

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor helps a homeowner apply a paint to update her kitchen tile backsplash
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How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace her kitchen faucet.