Old House Journal — October 2025
Features
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Tiled with Personality
Handmade architectural tile has unmistakable characteristics that can't be captured by manufactured tile.
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On a Victorian High
Inspired by their penchant for touring 19th-century house museums, a couple went looking for a spectacular mansion.
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Brookside Evolved
A Colonial-era house expanded in the 1830s was restored by the removal of boxy 20th-century add-ons while the old dairy barn became a complementary living space.
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Maine Addition
Elegant in its simplicity, the kitchen occupies an addition to a 1760s Cape.
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Best Bath for a Flapper Girl
This bathroom offers a glimpse into the more glamorous past of an old house.
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Do This, Not That: Regarding Porch Details
With the many water-resistant materials available today, some of the basic “best practice” construction details are ignored.
Article
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Restore a Wood Window SashWhen repairs are in order, a steam box, an easel, and two-part epoxy are your best friends.
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Fabulous Finish for an Exterior Door
Beautify a wood door with dye, stain, varnish, and a commitment to doing the process right.
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How to Repair a Chimney CrownDepending on the size and severity of the cracks, you might be able to use products to repair the cap, or you may need to remove the old crown and build a new one.
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Do Subway Tiles Need to Be Spaced?Your approach will depend on the tile brand and the look you want to achieve.
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Soupy Mortar Mix
Use a bath towel to strain out excess water from a mortar mix.
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Tinting MortarI needed to repair a crack in a chimney and wanted the color of the new mortar to match that of the existing mortar. I had heard about using acid…
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Mortar for Old MasonryOld masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.