Oh, what change a year can bring! Last October, our barn was barren and bleak. Built in '44 as a hen house, the old outbuilding lacked lighting, heating and insulation. Needless to say, any egg-laying occupants flew the coop long ago — today, the two-story space is a workshop and gallery, warm and well-lit. Come take a beak, I mean peak, inside!

While perusing Craigslist earlier this year, I came across these handsome retro chairs. The set of four was sturdy and chic, but the chippy varnish was a mess. Our painted pine floor looks lovely, I thought, so why not paint these pine chairs too?

Way back in May, we installed a new pine floor in our old country barn. Our decision to use softwood was subject to serious debate, but it was hard to argue with such a prudent price. This week, we took another contentious step and painted the floor.

If brewing beer and building furniture is your idea of heaven, you might consider becoming a monk. Driven by ancient tradition — and economic necessity — many monasteries doubled as artisan communes. And while I love a frothy mug of Chimay, it’s the monks’ refectory tables that really get me buzzing.

Old homes tell stories. Even if the walls can’t talk, the creaking floorboards and clattering pipes get the point across. Our house was built in 1802 — over the years, it’s collected a fair share of funny fables.

Without the proper tools, even the most patient do-it-yourselfers can come unglued. Though with a few good clamps at hand, you should have no problem holding it together! So which type are the best to buy?

Last Monday, I wrote about resalvaging old oak flooring. But milling the weathered wood was only the beginning — building three board and batten doors was my weeks end.

Reclaiming old wood is a tiresome task — before milling barnwood or salvaged flooring, woodworkers must arduously de-nail the boards and strip off the chippy paint or finish. So is recycling hardwood worth all the hard work?

A year ago, our resident design scholar Anna wrote a fascinating history of the Windsor chair. Today, I profile Peter Galbert, the skilled Catskill chairmaker ushering this 300-year-old tradition onwards and upwards.

Today’s DIYers have it made — the web is awash with step-by-step guides and how-to resources. Mega-retailer Lowe's may offer the supplies for your weekend projects but does their new home and garden website offer any good advice?