ABOUT LYNDA
America's Home Improvement Expert, Lynda Lyday is a nationally recognized carpenter, contractor, host, producer, author, and product innovator. A two-time Telly Award winner, Golden Hammer Award recipient, and published author, Lynda has hosted over 350 home improvement shows across HGTV, DIY Network, The Discovery Channel, and other major media outlets.
Master Carpenter. TV Personality. DIY Trailblazer.
She currently appears as a guest host on HSN (Home Shopping Network), where she’s been a trusted on-air personality since 2011. After 2½ years of broadcasting from home during COVID, Lynda is back in the HSN studio, always delighting her audiences with hands-on demos, an energetic personality, and expert advice in the Home Solutions category.
Breaking Ground
Lynda’s journey started on the job site, not the soundstage. In the 1980s, as one of the few female union carpenters in America, she trained through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and made history as the first woman to win the Golden Hammer Award in New York City. She also became the first woman to teach carpentry at the union school.
In 1993, she earned her contractor’s license and launched her own renovation firm, West Village Construction, specializing in high-end apartment remodels in NYC.
Television & Media
In 1997, Lynda was discovered by The Discovery Channel and cast in Gimme Shelter, becoming one of television’s only licensed female carpenters. Her blend of skill, personality, and on-camera presence quickly made her a household name in DIY TV earning her the title of “America’s Home Improvement Expert.”
TV Host Credits:
Talk2DIY (DIY Network, 2001–2007)
Best Built Homes (DIY Network, 2005)
The Fix (HGTV, 1998–2001)
Blitz Build 2000 (HGTV)
Gimme Shelter (Discovery Channel, 1997–1998)
Media Appearances:
NBC’s The Today Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda
CNN’s Sunday Morning, Daybreak, and Open House
MSNBC, FOX News, CBS, ABC, and QVC
Dozens of regional morning shows nationwide
Hammer & Heart
Lynda’s passion for education and empowerment didn’t stop at the job site or the television studio—it extended to the page. Her desire to make carpentry and home improvement accessible to everyone led to the publication of two bestselling books:
Lynda Lyday’s Do It Yourself! (Perigee Books, 2005)
The Homeowner’s Manual (Que Publishing, 2005)
Lynda was also a contributor on:
The Expert Guide to Life at Home (Clarkson Potter, 2005) — “Hang Shelves,” Chapter 42
GRIT TO GRIP
Born on job sites where tools didn’t fit her grip, Lynda Lyday turned a lifelong challenge into innovation. As one of the first female union carpenters in America, she often found herself adapting to tools that weren’t built with women in mind. That early frustration planted the seed for a better solution—one she carried with her through every build, broadcast, and blueprint. Having gained national recognition, Lynda finally had the platform to bring her vision to life.
The Lyday Tool Line®
A collection of retro-inspired, high-performance tools designed for comfort, control, and style. At the heart of the line is The Lyday Grip™—an ergonomic handle crafted specifically for smaller hands using durable, professional-grade materials. The tools debuted at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, marking a major industry milestone.
Real Impact
Lynda Lyday is redefining what it means to lead in the world of DIY and skilled trades. From sharing her story on podcasts to consulting with top brands, this is how she’s making an impact right now—on air, online, and in real-life workspaces.
She recently appeared on the Construction Disruption podcast, where she shared her journey as a master carpenter, television host, and product innovator. Listen to the episode here.
Industry Insight
Lynda also provides expert consulting services to brands, media outlets, and manufacturers looking to improve product development, media strategy, and DIY market engagement.
She uses every platform—podcasts, panels, partnerships—to push for a more inclusive and empowered future in home improvement.
Handy Humor
There’s another side to Lynda Lyday—one that trades tool belts for big laughs.
She’s the creator, writer, and star of the web series Ask Big Lou, where she transforms into her fearless, hilarious alter ego Louisa Capossela: a leopard-print-loving, tool-savvy widow and mother of four with an opinion on everything and a fix for just about anything.
Through sharp humor and practical wisdom, Big Lou offers a fresh and funny take on DIY life—empowering viewers with real-life fixes and a whole lot of flair. Louisa brought her signature sass to the stage as host of Big Is Good TV’s launch party in Hollywood, proving once again that laughter and home repair make a perfect pair.
Her send-off line—“Now Scoot! Get Outta Here!”—has become a fan favorite and a hallmark of her unforgettable persona.
Watch the mayhem, wisdom, and leopard print unfold at www.askbiglou.com
