Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Man from waist down using a pump sprayer to apply herbicide to a yard.
Lawn Care

Got Weeds? This is the Best Time to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Stop weeds before they get a foothold in your lawn by applying a pre-emergent herbicide at the right time of year.

Best Ultrasonic Pest Repellers
Reviews

After Testing, These Are the Best Ultrasonic Pest Repellers

I tested 8 popular plug-in models to see which ones actually make a difference. After real-world use, a few stood out for ease, coverage, and noticeable impact.

A group of the best oscillating sprinklers on a green lawn before testing
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Lawn Sprinklers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

We tested lawn and garden sprinklers, and our findings can help you keep the greenest grass on your side of the fence.

The Skil 10-inch 6.2-amp Drill Press set up in a workshop before testing
Power Tools

This Benchtop Drill Press Brings Power and Value to the Masses

The Skil 10-inch 6.2-amp drill press gives hobbyist woodworkers lots of power in a relatively small package.

A group of the best paint sprayers for cabinets together on a horizontal panel door before testing
Paint Needs

The Best Cabinet Paint Sprayers for a Factory-Smooth Finish

We tested five top-rated paint sprayers to see which deliver the smoothest cabinet finishes, easiest setup, and best overall value for DIYers and weekend renovators.

Tabletop garden arrangement with bouquet of purple viola flowers, lenten roses and grape hyacinths, lantern and coffee can.
Repurposing

5 New Uses for Coffee Cans You’ve Never Thought Of

Turn your coffee habit into a useful DIY project for your home.

The Mileseey XTape 1 on a workbench with a variety of measuring tools around it
Tools & Materials

This Hybrid Laser Tape Measure Adds a Digital Edge to Measuring

With built-in laser distance measuring and app connectivity, the XTape1 offers a modern take on a classic tool.

The Skil 4.5-Amp Belt and Disc Combination Sander on a table during testing
Power Tools

This Affordable Benchtop Sander Is Perfect for Small Projects and Detail Work

Does Skil’s 4.5-Amp Belt and Disc Combination Sander deserve a spot on your benchtop? Let’s take a look.

Woman deadheading dry spent English rose hips in summer garden.
Gardening

6 Flowers You Never Need to Deadhead

Save time in your garden with these low-maintenance flowering plants.

A dad using the üsthof Classic 2-Piece Chef's Knife Set to cut tomatoes and sausage
Gifts

Father’s Day Gifts That Will Last a Lifetime

Don’t get Dad something that will break or be used up in just a few weeks. Invest in these long-lasting gifts.

The NOCO Genius 5 Smart Battery Charger on a table before testing
Tech & Electronics

This Is The Electrical Device Every Riding Mower, ATV, Motorcycle, or Car Owner Needs

The NOCO Genius 5 battery charger brought my dead mower battery back to life and even improved its performance.

A fence post stands in a freshly dug hole in the ground, soil and the post hole digger next to the post.
Tools

Master the Tool That Makes DIY-ing Fences, Mailboxes, and Lamp Posts Easier

Learn how to maneuver the tool that can dig holes deep enough to erect mailboxes, fence posts, and more.

The American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14" Corded Mower in use mowing a lawn
Mowers

The Best Affordable Lawn Mowers for Keeping Your Yard Trim On a Budget

Got sticker-shock after seeing mowers with four-digit price tags? Us too. For those already pressed for cash, we rounded up a handful of reasonably priced lawn mowers that continue to impress us.

Man trimming branches growing next to house.
Repair & Maintenance

Experts Predict a Super El Nino Summer—How to Prepare Your Home Now

Follow these tips, from maintaining your roof and HVAC equipment to tidying up the yard, to keep your home safe should extreme weather arrive.

A split image showing fiber cement siding on the left and vinyl siding on the right.
Curb Appeal

Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl Siding: What’s the Difference?

Vinyl and fiber cement siding are both durable and come in a variety of styles, but materials are quite different. These are factors to consider before residing your home.

The Veikous Large Cedar Wood Raised Garden Bed growing a garden next to a cement patio
Gifts

The Best Gifts for the DIY Dad in 2026

Whether you're shopping ahead of Father’s Day or gifting "just because," don’t miss these top-tier gifts for DIY dads. He's sure to use these new tools, safety equipment, and more to tackle projects in and out of the home.

A vegetable and herb garden in a raised bed with a DIY drip irrigation system installed for watering the plants efficiently.
Lawn Care & Gardening

How I Installed My Own Drip Irrigation System (and Stopped Rodents From Chewing Though It)

It’s easier than you might think to DIY an efficient watering system for your garden.

Sprinkler irrigating flower bed on grass lawn with water in summer garden.
Lawn Care

How Long Should You Water Your Lawn?

Watering too little can brown your lawn, while overwatering can give you weeds and fungus. Here’s how long sprinklers should really run.

A person using the Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw to cut rounds from a felled tree
Gifts

The Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Dad Who Lives Outside

Whether your father heads outside to grill, garden, or camp, get the best gift for them to enjoy their outdoor activities.

Amazon Is Clearing Out Grills Ahead of Prime Day—Up to 31% Off Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber, and More
Deals

Amazon Is Clearing Out Grills Ahead of Prime Day—Up to 31% Off Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber, and More

Prime Day is still days away, but Amazon is already discounting pellet grills, griddles, smokers, pizza ovens, charcoal grills, and BBQ accessories from some of the biggest names in outdoor cooking.