Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 102)

A dad squats next to his toddler daughter and helps her rake leaves into a pile while doing household chores outdoors together on a cool Autumn day.
Landscaping

17 Types of Rakes Every Homeowner Should Know

Soil rakes, garden rakes, bow rakes: Why are there so many types of rakes at the home center, and which do you actually need to clean up your yard?

Installing Pocket Doors - Sliding Doors for Separating Small Spaces
Doors

Installing a Pocket Door

Homeowners who want to maximize space while having the convenience of a flexible layout should consider the pocket door. If you're thinking about installing one, first read our handy planning guide to see whether this retractable door system is right for you.

A woman sits under an AC mounted on a white brick wall.
Cooling

Does Your AC Smell Like Gas? Here’s How to Troubleshoot the Issue Safely

When your AC smells like gas, it may be due to an actual gas leak. Know the signs to keep your home and family safe.

A person wearing rain boots pressure washing a concrete driveway.
Driveways & Walkways

How to Clean Concrete Floors and Driveways

Cleaning concrete surfaces starts with a mild detergent, then you can up the ante as needed.

A built-in grill outside next to some plant pots
Grills

The Best Built-In Grills for Backyard Barbecuing

No self-respecting outdoor kitchen is complete without one of these cooking appliances.

A Long-tailed Tit is standing on a branch of blackberries.
Gardening

12 Ways to Keep Birds from Eating Your Garden Berries

Perplexed by what to do about birds pilfering your berry patch? Try some of these humane and harmless ways to protect your homegrown berries from the birds.

Circular transom window above the doorway surrounded by brick.
Windows

Everything You Need to Know About Transom Windows

Light lovers rejoice! These ages-old above-the-door architectural elements are back in a big way.

Materials needed for making a DIY stainless steel cleaner.
Cleaning & Organizing

Make Your Appliances Sparkle With This DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner Recipe

Clean and restore stainless steel surfaces around the house with this safe, simple, economical formula.

Materials needed to make three different kinds of ant traps, including borax, shortening, and wax paper.
Pest Control

How to Make a Homemade Ant Trap: 3 Methods That Really Work

Looking for a natural ant killer that's safe to use in your living space? These home remedies for ants are easy to make using ingredients from your pantry and workshop.

Woman wearing gloves planting a garden on a sunny day.
Lawn & Garden

30 Low-Maintenance Plants for Your Easiest Garden Ever

Who has the time (or water) to waste on persnickety landscape plants? With careful plant selection, you can have a garden rife with texture and color, without a lot of upkeep.

BobVila.com Presents... Ask a Pro
DIY

Join Us for the Very First BobVila.com Webinar: “How a More Eco-Friendly Yard Can Beat the Summer Heat”

Save the date: Thursday, July 18 at 5:30 EDT.

Eight of the Best Reciprocating Saws resting on a 2 by 4 on a concrete driveway
Power Tools

The Best Reciprocating Saws for Demolition and Pruning, Tested

For tearing out plywood sheathing, drywall panels, or even roof decks, it’s tough to beat the sheer cutting ability of a reciprocating saw.

Outdoor table set with dishes, iced tea, corn, and rolls
Grills

The Best Grill Tool Sets for the Best BBQs

A backyard barbecue isn’t complete without the best grill tool set for preparing tasty meats and vegetables.

Must-Have Griddle Grill Accessories
Deals

15 Must-Have Griddle Grill Accessories

Elevate your griddle cooking with these essential accessories.

The Best Grout Removal Tool Options
Tools & Materials

The Best Grout Removal Tools for DIY Renovations, Tested

Make grout removal faster and easier with the right tools for your home improvement project.

The Best Smart Ceiling Fans Option mounted on a white ceiling with large windows in the background
Reviews

The Best Smart Ceiling Fans for Offices and Living Spaces

Adjust the airflow in your home using your smartphone or voice with one of these smart fans.

An open can of wood stain sitting on a deck next to 2 paint brushes
Tools & Materials

The Best Stain for Cedar Decks, Fences, and Furniture

Protect those beautiful cedar surfaces against water, sun, and mildew damage with these top products.

Mature woman in blue shirt prunes a tomato plant.
Gardening

Pruning Tomato Plants: 6 Mistakes Most First-Time Gardeners Make

Pruning tomatoes correctly will yield larger, healthier plants that produce more fruit—and an earlier harvest—if you avoid these all-too-common pitfalls.

A person places a phone call while examining a washing machine.
Appliances

7 Likely Reasons Your Washing Machine Won’t Turn On—And How to Fix It

There are some washer issues you can fix by yourself in seconds—but others may require the help of a pro. Knowing the difference could save you time and money.

A close up of phorid flies.
DIY

How to Get Rid of Phorid Flies in 7 Steps—Even If You’ve Tried Everything

One phorid fly can lay hundreds of eggs in your home in a matter of weeks. Implementing simple control methods when these pests are first spotted may spare you from an out-of-control infestation.