Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 105)

Staining a wooden shelf on an outdoor work station.
Furniture & Design

How to Stain Wood Furniture

Staining wood furniture brings out the natural beauty of wood grain. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a beautiful, lasting finish.

Rusted screws on address numbers in a brick wall.
Skills & Techniques

How to Remove Rusted Screws

When repairing older metal furniture and appliances, it's common to encounter rusted screws. Help these fasteners yield by following one of these tried-and-true processes.

Best Potting Soil
Reviews

We Researched The Best Potting Soil for Indoor Plants, See Our Favorite

The right type of indoor potting mix can make all the difference in the health of your houseplants.

Person wearing winter clothing pushing a snow blower through a snowy driveway.
Tools

How to Maintain a Snow Blower: Top Tips for Peak Performance

How you maintain a snow blower directly correlates with how prepared you are for this season's snowfall. Repairing and replacing spark plugs, shear pins, and more will keep your machine running smoothly.

The Best Applicator for Deck Stain Options
Tools & Materials

Here Are The Best Deck Stain Applicators According to Our Tests

From brush to sprayer, and everything in between, we put them all through the paces to find the right products for your deck-staining project.

The Best Water Cooler
Appliances & Cookware

We Tested 2025’s Best Water Coolers, See Our Favorite Picks

For cool, refreshing water on demand—or hot water for instant tea and coffee—invest in a plumbed-in or freestanding water cooler.

how to change a tire
Skills & Techniques

How to Change a Tire Like a Pro

Change your flat tire and get back on the road safely with these simple steps.

how to change a bike tire
Repair & Maintenance

How to Change a Bike Tire

Bicycle tire flats are inevitable, so learn how to replace the tire on your bike before anything can interrupt your ride.

A DIYer using an air compressor for home improvement projects with a graphic overlay that says Tool Tutorial.
Skills & Techniques

How to Use an Air Compressor for a Host of Jobs Around the House

We take a close look at these versatile tools, and share how to get the most out of air compressors at home.

The Best Spray Paints for Metal Options
Paint Needs

We Tested the Best Spray Paints for Metal and This Was The Winner

Don’t fight with a brush or roller when you can quickly and easily use a can of spray paint on metal surfaces, appliances, and other metalworking projects.

few contour gauges on the floor
Tools & Materials

We Tested The Best Contour Gauges of 2025 for Woodworking and Home Repair, See Our Top Pick

Don’t let those odd corners and complex shapes bring your project to a halt. A contour gauge can help you trace those shapes to make the perfect cut.

A used and a new furnace filter, propped side by side.
Heating

This Is How Often You Should Change Your Furnace Filter

Furnace filters keep air quality high and energy bills low—but what's the schedule for replacing them?

A fallen tree on an outdoor air conditioner unit.
Heating & Cooling

How to Stormproof Your Home’s HVAC System, According to Experts

Don’t get caught unprepared. Follow these recommendations for protecting your HVAC system before, during, and after a storm.

An open dishwasher, with water filling the bottom of the appliance.
Repair & Maintenance

What to Do When Your Dishwasher Is Not Draining

Is there a sudsy puddle inside your dishwasher, and you can't get the water to drain? Try these troubleshooting tips.

Close up view of moss and leaves on the ground.
Landscaping

How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn

Homeowners don't have to resort to using herbicides to get rid of moss in a lawn. These alternate methods are natural, effective, and won't harm your family or property.

Close up of woman's hand setting up intelligent home system, controlling smart home appliances with control panel of a smart home.
Appliances

Move Over Touch Screens, Buttons Are Coming Back to Home Tech

As technology plunges ahead, more customers are seeking the comfort and convenience of the past with old-fashioned button controls instead of touch screens.

Gel Fuel Fireplace Review
Reviews

I Tested a Top-Tier Chimnea: It Has the Charm of a Traditional Fireplace—Minus the Toxic Fumes

I tested Solo Stove’s new indoor/outdoor chiminea and was impressed by its ability to deliver cozy warmth without smoke, fumes, or mess.

The Best Hammer Drills
Power Tools

We Tested 7 Hammer Drills, See Our Favorite and Our Other Recommendations

Find the multipurpose hammer drill—a versatile tool combining the functions of an impact driver, a drill, and a small jackhammer—that’s just right for your masonry and metal projects.

The Best Outdoor Tiles
Lawn & Garden

Spruce Up Any Outdoor Space With The Best Outdoor Tiles

Durable, easy to maintain, and so stylish, these outdoor tiles can play a key role in creating a gorgeous, bespoke outdoor space.

Hardscaping stairs in a backyard with a stone wall and foliage.
Landscaping

How Much Hardscaping Is Too Much? Experts Weigh In

Hardscaping can add form and function to a yard, but resist the urge to overdo it with these cautions and tips.