Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 110)

Woman paints primer over a stained wood bench.
Painting & Finishing

Can You Paint Over Wood Stain?

Wood that's stained a natural hue is easily updated with the right primer and paint. With proper preparation, you can achieve an expert finish.

A worker with white gloves uses a roller brush to paint a concrete wall blue.
Painting & Finishing

How to Paint Concrete

It's easy to brighten a dull concrete surface: You just need careful preparation, and a coat or two of the right paint.

Two cheerful young sisters hanging Christmas ornaments on the Christmas tree at home.
Holidays & Celebrations

Would You Rent a Christmas Tree? Why Some Folks Don’t Hold Onto Their Holiday Decorations

Lighten up your holiday décor with more sustainable options.

Green lawn (with a bit of clover) in a colorful landscaped formal garden.
Landscaping

How to Level a Yard

Is your yard lumpy and bumpy? Learn how to even out your property—and potentially prevent water damage to your home’s foundation or basement in the process.

A stack of three rockwool insulation sheets sits next to a wall frame in the process of being insulated.
Insulation

What Is Insulation R-Value? Get the Facts Before You Insulate

Keep your home feeling comfortable no matter what the weather throws at it by using the best-rated insulation for your climate.

Ice blue Keurig machine on a counter with rubber gloves, vinegar, and other cleaning supplies.
Cleaning & Organizing

How to Descale a Keurig Coffee Maker

Is your morning cuppa tasting a little funky? Removing mineral deposits that have built up inside your Keurig can improve your the taste of your coffee and prolong the life of the machine.

Person holds a plant leaf between his or her hands in order to examine aphids on the leaf.
Pest Control

How to Get Rid of Aphids

Are your plants' leaves shriveling? You may have an aphid infestation. Learn how to identify the insects, and keep them from damaging your garden.

Duck Alpha Wall Tent DIY Review
Reviews

Need A Portable Workshop? How I Tested the White Duck Alpha Wall Tent

Camping, glamping…or a backyard workshop: This heavy duty canvas tent offers comfortable shelter from the elements.

Enjoy time with friends or family around a grill from Monument Grills

The Gift of More Time Together This Holiday? It’s a Grill

The latest lineup from Monument Grills offers something for groups of all sizes, from small couples’ cookouts to large family feasts.

A man carrying a toddler whose hand is on the open refrigerator door.
Appliances

How Long Do Refrigerators Last?

Learn how long this vital kitchen appliance lasts, how to extend its life and when to replace it.

Woman shines a large flashlight into the mechanics of a furnace, whose door is open.
Heating & Cooling

How to Fix a Furnace That’s Not Turning On

Getting an uncooperative furnace up and running is easy if you know where and how problems are likely to occur. Try these furnace troubleshooting tips before you call a professional technician.

How to Install a Dishwasher
Appliances

How to Install a Dishwasher

Unlike plug-in appliances, dishwashers must be hardwired and hooked up to the home's plumbing. Installing one yourself can save you a lot of money—if you're up for the challenge.

Person holds a pad of paper and a pencil in front of an electrical meter.
Appliances

Why Is My Electric Bill So High?

Does the amount of your most recent electric bill take your breath away? Check out our savvy solutions to cutting energy costs.

The water in a white toilet bubbling.
Repair & Maintenance

What to Do When Your Toilet Is Bubbling

Bothersome gurgling or bubbling coming from your commode can indicate a larger problem. Troubleshoot the annoying noises with these techniques.

Containers of both wood putty and wood filler on a wooden table.
Tools

Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: What’s the Difference?

Which works better on hardwoood floors, and which is best for repairing wood furniture? Learn whether wood putty or wood filler is the best choice for your next project. 

A blue portable generator is in front of a house.
Generators

What Size Generator Do I Need?

Find the right generator size and calculate the power you need to keep your home running smoothly.

A blocked gutter causing rain to overflow out of the gutters.
Gutters

How to Fix Leaking Gutters

Addressing leaking rain gutters promptly will stop water damage to your home before it starts.

The Best Freestanding Tub Faucet Options
Reviews

After Talking to a Design Expert, These are Our Top Picks for the Best Freestanding Tub Faucets

Available in a wide range of designs from contemporary to classic, freestanding tub faucets can serve as a functional focal point in a contemporary bathroom.

The Best Wireless Doorbell Options
Safety & Security

Our Favorite Wireless Doorbell Is a Breeze to Set Up and Offers the Best Resolution Based On Our Testing

Is it time to upgrade that existing wired doorbell to an easy-to-install wireless doorbell? We reviewed the best new chimes for different kinds of homes.

The Best Under-Sink Water Filter Options
Plumbing Supplies

After Testing Multiple Under-Sink Water Filter Systems, See Why This Apec Model Was Hands-Down Our Favorite

If you’re looking for crystal-clean drinking water, check out the under-sink water filters we installed and tested in our homes.