Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 170)

A DIYer grouting white tiles of a kitchen backsplash with dark gray grout.
Bathrooms

The grout hue you pair with white tile can be a bold statement or offer subtle elegance—it’s a fine detail that can enhance your interior design. Find out which color suits your design scheme.

The Best Gas Garage Heater Options
HVAC

Don’t let cold temperatures keep you from your hobbies or projects. These top gas garage heaters are sure to keep your workspace warm.

Tuckpointing Cost
Exterior

Tuckpointing, which is removing old mortar between bricks and replacing it with new, can restore the structural integrity of brickwork. Repairing and replacing mortar joints costs between $500 and $2,500, with tuckpointing cost averaging $1,500.

Softly Illuminated Open Plan Living Room at Nighttime
Paints & Finishes

Looking to update a finished basement, or windowless bathroom? Our expert recommends paint hues that can brighten dark, shady spaces in your home.

A cat walking past a cat repellent
Reviews

Keep cats away from specific areas in a safe and humane manner with one of the best cat repellents on the market.

The Best Can Openers for Seniors Options
Reviews

When muscle weakness, pain, and stiffness from arthritis become a factor in everyday activities, the best can openers for seniors provide assistance in the kitchen.

White home with porch and Christmas decorations with snow-covered driveway.
Driveways & Walkways

Toss the snow blowers, throwers, and shovels: Installing a radiant heating system under your driveway can keep ice and snow at bay for many winters to come. Is it a good solution for your home?

Older woman wiping counter.
Cleaning & Organizing

With the right tools, a plan of action, and some good old fashioned elbow grease, tackling deep house cleaning may be easier than you thought.

Small rodent poking out of hole.
Pests

Identifying whether a mouse or rat is invading your house will help you effectively address the situation.

The Best Wall Safe Options
Safety & Security

Make good use of the empty spaces between wall studs to secure your valuables in a quality safe. Hide it with a piece of art and no one will even know it’s there.

Woman washes her hands with foamy soap under a running faucet.
Cleaning

Stop paying retail price for your favorite hand soap. It’s super easy—and takes just 5 minutes—to make a high-lather cleanser in your favorite scent.

Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents
Mold & Mildew

Black mold in air vents isn’t always visible, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a major health hazard. Find out how to identify this problem and what to do about it.

how much does sandblasting cost
Exterior

When the time comes to remove rust, paint, dirt, or grime from a large surface, sandblasting is an efficient and cost-effective option. Sandblasting costs range from $437 to $1,656, with the national average at $1,000.

Portrait of a young family standing in front of house, holding a Home For Sale sign with arms raised enthusiastically.
Selling

Say the wrong thing in your real estate listing and potential buyers won't even bother checking out your house.

Used Christmas tree in front yard by curb, waiting for recycling pickup. Pile of cut and wasted christmas trees.
Holidays & Celebrations

Once the lights and ornaments come off, don’t drag your tree to the curb! Learn how an old Christmas tree can feed your garden, birds—even fish in local waterways.

The Best Things to Buy in January Option
Reviews

There are still plenty of deals to be found post-holiday season, which is perfect if you’re reinventing your space or lifestyle in the new year.

The Best Innovations We Saw in 2023
Reviews

From high-powered vacuums to portable pizza ovens, here are our favorites.

A person removing a 3m command strip stuck to the top of a wall inside a home.
Repair & Maintenance

3M Command Strips are designed to be easy to remove, but things don’t always go as planned. If they get stuck on the wall, here’s how to get them off without damaging your paint or drywall.

Colorful flowers and tire pots
Repurposing

Think twice before hauling old tires off to the trash. Instead, use them to DIY outdoor seating and recreation, trash receptacles, and even a snuggly spot for pets.

Peoples-legs-are-a-blur-as-they-walk-quickly-past-a-neon-sign-that-says-Christmas.
Gifts

From whimsical to wacky, these gifts show up year after year under our trees.