Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 180)

Interior Design

This Once-Popular Home Feature Is Falling Out of Favor

Forget the dramatic entrances—more homeowners prefer energy efficiency and extra space.

Lawn & Garden

Top-Dressing the Lawn: Why It’s Important and How to Do It

Want a golf course-green lawn? Take a tip from Scotland’s course owners and top-dress your yard to achieve healthy, lush, green grass.

Entryways

How to Install a Storm Door

Enhance your entryway, boost home energy savings, and strengthen security with an attractive and stylish new storm door.

Lawn & Garden

Is Your Yard a Threat to Migrating Birds?

Big lights are big problems for birds on the move. Here's how to address your landscape lighting—plus 7 more small changes around the yard that will help migration.

Power Tools

This Hammer Drill Outperformed DeWalt, Makita, and More in Our Tests

This hammer drill bests the competition in nearly every measurable aspect, making it worth the high price tag.

Fireplaces & Chimneys

10 Types of Fireplaces Every Homeowner Should Know

From classic wood-burning hearths to completely flameless electric fireplaces, there’s an option sure to be right for virtually any home.

Reviews

Our Pest Expert Says to Use This Product to Keep Stink Bugs Away This Winter

Dreading stink bug season? Effective repellents help keep these seasonal home invaders away.

Pests

Drain Flies vs. Fruit Flies: Tips for Identification and Prevention

At first glance these two types of flies look similar. Learning to identify the species and limiting their food sources will help you control your fly issue.

Gardening

How to Change the Color of Your Hydrangeas

Changing the color of the flowers is as easy as testing your soil and adding these amendments.

Gardening

When to Harvest Butternut Squash for the Best Flavor

If you grew a patch of butternut squash this year, you “butter” learn the nuts and bolts of when to pick it!

Cooling

How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils

Want to save money and lengthen your AC unit’s life? Follow this easy-to-follow maintenance regimen for cleaning the inside of your air conditioner.

Flooring

All You Need to Know About Waxing Hardwood Floors

Waxing can bring long-lasting luster to hardwood floors. Learn which type of wax is right for your wood floors, and how to apply it properly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.