Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 186)

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

How to Remove Command Strips—Even Tricky Broken Ones

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

Reinventing the Wheel: 12 Smart New Uses for Old Tires

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

Attention Last-Minute Shoppers: Here Are 6 Bob Vila Editors’ Go-To Gifts

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

How to Get a Plumbing License
Plumbing

How to Get a Plumbing License: Steps for Every State

Plumbing can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Before they start down this career path, aspiring plumbers will need to learn how to get a plumbing license to operate legally in their state.

Brick house covered in holiday wreaths and lights.
Lighting & Electrical

Do Christmas Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?

Displaying holiday lights at home can cost you. Learn the steps you can take to keep your electricity usage and utility bills to a minimum.

Ultra Powerful Products That Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half
Cleaning

11 Ultra Powerful Products That Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half

Save time without sacrificing cleanliness with these mighty cleaning products for the home. No stain, scum, or smell can handle the battle against them.

Apartment Door Security
Entryways

7 Practical Ways to Enhance Apartment Door Security When Renting

Securing the door against unwanted intruders is only the beginning. Renters can bolster their apartment door security by following several simple steps.

Lighting decor macro
Lighting

Types of Light Bulbs and Light Bulb Shapes Every Homeowner Should Know

Ever been confused by the new types of light bulbs in the lighting aisle? Here, we clear away the confusion with a helpful breakdown of the different varieties on the market and their best uses.

Foxglove flowers growing in a home landscape.
Landscaping

Add Interest to Your Home Landscape With This Guide to Growing Foxglove

Tall spikes packed with flowers that bloom all summer make foxglove a favorite. But the easy-care beauty packs a surprise by blooming only in its second year—and it comes with a safety warning.

A bottle of the best cutting board oil, Clark's Cutting Board Oil, on a dark kitchen counter with two cutting boards in the background.
Appliances & Cookware

The Best Cutting Board Oils for Maintaining Butcher Block

Use the right oil to ensure your butcher block or cutting board is protected from water damage, safe to use, and shining like it's brand new.

Night-Home-Invasions-frontpointsecurit
Home Safety

Home Security 101: A Comprehensive Guide to the Basics of Securing Your Home

When it comes to home security, options range from pricey, high-end systems to low-tech, common-sense approaches. These home security basics can help shoppers identify what they need to provide peace of mind for any budget.

Mug on books and blanket.
Repair & Maintenance

Drafty Windows? Try These 12 Solutions for Every Budget

Stop those drafty windows from driving up your heating bill.

A-guest-room-in-beige-and-blue-decor-has-a-sofa-with-a-guest-sleeper-on-one-end.
Furniture & Design

7 Easy Ways to Make a Sofa Bed More Comfortable

Don’t let an uncomfortable sofa bed get in the way of hosting guests at your home.

Decorated Christmas Tree Near Fireplace at Home
Holidays & Celebrations

How to Make a Fake Christmas Tree Look Good—For Less

Transform your artificial tree—and make it look just as stunning as a real one—with these simple tricks.

What Does Asbestos Look Like
Interior

What Does Asbestos Look Like? Beware of This Danger Hiding in Plain Sight

Asbestos in a home can be a health hazard, but how does a homeowner know whether they have asbestos? Understanding how to visually identify asbestos in all its variations can help avoid exposure to this dangerous building material.

Nails vs. Screws: Which to Use in Your Project
Skills & Techniques

Nails vs. Screws: Which Fasteners Are Right for My Project?

When is it better to use nails, and when are screws the better option? It depends on the materials you're working with, and how durable the connection needs to be.

Bucket of concrete with dry cement powder.
Skills & Techniques

How to Mix Concrete Properly

Mixing concrete yourself might sound a little intimidating—what happens if your tools get stuck?—but the process is pretty simple. Here's what you need to do it right.

Electrical socket components.
DIY

10 Pro Tips to Navigate Electrical Projects without the Shocking Results

Illuminate your home improvement game with these expert tips.

Woman lighting candle at wooden table in living room.
Skills & Techniques

5 Tricks to Fix a Broken Candle Wick

Don’t toss that candle quite yet—these clever methods can help you rescue a candle with a broken or buried wick.

Hallway Of Home Decorated For Christmas Viewed Towards Open Front Door
Repurposing

11 Ways to Repurpose Christmas Decor at the Holidays and Beyond

Give your holiday decorations a new lease on life with these intriguing ideas.