Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 194)

Gloved gardener hand spreads wood ash into garden with silver shovel.
Lawn & Garden

How to Use Wood Ash in the Garden

Is ash good for plants, compost, or both? Neither? These are common questions about uses for wood ash that come to mind when burning firewood, and—luckily—wood ash offers a few worthwhile benefits in the garden and compost pile.

Best Things to Buy in October
Reviews

The 6 Best Things to Buy in October

Score major savings on outdoor furniture, gardening supplies, Halloween decor, and more.

Person checking breakers with flashlight
Exterior

Solved! What Is a Power Surge?

Power surges happen more often than you might imagine. In this article we look at what causes them, and what can you do to prevent damage.

busy street with people walking through city
Design

The 25 Most Walkable Cities in the United States

Do you dream of ditching your car and running errands on your own two feet? In these cities, where stores, restaurants, and parks are often a mere stroll away, walking is not just an option, but a way of life.

Woman lighting candle at night
Interior

10 Ways to Illuminate Your Home’s Interior When There’s a Power Outage

Here’s how to light the way to a brighter home during the next blackout.

old-window-with-cobwebs-and-damaged-windowsill
Interior

Why Are There No Spiders in Cobwebs? The Mystery Behind the Messy Corner Creepers

The sticky, sickening feeling of walking face-first into a cobweb is a tried-and-true scary-movie trope, but what exactly is a cobweb? Is it the same as a spiderweb? How come cobwebs always seem unoccupied?

Closeup of a woman's hands embroidering art by hand on an embroidery hoop
DIY

How to Embroider By Hand: 8 Key Stitches to Know

Adorn clothes, customize cloth napkins, and create handmade decorations with these basic hand-embroidery stitches.

man-with-a-mustache-examines-the-foundation-of-a-home-behind-ornamental-grass
Exterior

Should You Water Your Foundation?

In some parts of the country, watering your home’s foundation can prevent cracks and shifting, but this questionable practice has both pros and cons to consider.

woman in room with ladder and paint supplies holding a paint roller and looking at the wall she is painting
DIY

17 Easy Fixes for a Botched Paint Job

Not every DIY paint job leads to a perfect outcome. With these fixes for the most glaring painting mistakes, however, you can pull off a pro-looking project.

replace blower motor or buy new furnace
Interior

Solved! Should I Replace My Blower Motor or Buy a New Furnace?

When something goes wrong with a furnace, homeowners may be left wondering whether they need to replace the entire unit or just the blower motor. It may take some troubleshooting to arrive at an answer.

Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Kitchen Island
Interior

Solved! Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Kitchen Island?

From custom builds to prefabricated options or a DIY, find out whether it’s cheaper to buy or build a kitchen island.

trusscore vs drywall cost
Interior

Trusscore vs. Drywall Cost: 5 Factors That Affect Pricing

Comparing Trusscore vs. drywall cost can help homeowners choose the best option for their needs and budget.

Heat Pump vs. AC Cost
Interior

Heat Pump vs. AC Cost: 6 Factors That Affect Pricing

Homeowners who are researching air conditioning replacement may be wondering whether to opt for a heat pump or a traditional AC unit. Comparing heat pump vs. AC cost can help homeowners choose the best option for their needs and budget.

Electrical plug starting fire
Interior

How Electrical Fires Start and How to Prevent Them

Avoid disaster by understanding the most common ways electrical fires start.

garage with gravel driveway
Exterior

7 Tips for Maintaining a Gravel Driveway

Protect your gravel driveway against damage from rain, snow, and other threats.

attic-window-looking-out-on-snowy-hillside
DIY

How to Prep Your Attic for Winter

Keep energy costs to a minimum this year by prepping your attic before the cold winter weather arrives.

The Best Bathroom Light Fixtures
Reviews

The 10 Best Bathroom Light Fixtures, Vetted

Give your bathroom a glow up with these top bathroom lighting picks.

Woman embroidering pattern
DIY

15 Embroidery Patterns for Beginners

Embroidery patterns make it easier to create beautiful, handmade projects for your home. Start stitching with one of these beginner-friendly embroidery patterns.

purple lilac shrub in front of suburban home
Lawn & Garden

Add Color to Your Landscape by Planting These 13 Purple Shrubs

Grow purple-flowering or purple-foliage shrubs to give yourself and your property the royal treatment—and the trappings of success!

back of woman painting wall to wall cabinets white in diy project
Painting & Finishing

Solved! This is the Best Paint to Use on Wood

When it comes to selecting paint for a wood project, there's no simple answer. Is the wood in a high-traffic area, or is it purely decorative? Learn the rules about the best paint to use on wood, both indoors and out.