Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 197)

Two men shaking hands
Exterior

Trees and Property Lines: 9 Things All Neighbors Need to Know for Storm Season

Good fences make good neighbors, but when tree branches extend over those fences—or property lines—the folks next door can get pretty grouchy.

Courtroom judge wielding gavel
Design

15 Places in America Where the Usual Laws Don’t Apply

Which U.S. city requires its residents to own a firearm? Where are sobriety checkpoints illegal? These unusual laws will help you decide where to live—or where not to live, as the case may be.

mixed border in summer garden with yellow spirea japonica, pink astilbe, hydrangea. Planting together shrubs and flowers
Gardening

How to Plant a Bush or Shrub

Planting shrubs and bushes is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal. Learn how to plant a bush the right way to create a thriving landscape.

African American boy with an afro smiling and faving fun while doing housework with him mother at home. mixed race shot of a cute child folding laundry with his mom
Cleaning

How to Clean a Dryer

Dryer cleaning is as simple as adding only 30 seconds to your laundry routine, plus performing deeper cleans four times a year. Learn how to clean a dryer with these straightforward steps.

invasive insects
Lawn & Garden

The Worst Invasive Insects in Every State—and How to Deal With Them

Invasive insects can destroy crops, damage your home, and even threaten your well being.

Solo Stove Bonfire Surround Review
Reviews

Could the Solo Stove Bonfire Get Any Better? It Can With This New Accessory

This stylish new Solo Stove accessory adds a layer of convenience and safety for fire pit nights.

Tecovas Work Boots
Tools & Materials

I Tried the Tecovas Work Boots: Are They Worth It?

Are western-style work boots just for cowboys and ranch hands? Find out in this hands-on (and feet in!) review.

Nest Smoke Detector
Home Safety

We Tested the Feature-Rich Google Nest Protect to See If It’s Worth the Price

At more than three times the price of the average smoke detector, is the Google Nest Protect worth the money? Join us as we put it through its paces!

Outdoor misting fans group
HVAC

We Tested Outdoor Misting Fans During a 2-Week Heat Wave, and These Are the 7 Worth Buying

Outdoor misting fans are an excellent solution for beating the summer heat.

Colorful garden flower - Multi color Flora background landscape plant and flower blooming spring garden
Lawn & Garden

20 Perennials to Plant in the Fall for Beautiful Spring Flowers

Getting some perennials into the ground now will reward you with bountiful spring blooms for many years to come.

Best Washing Machine Cleaner
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Washing Machine Cleaners, Vetted

If your washing machine is starting to smell funky, use a washing machine cleaner to blast the grime and freshen it up.

The Best Granite Sealer
Appliances & Cookware

The Best Granite Sealers for Countertop Maintenance

Granite countertops and surfaces enhance the look of your home. Protect them from stains and damage with these top granite sealers.

happy father and young sons loading up trunk of open van preparing to go on vacation
DIY

13 Mistakes You Make Every Time You Leave for Vacation

Don’t pack your bags and head off on holiday just yet! Take these steps to protect your home and property before you hit the road.

The Best Paint Sprayer for Cabinets Option
Paint Needs

The Best Paint Sprayers for Cabinets

Get clean, consistent results when painting your kitchen cabinets with a high-quality, easy-to-use paint sprayer.

DeWalt Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Vacuum on table outside in front of truck
Reviews

This Wet/Dry Vac Has the One Feature You Didn’t Know You Needed

An ultra high-quality hose and plenty of power are just a couple of the of the promising features of this shop vacuum.

Cuisinart Air-Fryer Toaster Oven Review
Reviews

Practical Appliance or Passing Fad? Cuisinart Air-Fryer Toaster Oven Review

Can an air-fryer toaster oven from this venerable kitchen brand keep up with basket-style air fryers that are all the rage? After weeks of testing, I found out.

The Ortho hose end sprayer laying wood chips
Reviews

This Hose End Sprayer Promises No Mixes or Messes So We Put it to the Test!

I tested this Ortho sprayer in my lawn and garden. Find out how it fared.

The Best Kitchen Trash Can Options
Appliances & Cookware

The Best Kitchen Trash Cans, Tested and Reviewed

From basic trash cans to sleek touchless models, the right bin for your kitchen waste can be found here.

The Kiato handheld steam cleaner next to its box and all included accessories
Reviews

Kiato Handheld Steam Cleaner Review: Can an Unknown Brand Beat a Bissell?

Upholstery steam cleaners refresh fabric, release wrinkles, and lift stains. Find out why this lesser-known brand was my favorite to use.

The Best Miter Saw Blades Option
Power Tools

The Best Miter Saw Blades for Fine Cuts

A miter saw’s performance is only as good as its blade, but the choices can be bewildering. This buyer’s guide cuts through the clutter and provides a list of the best miter saw blades on the market today.