Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 298)

14 Insanely Easy Curb Appeal Projects You Can Do in a Day
Exterior

14 Insanely Easy Curb Appeal Projects You Can Do in a Day

Sure, you’d love to amp up your public image and be the envy of the neighborhood. You just don’t want to work too hard at it! Lucky for you, the projects here are a snap to pull off no matter how un-crafty you think you are, and they all go a long way toward making your home look special. So, check out this wow-worthy roundup and get (moderately) busy.

The Festool SYS 4 Sortainer Tool Chest stocked with tools on a workbench during testing.
Reviews

The Best Tool Chests for Organizing Your Workshop, Tested

Want to keep your tools, fasteners, and other useful accessories in one neatly organized location? A tool chest holds it all.

16 Problems a Power Outage Can Cause at Home
Interior

16 Problems a Power Outage Can Cause at Home

When the electricity goes out, a host of things can happen around your place ranging from mere inconveniences to life-threatening situations. These are the what-ifs you should prepare for when you have no power.

5 Good Reasons Not to Mow the Lawn This Weekend
Lawn & Garden

5 Good Reasons Not to Mow the Lawn This Weekend

Grass can’t read a calendar, so why should you mow on a schedule?

12 Seductively Serene Screened Porch Ideas
Exterior

12 Seductively Serene Screened Porch Ideas

Protected from the elements by a sturdy roof, screened-in porches allow both light and breezes to filter through their insect-proof barrier. A screened porch is great for seasonal dining and entertaining, or simply quietly relaxing and enjoying the view.

Best Glue for MDF Options
Reviews

The Best Glues for MDF Projects Around the House

MDF is an excellent, DIY-friendly material, but gluing it isn’t always so straightforward. Investigate the best glue for MDF in this guide.

engineered hardwood vs laminate
Interior

What’s the Difference? Engineered Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring

Learn more about engineered hardwood and laminate flooring to help decide which is the better choice for your next floor. 

how to grow basil
Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Basil Year-Round

Follow these instructions to grow sweet, herbaceous basil, whether you’re working with a sizable garden or a tiny apartment windowsill. 

windbreak
Exterior

5 Windbreak Ideas That Can Help Conserve Energy at Home

Windbreaks do the important job of slowing the wind and stabilizing the temperatures around your house. Choose wisely, and they can be an attractive feature, too.

The Dos and Don'ts of Sprinkler Repair and Maintenance
DIY

The Dos and Don’ts of Sprinkler Repair and Maintenance

Check off these easy sprinkler repair and maintenance tasks to make sure your sprinklers stay in top shape and your lawn stays green.

How to Balance a Ceiling Fan
DIY

How To: Balance a Wobbly Ceiling Fan

When your overhead spinner starts acting up, follow these moves to restore the quiet—and the cool.

Fabric Wallpaper 101: When, Where, and How to Try This Temporary Wallpaper Trick
Interior

All You Need to Know About Fabric Wallpaper

Can’t commit on wall decor? Get the low down on a pretty, inexpensive option you can easily put up—and take down—yourself.

how to replace an outdoor faucet
Lawn & Garden

How To: Replace an Outdoor Faucet

Replacing that leaky outdoor faucet with a frost-free model can save you money on your water bill while preventing future leaks.

Frost in Freezer? Follow These 6 Troubleshooting Tips
Interior

Solved! What to Do About Frost in Your Freezer

Finding frost in the freezer is never a good sign—it compromises your food's taste and your appliance's efficiency. Troubleshoot those pesky ice crystals with these six tips.

10 Rain Garden Plants That Can Help Reduce Runoff
Lawn & Garden

10 Rain Garden Plants That Can Help Reduce Runoff

Does excess rainwater cause problems for your landscape? Corral it to make a right-as-rain garden for pollinators.

11 Ideas for Working Remotely When You Don’t Have a Home Office
Design

11 Ideas for Working Remotely When You Don’t Have a Home Office

When you're working from home without a traditional workspace, it can be difficult to tune out the distractions of daily chores and household needs. Establishing a go-to work zone will help you regain that focus. Not convinced you have the room? Get inspired by one of these small home office design ideas.

12 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior
Exterior

12 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior

Try these low-cost, high-impact improvements to make your home look more tidy, beautiful, and welcoming. While some exterior home improvements can be pricey, lengthy projects, there are plenty of wow-worthy upgrades you can DIY without breaking the bank. Whether you hope to catch the eye of potential buyers, impress passersby with your style, or simply want to spruce things up for your own satisfaction, the easy, inexpensive ideas here should do the trick in no time!

9 Ways to Lower Cooling Costs in Rising Heat
Interior

9 Ways to Lower Cooling Costs in Rising Heat

Check out these energy-saving tips that will help your air conditioner do its job without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

types of brick
DIY

7 Types of Brick All DIYers Should Know

Learn which type of brick is most appropriate for your next masonry project to help ensure quality, long-lasting construction.

15 Creative Uses for Club Soda
DIY

15 Creative Uses for Club Soda

This fizzy refresher and cocktail mixer has many surprising uses beyond the bar. Here’s how club soda can simplify your household cleaning and maintenance routines.