Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 306)

how to find a hole in an air mattress
Repair & Maintenance

Solved! How to Find a Hole in an Air Mattress

Locate a leak in an air mattress with these tried-and-true methods, and stop waking up on the hard floor or refilling the mattress in the wee hours of the morning. 

well water
Buying

5 Things to Know When Buying a House with Well Water

Make the transition to a well water system easier by learning what to expect when buying a house with well water.

lux vs lumens
Lighting & Electrical

Lux vs. Lumens: Learn the Lingo to Choose Your Next Lighting

Watts may be the traditional way to choose lighting, but perhaps surprisingly this measurement doesn't indicate brightness. Lux and lumens are the new standards, but just what do they mean?

How to Survive a Hurricane: 21 Smart Preps You Can Make Now
More

How to Survive a Hurricane: 21 Smart Preps You Can Make Now

During the calm before the storm, learn how you can stay safe and protect your family and home from potential disaster.

Gutter Cleaning Tool
Tools

Clean Your Gutters a Cinch with The Gutter Cleaning Tool

Cleaning gutters isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Make the job easier with this high-quality, well-designed gutter cleaning tool.

Weber Grill Cover
Grills

Is There Really a Grill Cover That Fits Well, Won’t Fade, and Keeps a Grill Dry? Yes!

Durable construction that holds up to the elements and a tailored fit make this Weber grill cover ideal for Weber grill owners.

Air Conditioners Are Selling Out Across the U.S.—Here's Where You Can Still Buy Them
Heating & Cooling

Having Trouble Finding an Air Conditioner This Summer? These Retailers Still Have Them

Product shortages and major heat waves are causing air conditioners to be in short supply this summer. Here's where you might still find one.

19 Places with (Almost) Zero Crime
Real Estate

19 Places with (Almost) Zero Crime

Looking to relocate? Consider settling down in one of 2021's safest cities in the U.S.

18 Ways You’re Accidentally Wasting Energy
Energy & Power

18 Ways You’re Accidentally Wasting Energy

You turn off lights when you leave a room, combine errands to stretch a tank of gas, and run only full loads in your dishwasher. Yet even if you're following the basics of home energy conservation, whether to save the earth or just save some cash, there's still more you could be doing. In fact, chances are you still have a few bad energy habits that are leading to higher utility costs. Here are just a few ways you may be unintentionally wasting energy—and a few recommendations for changing your habits and lowering your bills.

Interior Storm Windows - Installation
Energy & Power

Interior Storm Windows Save Homeowners Money in Two Ways

An affordable alternative to window replacement, interior storm windows, also known as window inserts, allow homeowners to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and air conditioning costs without making aesthetic sacrifices.

15 Plants That Attract Dragonflies
Gardening

15 Plants That Attract Dragonflies

Beckon these fanciful flyers to your outdoor space for major mosquito control.

does copper rust
Cleaning

Solved! Does Copper Rust?

Copper is used in all kinds of things from pans to ornaments to electrical connections, and one of its big advantages is that it doesn’t rust…or does it?

Thompson's Water Seal Waterproofing Stain
Deck, Patio & Porch

How To: Protect and Beautify a Wood Deck

With just a little prep work and a good waterproofing stain, you can easily restore the beauty of your wood deck—perhaps even this weekend.

8 Places You Could Add an Awning
Deck, Patio & Porch

8 Places You Could Add an Awning

An awning installed at nearly any part of your home lets you take a welcome breather from the sun, wind, or rain this summer or any time of the year.

ceiling repair
Repair & Maintenance

The Do’s and Don’ts of Ceiling Repair

Unsightly ceiling cracks detract from any room's look, but, fortunately, repairing them is often a DIY project.

The Complete Guide to Painting Window Trim
Painting & Finishing

So, You Want to… Paint Your Window Trim

In any painting project, investing in the right paint and tools will get you the most professional results, and painting window trim is no exception. The payoff will be well worth the extra care and (usually) slight expense. After all, clean, crisp window trim can really make or break the look of a room—or of your home's whole exterior.

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
Garden Pests

How To: Get Rid of Spider Mites

Keep these creepy-crawlies from wreaking havoc with plants, indoors and out, using this all-natural battle plan.

how long does wood glue take to dry
Skills & Techniques

Solved! How Long Does Wood Glue Take to Dry?

Having trouble guessing when wood glue is completely dry and things are safe to use? Here’s what you need to know.

Solved! The Best Time to Buy a Mattress 
Furniture & Decor

Solved! The Best Time to Buy a Mattress 

You can get a great deal on a high-quality mattress by timing your purchase strategically.  

8 Retro Trends to Bring to the Backyard
Outdoor Living

8 Retro Trends to Bring to the Backyard

Watch out, modern: 20th-century style is back, and it's headed straight for your outdoor space.