Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 308)

how to grow basil
House Plants

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
Energy & Power

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
Repair & Maintenance

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
Repair & Maintenance

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
Walls & Ceilings

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
Appliances

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
Gardening

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
Interior 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
Deck, Patio & Porch

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
Cooling

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
Cleaning & Organizing

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.

8 Mistakes You’re Making at the Paint Store
Painting & Finishing

8 Mistakes You’re Making at the Paint Store

With a rainbow of colors to choose from, selecting paint can be overwhelming. Make the process easier and find a paint you love using these shopping tips.

8 Pretty Plants That Stink!
Gardening

8 Pretty Plants That Stink!

Are you sensitive to unpleasant scents? If so, you might want to avoid the following plants with odors that are not universally beloved.

tempur pedic supreme mattress topper review
Mattresses & Bedding

This Topper Will Add Tempur-Pedic Comfort to Your Bed Without the Steep Cost of a New Mattress

Make a cheap mattress feel high-end with this 3-inch topper.

Concrete pouring during commercial concreting floors of building
DIY

7 Things to Know About Concrete Forms

Don’t let your concrete crumble when you can employ forms to support and stabilize the concrete while it sets.

Ceiling Fan Direction
Energy & Power

All You Need to Know About Ceiling Fan Direction

Want to save money and stay comfortable with your ceiling fan all year long? Give this advice a spin!

Ninja BL660 Blender review
Appliances & Cookware

Make Smoothies at Home That are Actually Smooth with This Surprisingly Versatile Blender

Convenient to use, this blender can achieve a puree that’s crucial to a good smoothie.

How to Build a Ramp
Building & Installing

So, You Want to… Build a Ramp

Find out what you need to know to offer easy access to folks who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter.