Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 315)

Reviews

The Best Birdseed

Attract beautiful beneficial birds to the yard by feeding the best bird food varieties.

Interior

Should You Use Oven Cleaner on Wood? Take a Closer Look at the Viral Furniture-Stripping Hack

Before you grab a can of oven cleaner to strip your wood furniture, check out the facts first.

Reviews

I’ve Tried Dozens of Dyson Products—And These 5 Are Worth Every Dollar

The brand's vacuums, fans, and air purifiers are certainly investments, but these five products earn their keep.

Building & Installing

How to Install a Light Fixture

Yes, you're handling electrical wires but no, you shouldn't be intimidated! Follow basic safety precautions (and learn which colored wire goes where), and you'll have that light fixture up and on in under an hour.

Home Services

The Best Home Builders

Building a new home is exciting, but it takes careful planning in order to ensure success. Learning how to choose the best home builder is critical—and this guide will help.

Reviews

We Tested the Beko Dishwasher: Is It Worth it?

Beko appliances are making a splash in the US market. We recently put the Beko Tall Tub Dishwasher to the test to see if it stood up to other well-known brands.

Reviews

The Best Kohler Toilets

Choose a top Kohler toilet with consistent, reliable flushing capabilities to update the bathroom.

Houseplants

Christmas vs. Thanksgiving vs. Easter Cactus: What’s the Difference Between These Holiday Houseplants?

Is your grandparents’ Christmas cactus the same as the modern department-store type? And what's the difference between those and Thanksgiving or Easter cacti? Be warned that Christmas cactus identification can be convoluted!

Interior

10 Bathroom Window Privacy Ideas That Won’t Sacrifice Style

A few small changes to the windows can have a huge impact on the privacy you enjoy in your bathroom.

DIY

How to Test Pool Water

Learn how to check pool water quality to ensure that the chlorine and pH levels are balanced for safe swimming.

Reviews

The Best Shower Kits

Find a high-quality shower kit to suit the size and style of your bathroom while staying within budget.

Holiday Decorations

The Best Pumpkin-Carving Tools

Impress your neighbors this spooky season by carving your jack-o’-lanterns with some of the best tools on the market.

DIY

10 Woodturning Tools Every Beginner Needs

In addition to skill and a lathe, good woodturning is the result of high-quality cutting tools. Whether you're starting with spindle or faceplate turning, these are the essentials you need.

Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Wisteria

Are you wistful about wisteria after seeing a magnificent specimen of the blooming vine, but afraid it would be too invasive?

DIY

How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener: 3 Tried-and-True Methods

Don’t let a lost or broken can opener stop you from opening cans of soup, tuna, pet food, or other items.

Lawn & Garden

How to Host the Ultimate Backyard Movie Night

Skip the high ticket prices, under-chair bubble gum, and loud popcorn chewers by hosting your own backyard movie night. Here’s how to make it a night to remember.

Siding

Board and Batten Siding and Trim: All You Need to Know

Find out what it takes to achieve this rustic, popular, DIY-friendly look as exterior siding and interior trim.

Lawn & Garden

7 Contaminants That May Be Lurking in Your Soil and How to Find Them

If your neighborhood has an agricultural or industrial past, soil testing could uncover hidden pollutants.

Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Coleus

Known for its vibrant leaves and low-maintenance care requirements, coleus is a great addition to a garden bed or container—whether it flowers or not.

Lawn & Garden

18 Types of Butterflies All Home Gardeners Should Know

A symbol of rebirth, butterflies also signal healthy ecosystems. Enjoy their delicate beauty as they flit from flower to flower by learning to identify these important pollinators.