Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 319)

15 Beautiful and Functional Trellis Ideas for Climbing Plants
Gardening

15 Beautiful and Functional Trellis Ideas for Climbing Plants

From creating living artwork within the home to adding privacy with vines on the patio, the options for displaying climbing plants with a trellis are plentiful.

patio-materials
Deck, Patio & Porch

Patio Materials 101

Popular patio building materials run the gamut from poured concrete and pavers of recycled plastic to natural flagstone and bricks of fired clay.

Living Remotely: 12 Stunning Homes in the Middle of Nowhere
Architecture

Living Remotely: 12 Stunning Homes in the Middle of Nowhere

Eager to escape the hustle and bustle of urban sprawl or the cookie-cutter homes of suburbia, some house hunters pack their bags and travel to remote reaches of the country in search of secluded homes that lie beyond the gaze of neighbors and passersby. Whether hidden in hillsides, tucked away in trees, or perched on canyon lands, these unconventional nests in no-man's-land offer privacy, quiet, and the wonders of nature to anyone adventurous enough to seek them out.

12 Little-Known Tricks to Make This Year’s Vegetable Garden a Success
Gardening

12 Little-Known Tricks to Make This Year’s Vegetable Garden a Success

Whether you're cultivating a small collection of potted herbs on your balcony or you're planning an epic victory garden, we've got tried and true tips from experts to make your efforts bear fruit.

The Best Synthetic Oil Option
Reviews

The Best Synthetic Oils for Your Car or Lawn Equipment

The best synthetic motor oil offers peak performance for your car or lawn-mower engine while also extending its life.

DIY rain chain
Gutters

How to: Make a Rain Chain

Say goodbye to ugly downspouts with a charming DIY rain chain.

tick vs bed bug
Pest Control

Tick vs. Bed Bug: How to Tell the Difference Between These Notorious Pests

In the battle of tick versus bed bug, there is no winner, but one definite loser: you. Here’s what you need to know about these two blood-sucking pests.

The Best Chainsaw Chain Option
Tools & Materials

The Best Chainsaw Chains for DIY Homeowners

While the cutting chains that fit chainsaws may all look similar, they’re designed for different types of wood-cutting tasks. Use this guide to choose the best chainsaw chain for your projects.

Beadboard Ceilings: All You Need to Know
Walls & Ceilings

All You Need to Know About Beadboard Ceilings

Get all the pros and cons—plus installation and price info—on this traditional-turned-trendy trim treatment.

Lawn Striping Tips to Know Before You Start
Landscaping

6 Things to Know About Lawn Striping

Show your lawn’s true stripes with this fresh mowing technique.

All You Need to Know About Grout Paint
Bathroom Remodeling

Grout Paint: The Backsplash Remedy You Never Knew You Needed

Enlist this little-known, low-cost product to restore the original color of your grout or give it a brand new hue.

using muriatic acid
Repair & Maintenance

How To: Use Muriatic Acid

Don’t play around with this strong stuff! Learn what it’s good for—and the right way to use it.

Spraying vs. Rolling Paint
Painting & Finishing

What’s the Difference? Spraying vs. Rolling Paint

Learn the major differences between these two painting methods so that you know exactly when and where to use each one.

How to Whitewash Brick
Walls & Ceilings

How To: Whitewash Brick

Lighten and brighten surfaces in your living spaces with this easy-to-master painting technique that mutes the dark tones of red brick walls or fireplaces.

Deck Maintenance - Backyard Wooden Deck
Deck, Patio & Porch

The Dos and Don’ts of Deck Maintenance

Heed these best (and worst) practices when it comes to cleaning up and caring for your wooden deck, and you'll be able to enjoy your outdoor living room for seasons to come.

How to Lay a Stone Path
Driveways & Walkways

How To: Lay a Stone Garden Path

Create a simple stone path to enhance your yard and set a distinctive walkway.

Sold house sign in Midwest suburban setting. Focus on sign.
Buying

7 Signs You’re About to Buy the Wrong House

Avoid unnecessary grief by paying attention to these warnings.

15 Hot Tub Deck Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard
Exterior

15 Hot Tub Deck Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard

Find inspiration for your backyard oasis with these hot tub deck ideas fit for royalty.

You’re Probably Harvesting Your Herbs Wrong—Here’s How to Do it Correctly for Maximum Yield
Gardening

You’re Probably Harvesting Your Herbs Wrong—Here’s How to Do it Correctly for Maximum Yield

Learn the cut-and-come-again technique for more productive, bountiful herbs.

painted brick exterior of house
Exterior

Painted Brick: Why This Common Reno Project Is So Controversial

Natural brick or painted brick? That’s the question, but not everyone agrees on the answer.