Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 351)

9 Types of Electrical Outlets You Can Have in the Home
Lighting & Electrical

9 Types of Electrical Outlets You Can Have in the Home

Different types of electrical outlets are good for different use cases. Learn if you have the right ones installed at home.

5 Types of Plumbing Pipes Found in Old and New Homes
Plumbing

5 Types of Plumbing Pipes You’ll Find in Homes

Get expert insight into the types of plumbing pipes that have been used in homes over the years and find out how their uses vary.

5 Things to Know Before Installing a Shower Drain
Building & Installing

5 Things to Know Before Installing a Shower Drain

"Be prepared" isn't just a motto for Scouts—plumbers know all too well that it pays to have a plan for every worst-case scenario. Before you begin what may seem like a simple drain replacement, brush up on the possible challenges and equip yourself appropriately so you won't be left without a working shower for more than an afternoon.

How to Texture a Ceiling - Dining Room
Walls & Ceilings

How To: Texture a Ceiling

Things are looking up if you hope to add new character to a room. You can easily bring visual interest by texturing your ceilings, where DIY options abound.

Radiant Heat vs. Forced Air
Heating

Radiant Floor Heating 101

Radiant floor heating, popular in new construction, has become a viable retrofit option.

6 Tips for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint
Painting & Finishing

Solved! The Rules for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint

Use these tips to avoid cracking and peeling when you paint over oil-based paint.

15 Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro
Cleaning

15 Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro

It’s Saturday morning and you’re in a hurry to finish the cleaning chores so you can get on with your weekend. Pro cleaning techniques will help get your house sparkling clean in short order—freeing up time for other activities.

11 Ways to Make a Small Pool Work in Your Backyard
Pools & Water Features

11 Ways to Make a Small Pool Work in Your Backyard

Get inspired and transform your outdoor space with one of these perfectly proportioned water features.

Swiss chard seedlings
Gardening

What Is the No-Dig Gardening Method, and Why You Should Try it This Spring

Create a beautiful, productive garden without blisters and back pain.

15 Safety Essentials That Most Homes Are Missing
Workshop

15 Safety Essentials That Most Homes Are Missing

Take preventative measures and be prepared for worst-case scenarios with these home safety essentials.

spray foam vase
Furniture & Design

Stop and Read This Before You Dress Up Furnishings with Spray Foam

This popular foam sealant gives furnishings a trendy, bubbly look, but take care when using it to freshen up household décor items.

12 Landscaping Problems Your Extension Service Can Help You Solve
Landscaping

12 Landscaping Problems Your Extension Service Can Help You Solve

On a budget? Get dirt cheap landscaping advice close to home.

The Best Sledgehammer Options
Hand Tools

The Best Sledgehammers for Your Demolition Project

Tear through old drywall, break up cracked concrete slabs, and pound out chipped bricks with a sledgehammer to help get your renovation project underway in a hurry.

Boilers
Heating

How To: Choose a New Boiler

If you're looking to update your boiler before winter sets in, make sure you take into consideration your boiler's size, efficiency, and venting requirements.

How To Reduce Outside Noise with Indow Inserts
Windows

1 Simple Upgrade for a (Much) Quieter Home

Soundproof a room—or your entire house—with the affordable innovation that fits tight right inside your windows.

The Best Shoes for Roofing Option
Tools & Materials

Vetted: The Best Shoes for Roofing Work

Performing repairs on a rooftop is a dangerous endeavor. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of slipping and falling is to have the proper footwear.

Room decorated with beautiful house plants
Houseplants

The One Rule of (Green) Thumb When Decorating With Houseplants

What is the most important thing to consider when you are brightening your living space with houseplants? And, no, it isn’t whether the croton coordinates with the curtains.

Is Cork Flooring Right for You?
Flooring

Is Cork Flooring Right for You?

Offering easy maintenance, sound absorption, warmth, and comfort underfoot, cork is a smart, eco-friendly flooring choice for many of today's homeowners. Is it the right choice for you? Find out here.

How to Water a Christmas Tree
Holidays & Celebrations

How To: Water a Christmas Tree

Help your real Christmas tree last longer with these simple steps.

How to Paint Aluninum
Painting & Finishing

How To: Paint Aluminum

Follow these five steps to update any aluminum object with a fresh coat of paint.