Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 355)

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting a Garden
Gardening

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting a Garden

As the saying goes, “Hindsight is 20/20.” And while it often implies an arduous experience from which you’ve learned a tough but valuable lesson, the expression is applicable to every seasoned gardener.

15 Iconic American Homes Torn Down Before Their Time
Architecture

15 Iconic American Homes Torn Down Before Their Time

In desirable neighborhoods across the United States, the razing of a tear-down is a familiar sight. But this market-driven trend actually has a very long history. Consider this list of 15 eye-poppingly palatial homes, built with great care and at huge expense, that later fell victim to the wrecking ball.

10 Rooms You Wouldn’t Suspect Were Actually Sheds
Sheds & ADUs

10 Rooms You Wouldn’t Suspect Were Actually Sheds

Who among us doesn’t occasionally dream of getting away from it all? Of having our own private spot to relax, to dream, to focus, to let our hair down and just be ourselves? What if you could have such a spot right in your own backyard? A shed can put that dream well within reach—not a broken-down, utilitarian, or spider-infested shed, but rather one that does its owners proud. Let the 10 spectacular sheds shown here, whether used as family hangouts, guest houses, home offices, or she sheds, open your eyes to the amazing potential hidden in the once humble outbuilding.

Quiet Water Hammer - After Loads in Washing Machine and Dishwasher
Plumbing

Clanking Pipes? Restore Quiet with a Water Hammer Arrester

Silence the distressing sound of clanking metal pipes—and banish any worries about damaged plumbing—with one simple installation.

The Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Paint
Painting & Finishing

The Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Paint

Get gorgeous, high-quality interior and exterior paint with plant-based ingredients and low-VOCs.

The Most Beautiful Chicken Coops We’ve Ever Seen
Sheds & ADUs

The Most Beautiful Chicken Coops We’ve Ever Seen

As backyard poultry farms gain in popularity, find the coop that works for you, whether you live in the country or in tighter, urban spaces.

3 Reasons to Caulk Before Winter
Windows

3 Reasons Why a Sealant Is the Key to Winter-Proofing This Year

Learn how you can benefit from a fully sealed home this winter and beyond—and how simple and painless this project can be with the use of a specialty sealant.

The Most Popular House Styles Through the Decades
Architecture

The Most Popular House Styles Through the Decades

Check out the housing trends of the past to understand how they shape our present and future abodes.

12 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor—to Your Backyard Wildlife
Gardening

12 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor—to Your Backyard Wildlife

Put out the welcome mat for beautiful backyard critters with these tips for making your property a haven for birds, pollinating insects, and other wildlife.

The 11 Handiest Ways to Use a Hot Glue Gun
Workshop

The 11 Handiest Ways to Use a Hot Glue Gun

You’ll be surprised at what you can make, fix, and restore with a little hot glue. Save money and time with these helpful DIY ideas!

Zero Turn vs. Lawn Tractor: The Right Mower for Large Yards
Mowers

Zero Turn vs. Lawn Tractor: The Right Mower for Large Yards

Zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors provide the wide decks and speed needed to maintain large yards. However, they have their pros and cons, which could make one a better choice for your yard.

20 Ways to Garden Without a Backyard
House Plants

20 Ways to Garden Without a Backyard

Limited yard space doesn't mean you have to miss out on the joys of gardening. Here are 20 creative ways to garden indoors.

Weep Holes in Brick
Roofing

Solved! The Purpose of Weep Holes in Brick

Understand the important function of the open spaces near the foundation of your brick home.

13 Plants You Never Knew Were Weeds
Gardening

13 Plants You Never Knew Were Weeds

Sometimes the difference between a cultivated plant and a weed is hard to distinguish.

25 Things Your Local Thrift Store Doesn’t Want You to Donate
Repurposing

25 Things Your Local Thrift Store Doesn’t Want You to Donate

You have the best intentions, but just because you don't want these things anymore doesn't necessarily mean they should be donated to the thrift store. Find out what items thrift stores don't want or need.

14 Ways to Pull Off a Double-Duty Dining Room
Kitchen Design

14 Ways to Pull Off a Double-Duty Dining Room

The dining room is often an extra space that gets used only for holidays or special occasions. But if you're plagued by small square footage—or if you're trying to make your house more functional overall—then this dedicated eating area may be eating up precious space. Never again have to sacrifice one room for another with these 14 ideas for making your dining room work doubly well.

10 Biggest Vegetable Gardening Mistakes
Gardening

10 Biggest Vegetable Gardening Mistakes

Trial-and-error is an integral part of the learning process when it comes to any hobby, including gardening. But some errors are so egregious that it’s best to avoid them right off the bat.

Plastering Tools
Walls & Ceilings

10 Plastering Tools for Wall Installation and Repair

Equip yourself correctly to tackle this old-world and specialized technique.

Where (and How) to Order Paint Online
Painting & Finishing

Where (and How) to Order Paint Online

If your walls are ready for a refresh, these online retailers will ship paint to your doorstep.

A sunroom made of glass with a tile floor and a full living-room furniture set.
Interior

So, What Exactly is a Sunroom?

Find out why sunrooms appeal to many homeowners and whether one is right for your home.