Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 359)

If you want to get mice out of your house, but you don't necessarily want them dead, this easy-to-assemble (and kinder) mousetrap may be just what you need. Here's how to make it.

Whether you have ambitions of becoming an Olympic skater or just a capable one, you can refine your skills at home by building your own backyard ice skating rink.

Got cardboard? We're sure you do! Grab a few of those old boxes and get to work on one of these ingenious, MacGyver-worthy projects.

If you love the beauty of antique painted furniture, you can re-create that same pigment-rich, matte-finish look with milk paint—that you can make yourself.

Christmas wreaths have traditionally taken the form of rings of evergreen boughs, but in a daring break with the past, today's DIYers create colorful decorations that comprise all manner of oddball objects. Click through to see a collection of unconventional wreaths, then gather together a quirky assortment of materials to craft your own unique take on this seasonal adornment.

Olive oil is most commonly thought of as a kitchen staple, but for thousands of years it's also been used for all sorts of things that have nothing to do with food. Check out these smart alternative household uses for that unassuming bottle of olive oil hanging out in your pantry.

This season, wow your guests with your cutting skills—no, we're not just talking the slicing and dicing in the kitchen. Craft a handmade, house-shaped cutting board that even a beginner woodworker can master.

The kitchen may not be the first place that comes to mind when you're thinking about bringing a little greenery into your home. Countertop space is precious, direct sunlight may be limited, and high temperatures and grease can keep houseplants from looking their best. But the kitchen is one of the most popular spots in the house, so it deserves to be brightened with a bit of nature. Try finding a place for one of these easy-care houseplants that thrive in the kitchen.

The next time you need to screw or nail two pieces of wood together, first invest a few extra minutes in prepping the project with pilot holes. These surefire tips will help simplify the project and save your wood from damage.

As the days grow shorter and your thoughts turn to tailgating and football games, it’s easy to forget that your home needs a little TLC before Old Man Winter comes calling. By taking care of essential upkeep and repairs now, you’ll be investing in your house—and your comfort—during the coming winter months. Click through to discover common fall maintenance mistakes and how you can avoid them this season.

When it comes to decorating and organizing, the foyer is often the last place homeowners think to touch. In far too many homes, it’s just a bleak portal for passing in and out of the house without a second glance. And that’s a shame, because the entryway is a prime piece of real estate and, when considered properly, can help make your day a little easier. The key is in keeping certain essentials by the front door where you won’t overlook them on your way out, or establishing an assigned place for everyday items. Here are 11 items that deserve a spot near your front door.

Cross-sections of a tree branch are all that keep you away from a house full of one-of-a-kind rustic, woodsy decor.

A backyard bar with a sleek concrete countertop that requires no special masonry skills? It's possible! So, take the party outside—we’ll show you how.

Memorize these recycling symbols—or save this cheat sheet—to waste less, conserve more, and recycle smarter!

Are you searching for a way to add some personality to your cabinet doors and drawers? Check out these fun, functional, and frugal knob options!

If you don’t have room for it, stick it in the basement, right? Well, maybe not. Basements are prone to dampness, mold, and temperature swings, which can adversely affect many of the items commonly kept down there. Always think before you stash, and never store these 10 things in your basement.

Not every home has—or needs—a full mudroom, but everyone needs a place to handle the comings and goings of today’s busy families and all their gear. If you’re wondering how to create the convenience of a mudroom without having a dedicated room for the purpose, you’re in luck. These 14 photos offer great ideas for mudroom alternatives that suit a range of budgets and space limitations.

If an older boiler drives your heating system, there's a good chance you can achieve greater efficiency by augmenting the appliance with an outdoor reset control. Affordable and easily installed, the technology ensures that you spend no more than necessary to keep your home comfortable throughout the winter months.

Wondering why your water smells funny, tastes bad, or stains your plumbing fixtures, cookware, dishes and laundry? Read on!

Terrifying storms that can level houses and rip large trees from the ground, hurricanes are among the most powerful forces of nature. The National Hurricane Center defines a hurricane as a rotating, organized system of thunderstorms and clouds that originates over tropical or subtropical water. These destructive storms are a type of tropical cyclone with winds that reach 74 miles per hour or greater. Perhaps because of their devastating power, hurricanes have given rise to a lot of myths and misconceptions about the storms themselves and the best ways to prepare for them. Here, we debunk 10 of the most common hurricane myths.