Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 360)

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

A step stool is the perfect tool for helping the short and tall alike to access those hard-to-reach places like the highest shelf of the kitchen cabinet, the top of the refrigerator, or the pull cord for the attic door. Step stools can also help kiddos reach the sink in the bathroom to brush their teeth at night or help out with the dishes after dinner (well, we can dream about that can’t we?). But before you head out to the big box store to pick up any old humdrum step stool, why not make your own? Check out these 12 DIY step stool designs from around the web that can give you a much-needed boost in and around the house.

Pull the clothespin off your nose and instead try these 10 common household items to deodorize every nook and cranny of your abode.

Even when the weather outside gets frightful, wind-blocking draft dodgers are delightful... and wonderfully simple to make. Just as we lose body heat through our heads, our houses lose warmth through pesky drafts that sneak in through doors and windows. While it lacks the romance of a toasty fire in the hearth, stopping up those drafts can go a long way in preserving the heat generated by your radiator or heater. We've compiled a collection of our favorite DIY draft blockers in the hopes that you'll get all fired up for a weekend project that will keep you warm all winter long.

Do you have a dresser in good condition but with a dingy, worse-for-wear finish? With only a little elbow grease, you can transform it into a stunning signature piece.

Recreate the look of commercial ceiling paints for less by picking a regular paint with ceiling-friendly properties.

Stop worrying about the potential allergens and irritants in store-bought fabric softener—and save a little money—by switching to a homemade version of this laundry staple.

Prep an all-natural, food-safe household cleanser for pennies per batch.

Learn how to decipher laundry care symbols and properly take care of your fabrics.

Beat the heat with an outdoor furniture that keeps your drinks on ice. Talk about refreshing!

A lot of our lives are spent sitting down, so you might as well do it in style! When the stores don’t have what you like—or what you can afford—use your DIY skills to build your own dining room chair, lounger, or a colorful perch for the kids. If you're looking for a a truly distinctive seat for any room in your house, check out these 11 ways to build a chair.

Bursting with vibrant blooms in the spring and retaining their leaves through the colder months, rhododendrons are the perfect "evergreen" for your winter landscape.

With a little ingenuity, you can move your antique armoire into the 21st century without sacrificing any of the furniture's old-fashioned charm.

The weather is warm—it’s finally time to start making the most of your outdoor space. You can transform your yard, deck, or patio into a true extension of your home if you can create the right ambience—and furniture is key in establishing the mood. Unfortunately, outdoor furniture can cost a bundle. This year, DIY your own to save money and really customize your outdoor space. Check out these awesome DIY outdoor furniture projects that set the tone for a perfect summer oasis.

Having guests home to visit is often a reason to celebrate. But after a day or two, we might wish for a little more—well—personal space. It turns out that the answer just might be in your own backyard. An additional "tiny home" situated on your property (but separate from your house), creates a warm welcome for those just passing through, or perhaps a special getaway you can keep to yourself. If you thought you'd never be able to afford your own guest house, think again. These seven unique ideas bring guest accommodations within reach for many of us.

Bottle caps, leather belts, and pennies are just a few of the unusual materials that creative do-it-yourselfers have incorporated in these cheap flooring ideas. Click through for 15 finished projects prove that—for very little money—you can add a lot of beauty and interest underfoot!

For many, there's nothing more relaxing than curling up in the living room with a great TV show or movie. But are you tired of having to crane your neck to see that wall-mounted flat-screen, or are you looking to replace that standard-issue melamine console? Here are 10 easy, fun, and inexpensive DIY TV stand projects to make winding down with your favorite shows even more enjoyable.

You spend nearly one-third of your life sleeping, so ideally your bed should feel comfortable and special. Here are fifteen “dreamy” and easy designs for DIY beds.

Packing up and moving is expensive, costing an average of $1,200 to $6,000, depending on the distance to your new home and whether you move your own possessions or hire a moving company. While you’ve probably budgeted for the move, you may not know that a number of unforeseen factors can increase your overall cost. Things like add-on charges from the moving company, problems you leave behind or snags you encounter after you arrive at your new home can sap your budget. To be prepared for any little surprises along the way, scroll through our list of hidden moving costs.

Right up there with other factors like style and cleanliness, your home's scent makes a huge first impression to guests. While the smell of freshly baked bread or fresh laundry is heavenly, sometimes we just want the place to smell nice without going through all of that effort. Before you resort to spraying store-bought air fresheners or lighting a scented candle, try these just-as-easy DIY tricks to freshen your home.