Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 361)

Levels
Tools & Materials

These are some of the different types of levels you can use to establish true vertical and true horizontal.

7 Ingenious IKEA Hacks for Your Backyard
Deck, Patio & Porch

Having a backyard is a luxury and lets face it, also a lot of work to keep it looking like the oasis you want it to be. You could spend a ton of money on planters and seating or you can flex your creative muscles and come up with some inventive DIY solutions. We've done a little of the work for you and found amazing ways to repurpose some of IKEA's classic products into backyard staples.

Solved! What Is an Impact Driver?
Tools

For the passionate DIYer, an impact driver can make projects involving many large fasteners—such as securing beams into a pergola—a lot easier. Here’s how to determine if you need one for your toolbox.

Heating Systems 101
Heating

From traditional oil-fired boilers to newfangled hybrid heat pumps, an almost dizzying number of options in heating systems is available to today's homeowner.

The Copper Pipe Types Option
Plumbing

Learn all about the main types of copper pipe and how they are typically used inside and outside the house.

The Paint Color App Option
Painting & Finishing

Give a new hue a virtual test run before tackling your next home painting project.

6 Types of Grills to Elevate Your BBQ Game
Outdoor Kitchens

There are many types of grills for your backyard BBQ. Learn about different fuel types for grills and the features to consider.

10 Ways to Make a Bad Mattress More Comfortable
Bedrooms

For anyone who’s ever had a terrible night’s sleep on a lumpy mattress, here are 10 ways you can make it better!

10 Common Garden Problems—and How to Fix Them
Gardening

Summer is what gardeners dream of all winter—warm weather, flourishing flowers, and a bountiful harvest that's carried straight from the veggie patch to the dinner table. But along with the sun and fun of summer comes a host of problems that can frustrate even the most steadfast gardeners. Your plants suffer from too much water . . . or too little. Even if the rabbits leave your garden alone, the Japanese beetles will surely come after it. Don’t slug it out with the garden slugs all by yourself! We've got your back. Read on to learn how to combat some of the most common summer gardening problems.

The 15 Best Flowers for Rookie Gardeners
Gardening

Try these colorful, tough-as-nails stalwarts to boost your garden confidence and green up those thumbs.

Deck vs. Patio: Choose the Right Outdoor Space for You
Deck, Patio & Porch

Looking to spruce up your outdoor space this summer? Here are the main differences between decks vs patios to help you determine which option suits your lifestyle and budget.

16 Charming Towns Where You Can Live on a Houseboat
People & Places

Make a houseboat your main digs or your home away from home in one of these liveaboard-friendly towns.

13 Breathtaking Ideas for Backyard String Lights
Outdoor Living

String lights aren’t just for festive holidays. These bright, affordable mini-bulbs can add sparkle and enjoyment to your outdoor spaces, whatever the season.

Homemade Honey: How to Keep Bees in Your Own Backyard
Gardening

There’s been a lot of buzz around backyard beekeeping recently. Here’s must-know info and helpful tips to help you enjoy this sweet pursuit!

Installing a Tile Backsplash How To
Building & Installing

From the soft hues of travertine to the highly reflective properties of glass, installing tile adds a new dimension to backsplashes and bathrooms—and now even DIYers can achieve professional looking results with this tile-setting mat.

11 of the Best Backyard Swimming Pools We’ve Ever Seen
Pools & Water Features

From waterfalls to waterslides, dream big with these out-of-this-world swimming pools.

10 Porch Colors That May Inspire You to Paint Yours
Deck, Patio & Porch

A freshly painted porch can really pep up your home’s curb appeal. If you're thinking about a porch makeover, consider choosing one of these popular colors, or try out a dazzling painted effect.

13 Types of Cactus Plants You Can Grow at Home
Gardening

Easy-care cacti thrive on bright light and little else. If you’re thinking about adding a cactus to your garden space, any of these would be a good place to start.

Types of Palm Trees
Landscaping

Looking for a new accent plant for your landscape? Check out these fascinating palm trees that will add a touch of the tropics.

14 Best Plants for Under Trees
Landscaping

Gardening on the dark side is a cinch when you start with the right plants. These perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees grow best in the shade.