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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 377)

Countertops

10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops

Perhaps the most important work surface in the home, the kitchen countertop is built to withstand food preparation, regular cleaning, pesky stains, and more. But despite their durability, countertops can suffer from costly damage whether they're made of laminate, marble, granite, or any other material. Here are 10 common ways homeowners unintentionally ruin their countertops, with tips on how to keep yours in tip-top shape for years to come.

Interior

All You Need to Know About Window Seats

Create a comfy zone that lets you stay warm while gazing at the outside world.

Pools & Water Features

All You Need to Know About Pool Decking

Stay safe, comfortable—and within your budget—by picking the perfect surface to surround your swimming pool.

Curb Appeal

All You Need to Know About Retaining Walls

With this primer and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you can incorporate a retaining wall into your landscaping—and, with it, both visual interest and necessary support for a sloped yard.

Cleaning & Organizing

How To: Clean a Shag Rug

High pile is back in style! So keep yours fresh with these simple steps.

Basements

What Would Bob Do? Polishing a Concrete Floor

Sleek, shiny, and easy to maintain, polished concrete is a great flooring choice, particularly for modern interiors. If you'd like to create this look in your own home, here are the basics on the polishing process.

Heating

Control Temperatures and Save Energy with Zoned Heating Systems

A zoned heating system allows greater control over heat distribution in the house. You can turn up the heat just where you need it, just when you need it—resulting in significant savings on your utility bills. Need some convincing? Read on to learn more about the benefits of zoned heating.

Flooring

How To: Paint a Wood Floor

Interior

All You Need to Know About Exposed Ceiling Beams

Big, bare, and beautiful, these architectural elements demand attention. Find out if exposed beams can make a striking statement in your new home construction or renovation project.

Flooring

All You Need to Know About Plywood Floors

Get the facts and then go on to gorgeous DIY results with this inexpensive alternative to hardwood.

Gutters

All You Need to Know About De-icing Systems

Blistered paint, damage to your ceilings, roof, and walls, and structural issues—these are just some of the potentially disastrous effects of ice dams. Learn how to take action now, before you get caught by surprise.

Heating

Kickspace Heaters 101

This winter, bring warmth to your coldest rooms by installing space-smart heaters that will make their presence felt—though not necessarily seen.

Repair & Maintenance

Why Is My Dryer Not Heating? Solved!

Don't let a lengthy dry time get you down: Tend to these six problem zones to remedy what might be slowing down your appliance—and your schedule.

Cleaning & Organizing

How To: Clean an Area Rug

Eliminate all smells, stains, and general dinginess with this DIY deep-clean routine for your area and accent rugs.

Flooring

5 Things to Know Before Ripping Up Your Carpeting

Do you hate your current carpet so much that you’re ready and willing to tear it out? Before you get in over your head, stop to consider everything that carpet removal and replacement entails. Then you might understand why it could be a good idea to leave the job to the pros. This post has been brought to you by Sears Home Services. Its facts and opinions are consistent with those of BobVila.com.

Curb Appeal

Solved! Which Evergreens Grow the Fastest

Spruce up your front or backyard in a jiffy by planting one of these sets of fast-growing evergreens.

Interior Design

All You Need to Know About Shiplap

Shiplap can add rustic charm to any blank wall. Learn more about the trendy wooden planks and how you can install them in your own home.

Heating

Baseboard Heating 101

Requiring no ductwork, baseboard heating can be an easy-to-install and affordable solution for many homeowners. Is it right for you? Find out more here.

Bathroom Design

Solved! The Perfect Height for Towel Bars and Hooks

Mount towel bars and rings at exactly the right height for the people in your household.

Painting & Finishing

How To: Remove Paint from Tile

Longing to uncover an original surface or get rid of unsightly drips? Apply one of the three tried-and-true methods here.