Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 379)

Buying hand tools can be a confusing—and at times a losing—proposition. When faced with aisles full of putty knives, hammers, utility knives, and other toolbox must-haves, it’s tough to know if you’re really getting the best product for your money. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably purchased a few tools in the past that ended up breaking during use or rusting into a corroded mess soon after you brought them home, and you'd like to avoid that disappointing experience in the future. In search of advice how the average handyperson can make better-informed tool-buying decisions, we enlisted the help of Corey Talbot, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Hyde Tools, who knows what goes into making a quality tool and understands how DIY centers market products. The next time you find yourself staring at a wall of similar-looking tools in a bevy of colors and a range of prices, try the following tips to ensure that you come home with a quality tool you’ll be proud to add to your box. This content has been brought to you by Hyde Tools. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

Don't trash that dead telephone, scrap that torn sweater, or haul that lifeless bed frame to the junkyard just yet! As these functional and fanciful projects prove, broken or unused electronics, appliances, furniture, and knickknacks can go from junk to can't-live-without essentials in practically no time.

Looking for a way to retrofit your old baseboard heaters? Do it yourself with the versatile and easy to install Baseboarders replacement covers.

Though invaluable for cleaning up in a wet basement, these pumps are actually handy for a broad variety of household tasks. Learn the basics here.

Water woes? A good-quality water filter may be the answer, but don't simply purchase the first one you see on the shelf. Instead, read on to learn about the many different considerations involved, and for top tips from SupplyHouse.com on making the right choice for your household needs.

You can mix concrete like a pro if you grab the right tools and take note of these six best—and worst—practices.

Dreams of the summer season tend to focus on long, lazy days spent reading the latest bestsellers, napping in the rope hammock, or watching white clouds drift across a blue sky. But if you’re a homeowner, you know that summer isn’t always a day at the beach. Though storms and storm damage are hallmarks of winter, of course, weather-related hazards are threat throughout the steamy summer months, too. In addition, on those sunny weekend days, there are no shortage of maintenance tasks to complete, not only for aesthetic reasons, but for the integrity and longevity of your home and its components. It may be tempting to put off such projects until the leaves change, but don't delay. Prevent extensive, expensive problems in the future by tackling these important tasks today.

If you’re in the market for a major home appliance this year, strategize to save with these secrets for savvy shopping.

Experts agree that for comfort in winter, no other technology comes close to matching the performance of radiant floor heating. But is it the right choice for your home? Like so many other questions in building and home improvement, the answer depends. Learn the pros and cons, and decide for yourself.

You already know the value of spices for giving the dishes you love that perfect savory or sweet taste, but you may not know that many of the spices found in your spice rack are good for more than just seasoning foods. In fact, they’re good for many things that have nothing to do with food. We’ve rounded up 13 unusual uses for the spices in your kitchen. Click through to find out how to get the most out of your spice collection.

Adding a chic coffee table, an elegant end table, or a rustic dining table to your patio or porch is a must if you want to stretch your living space into the outdoors this summer. When you build an outdoor table yourself, either from scratch or from upcycled materials you already own, the project is doubly easy on the wallet. Get inspired by this selection of delightful and durable DIY patio tables, then turn the tables on your outdoor living space by making one of your very own.

Queen Victoria may have vacated the British throne long ago, but the regal and architecturally distinctive Victorian houses erected during her reign, from 1837 to 1901, remain fixtures in cities across the United States, where they've put their own American twist on the European archetype. Here you can sample a selection of our favorite stateside examples of the everlasting elegance of the Victorian home.

Gardening can be an expensive habit. But if you know where to look and whom to ask, you may be able to populate your landscape with free plants, shrubs, and trees. Check out our favorite tips and tricks for getting your garden plants for free.

‘Tis the season for BBQ. But if you’re going to spend weekend after weekend standing at the grill, you might as well apply a couple of time-saving (and flavor-enhancing!) tricks to improve the experience, not to mention your food. These 8 summer grilling hacks take minimal effort to pull off, but you—and your guests—will be amazed by the results.

There's no reason to settle for a barren backyard when there are seating options like these to inspire you. As this collection of DIY projects demonstrates, you can take basic materials and transform them into stunning additions that are sure to make your backyard the place to be this summer.

The rugged beauty and fuss-free style of log cabins made them one of the most beloved American home archetypes of all time. Today, the wooden retreats are cropping up in neighborhoods around the country as modern-day homeowners catch on to their rustic charm and time-tested construction. Ahead, a collection of our favorite contemporary examples of the enduring log cabin.

Although drop ceilings have a bit of a cringe factor, they can be useful for hiding that tangle of pipes and wiring that inhabits the upper reaches of the basement. If you're trying to fix up a downstairs space, a drop ceiling may be your best option. Read on for the installation basics.

Buying plants is a lot of fun, but be sure to do your homework before you head out to the nursery. A little planning will give your new plants the best possible chance to thrive and put you on the road to your lushest, most striking garden ever.

Too much condensation pooling around your central AC? Follow these steps to keep your cool when your system can’t.

Drinking straws seem to have only one purpose, but they have become a DIY darling. It’s not hard to see why: They’re produced in an endless range of fun colors and patterns, they’re cheap, and they’re super-versatile. Check out these 10 unexpected ways to use these terrific little tubes everywhere from the kitchen to the home office.