Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 39)

Beat the Heat Cooling Deals June 2025
Deals

Beat the Extreme Heat: Retailers are Slashing Prices on These Top Cooling Products

Summer just started, but many top-rated cooling items are already selling out due to the record temps across the country. Score markdowns on fans, AC units, and other popular cooling products while they’re still available.

Three Makita MakTrak components
Storage & Organizing

I’m a Contractor and This Might Be My New Favorite Modular Tool Storage System

Not only does this toolbox set include must-have features like ergonomic handles and dual-hinged lids, it includes two helpful features that I always wanted.

Best Garden Fork
Lawn, Garden & Pool

Garden Forks Come In Many Forms, But This One Is Our All-Around Favorite

Use this versatile tool to loosen, lift, and turn soil in your garden.

A person pours softener salt into a soft water tank.
Plumbing

10 Signs Your Home Needs a Water Softener

Your houseplants are dying and your food tastes funny: You may have a hard water problem at your place.

Ryobi Days deal Track Saw Deal at The Home Depot
Deals

The Home Depot is Offering Deep Discounts During Ryobi Days—Including This Cordless Saw

Get pro-level precision for under $300. This Ryobi kit from The Home Depot includes the saw, guide track, battery, and charger.

Best Pool Test Kit Options
Reviews

Pool Water Testing Has Never Been Easier Thanks to These Test Kits

We put these pool test kits through a test of our own to ensure users are in the know about the chemistry of their pools.

Best Soaker Hoses
Lawn, Garden & Pool

We Tested 11 Soaker Hoses—Our Favorite Will Save You Time in the Garden

Conserve water and reduce evaporation using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. We tested the top soaker hoses on the market to see which ones were the best—find out the pros and cons of the most popular models.

The Best Chlorine Tablets Option
Reviews

These Chlorine Tablets Will Keep Your Pool Clear of Bacteria, Algae, and Insects All Summer

Regularly treat your pool with the high-quality chlorine tablets to keep bacteria at bay and prevent algae blooms.

Several black ants crawling on tiled flooring.
Pest Control

These Are the Best (and Cheapest) Ways to Banish Ants From Your Property

Finding ants inside or outside your home can be alarming, but it’s not the end of the world. Try these simple DIY solutions to get rid of them and stop them from returning.

A man adjusting the Best Pool Vacuum Option in preparation for putting into a pool
Reviews

Say Goodbye to Manual Scrubbing—Our Top Pool Vacuum Does All the Work for You

Don’t let pool maintenance leave you feeling all wet. Take a bit of the workload off yourself with these pool vacuums.

Man in flip flops cleaning the swimming pool with a net.
Pools & Water Features

The Dos and Don’ts of Swimming Pool Maintenance

For a safe and healthy summer in your own backyard oasis, take these steps before you take the plunge.

Young couple talking to manual worker about housing design plans at construction site.
Building & Installing

If You Install a Shed or Pool, Don’t Forget to Check Out These Local Regulations

Before building a new shed or planning an extension for the home, it’s important to understand setbacks and how they might impact your plans.

A man uses a security pad to close his garage door.
Garages

8 Garage Door Security Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

A few smart moves—and a pair of scissors—can make your garage way more secure.

Style Well Patio Umbrella 60% off deal at The Home Depot
Deals

My Favorite Patio Essential is Now 60% Off at The Home Depot for July 4th

This backyard staple is my favorite patio upgrade. Marked down to 60% off, it's sure to sell out.

A house with the best garage door screens option closed over the garage doors
Reviews

This Inexpensive Upgrade Keeps Bugs Out of Your Garage Year-Round

Create a bug-free work space in your garage without having to close the door with one of these top garage door screens.

Three types of bird feeders on a pole outdoors
Lawn & Garden

12 Types of Bird Feeders Every Backyard Birder Should Know

To attract certain types of birds, choose the right bird feeder and learn how to take care of it properly.

A newly clean dryer vent hose with a small pile of dryer lint in front of the hose.
Appliances

How to Clean a Dryer Vent

A dryer vent that's clogged with lint doesn't just reduce the appliance's efficiency—it is a potential fire hazard. Here’s how to get your vent clean and keep it that way.

brad nailer vs finish nailer
Tools

Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer: Which Power Tool Is Best for Your Project?

Brad nailers and finish nailers look similar, but they're used for different sorts of projects. How can you tell the difference between the tools, and which one is best for your next project?

A DIYer using a stud finder to find studs in a wall with a graphic overlay that says Tool Tutorial.
Workshop

How to Use a Stud Finder

Master this tool and technique, and you can rest assured that whatever you mount to the wall—mirror, television, or shelves—will stay in place.

Many types of drywall anchors laid out against a brown background.
Interior

7 Types of Drywall Anchors Every Homeowner Should Know

Drywall anchors are used to hold everything from lightweight pictures to heavy cabinets, but which one is right for which job?