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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 403)

Paint Can Brush
Painting & Finishing

The Right Way to Handle a Paintbrush

A little know-how goes a long way when it comes to painting. These simple tips will save you headaches and help you achieve professional results.

How Long Do Fire Extinguishers Last? Solved!
Home Safety

Solved! How Long Do Fire Extinguishers Last?

Rely on this info to keep your home safe from flames and your defenses up to date.

Before and After: 9 Totally Amazing Mobile Home Makeovers
Exterior

Before and After: 9 Totally Amazing Mobile Home Makeovers

Manufactured housing has always been an affordable alternative to site-built homes. Older models especially can be scooped up at a reasonable price, providing prospective buyers a relatively low-stress pathway to homeownership. Some lucky, resourceful owners of modestly priced manufactured homes opt for remodeling their new-to-them residences on their own. They rebuild and restyle their factory-assembled interiors from the chassis up, often chronicling their remodeling recipes—a blend of aesthetics, power tool prowess, ingenuity, and secondhand shopping savvy—on their blogs, while loyal readers eagerly await each new reveal. Crystal Adkins, editor at Mobile Home Living, covers lots of DIY mobile home remodeling projects on her site. She often concludes that had she not told her readers that these are manufactured homes, they never would have known. Is she right? Take a look at a few choice mobile home makeovers and judge for yourself.

5 Reasons Homeowners Don't Need to Replace Their Windows
Windows

5 Reasons Not to Buy Replacement Windows (…and Go with Window Inserts Instead)

Learn about a faster, easier, and more flexible solution for old, poorly performing windows.

9 Smart Uses for Dusty Old Books
Easy DIY Projects

9 Smart Uses for Dusty Old Books

While the thought of destroying a hardcover tome might make some book lovers squirm, there does come a time when an old, musty, or damaged book may have outlived its usefulness. While there's no sense in destroying truly rare and valuable books, for the run-of-the-mill old book, there are many ways to repurpose it. Here are just a handful of ideas.

How To: Solder Copper Pipe Fittings
Workshop

How To: Solder Copper Pipe Fittings

Learn how to join copper pipe with a soldered sweat fitting.

How To: Replace Damaged Tile
Flooring

How To: Replace Damaged Tile

Without disturbing the surrounding wall or floor installation, you can easily replace one or a few tiles that have chipped, cracked, or broken.

Clever Ideas for Removable Backsplashes
Kitchen Design

14 Brilliant Ideas for Removable Backsplashes

Saying “goodbye” to your old backsplash won’t be difficult if you install one of these temporary yet timeless wall treatments in your kitchen.

All You Need to Know About Brick Homes
Curb Appeal

All You Need to Know About Brick Homes

Get the 411 on this sturdy, stately siding to decide if it’s right for your home-to-be or exterior remodel.

19 Cool Projects You Can Do with Leftover Paint
Easy DIY Projects

19 Cool Projects You Can Do with Leftover Paint

A gallon of gas? It won't get you too far. A gallon of milk? If you have a big family, it can be gone in a day. But a gallon of paint? It can go a long way, meaning leftover paint is a common occurrence. If you share our quest to make everything old new again, consider using the leftover paint to renew or revamp your home. Here are 19 cool projects you can do with 128 ounces or less.

How to Make a DIY Christmas Tree Stand
Holidays & Celebrations

This DIY Christmas Tree Stand Makes Your Fake Fir Look Real (and Taller!)

An exposed tree base is a dead giveaway that your fir is fake. Upgrade yours with a wooden stand that hides its metal legs and even makes your tree appear taller!

8 Colors You Didn’t Know Were Trademarked
Interior Design

8 Colors You Didn’t Know Were Trademarked

Thanks to marketing and advertising, consumers often associate colors with a particular brand—think Tiffany Blue or Post-it canary yellow. Some companies trademark their signature hues to ensure that competitors can’t steal their recognizable shades (and their business). Here are 8 bold and beautiful colors that are officially registered to familiar brands.

The 7 Room Layout Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes
Interior Design

The 7 Room Layout Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

You begin with an empty room, then you fill it with your belongings. Does the end result welcome and delight you, or does something seem not quite right? You may own an enviable house and lovely furnishings, but the whole thing can be undermined by awkward arranging. If your living spaces aren’t all they could be, perhaps you’re committing one of these common furniture faux pas. Read on, and mend your ways!

8 Exotic Houseplants You’ve Never Heard Of
Houseplants

8 Exotic Houseplants You’ve Never Heard Of

Houseplants bring natural vitality to any interior space, and thanks to modern technology, uncommon varieties from around the world are available to anyone willing to flex their green thumb. If you’re looking to add impact to your indoor garden, check out these 8 exceptionally exotic houseplants you’ve probably never heard of.

15 Ideas for Better Kitchen Herb Gardens
Houseplants

15 Tips for Growing Kitchen Herb Gardens

Create better-tasting meals with an always available array of fresh herbs right at your fingertips!

When, Why, and How to Use Compost Tea in the Garden
Gardening

All You Need to Know About Compost Tea

Brew your way to a hardier, healthier garden using this guide to compost tea.

Houseplant Pests
Houseplants

Bug Off: Your Guide to Dealing with Houseplant Pests

Besides the right soil, sufficient sunlight, and neither too much nor too little water, there's one more thing that any thriving houseplant requires—protection from invasive pests.

How to Make Concrete Pumpkins with Quikrete
Holidays & Celebrations

How To: Make Concrete Pumpkins

This Halloween, it's all treats and no tricks! You'll have no need to worry about smashed or rotting pumpkins when you create a jack-o'-lantern from classic candy pails.

10 Things You Never Thought to Do with Nail Polish
Repair & Maintenance

10 Things You Never Thought to Do with Nail Polish

Open your medicine cabinet and you'll probably find several half-filled bottles of fingernail polish. Before tossing the containers, try one of these 10 unusual household uses for the beauty staple.

DIY Serving Tray
Workshop

DIY Lite: Make a Stunning Serving Tray from Scrap Wood

Wow guests by serving up snacks or drinks on a platter that's truly one-of-a-kind.