Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 42)

Curved sofa with neutral cushions and a brown throw blanket.
Interior Design

5 Returning 90s Home Trends That Are Anything But Cookie-Cutter

Experts weigh in on the top design elements making a comeback from the last decade before the turn of the century.

Rear view, silhouette of a woman wearing headphones, looking out window at illuminated city at night.
Windows

5 Smart Tips for Soundproofing Windows

Is the world outside your window so loud you can’t hear yourself think? Overcome outdoor noise with these window-soundproofing strategies.

House insurance paperwork and calculator on a table.
Home Insurance

As Home Insurance Prices Surge, These Perks Can Help You Get the Most Out of Your Plan

Don’t forget about these parts of your policy that homeowners often miss.

Blue Signature air purifier in a room setting
Reviews

This Advanced Air Purifier Is More Than a Pretty Face (and Yes, It Is Pretty)

It may look minimalist, but this purifier packs serious power, especially in homes with pets and open-concept spaces.

A person using the best push mower to mow a lawn.
Mowers

We Tested More Than 30 Lawn Mowers to Find the 7 Best Push Models

Keep your lawn perfectly manicured with one of these indispensable turf-maintenance tools.

Bluetti Elite 200 02
Reviews

I Powered a Full-Size Fridge for 30 Hours With a Power Station That’s Only 1 Cubic Foot

I hooked this portable charger up to Bluetti’s solar panels and put it through its paces under the Florida sun—here’s what I learned after months of hands-on use.

beatbot aquasense 2 swimming 02
Reviews

Can the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Really Clean Your Pool Walls, Waterline, and Floor?

From setup to shutdown, it’s one of the smoothest pool-cleaning experiences I’ve had. But is it worth the price?

A white Ring doorbell camera.
Home Security

Does Ring Work With Google Home?

The compatibility of Ring and Google Home is complicated. Here’s what to know if your home is supported by products of both tech families.

Ace Hardware Milwaukee Packout Slashing Prices Deal
Deals

Ace Hardware Is Slashing Prices on Milwaukee’s Packout System

I’ve tested lots of tool storage, and Milwaukee’s Packout system is one of the toughest I’ve used. Ace Hardware’s latest bundle deal makes it easy to save—if you know which modules to grab.

A person is repairing a burst pipe in a damaged wall.
Plumbing

How to Turn Off Water to Your House

Do you know where your home’s water shut-off valve is, and how to turn it off? Learn what to do before you’re faced with a plumbing emergency.

The Best Detail Sander Options
Power Tools

Our Favorite Detail Sanders After Hands-On Testing

Sanding is a vital step in woodworking. We tested today’s best detail sanders in our woodshop—find out which ones made the cut.

Six of the best right angle drill kits on a wood floor in front of a cement wall.
Power Tools

We Tested the Best Right-Angle Drills—Here’s What Stood Out

Don’t resort to hand tools when a standard drill won’t fit into that tight spot. Instead, add the best right-angle drill to your arsenal.

A row of floor heating distribution PEX Pipes.
Interior

The Complete Guide to PEX Pipe

Find out why this colorful tubing is a popular plumbing alternative to copper, especially for DIYers.

The Home Depot Ryobi Deals Days Free Tool
Deals

Act Fast, The Home Depot Is Giving Away Ryobi Power Tools Including This $189 Nailer

Snag Ryobi’s $189 cordless brad nailer free when you buy the 18V battery bundle—only during Ryobi Days at The Home Depot.

how to wire light switch
Lighting & Electrical

How to Wire a Light Switch: Easy Steps for Single-Pole and 3-Way Switches

Light switch wiring is a task that most DIYers can take on themselves without calling an electrician. Follow these steps to wire your switches safely.

A variety of screws laid diagonally on a white background.
Building & Installing

5 Types of Screws Every DIYer Should Know

Learn about the fasteners that are responsible for holding just about everything in our homes together. Here's how to identify them by head type, and how to know which one is best for your project.

The Best Chainsaw for Backyard Options
Power Tools

Testing the Best Chainsaws for Backyards, Firewood, and More

Tackle landscaping, yard maintenance, and projects in the woods with a reliable chainsaw.

Hummingbird feeding from one of the Best Bird Feeder Cameras
Wildlife

The Best Bird Feeder Cameras for High-Tech Bird-Watching, Tested

Our top picks boast advanced imaging, AI technology, and sustainable power options to enhance your wildlife observation experience.

The Best Bolt Cutters Option
Tools & Materials

The Best Bolt Cutters for Your At-Home Needs, Tested

Wield enough power to cut through steel with one of these mighty bolt cutters—field-tested to determine the best models.

Woman scooping a baking soda-based DIY toilet bowl cleaner into the toilet.
Cleaning

30 Lazy Cleaning Tricks for a Spotless Home

Who knew that wearing silly slippers could keep your floors clean? With these fun and easy cleaning hacks, housework will take half the time it used to.