Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 78)

The Best PVC Pipe Cutter Options
Reviews

After Testing the Best PVC Pipe Cutters, This is Our Must-Have Choice For Larger Pipes

Make quick work of plumbing and irrigation projects with these top PVC pipe cutters.

The Best Cordless Screwdriver Options
Reviews

We Tested The Best Cordless Screwdrivers, See Our Favorite

Top-quality, easy-to-tote cordless screwdrivers reduce forearm fatigue and speed up your project’s progress. We tested several popular cordless screwdrivers—read on to find out how they fared.

A young person is using a dry mop to clean hardwood flooring.
Flooring

7 Ways You May Be Ruining Your Hardwood Floors

Want your wood flooring to last for decades? Avoid these cleansers, tools, and other items that can damage them.

A child's bare feet are lightly touching the wooden floor.
Interior

11 Reasons Hardwood Flooring Might Not Be Right for Your Home

Wood floors are trending, but are they right for your lifestyle? Think twice about hardwood if you're a musician, have pets, or if any of its downsides give you pause.

Close up of an ax with its blade pointed into the round of a log.
DIY

How to Split Firewood

Splitting wood doesn’t have to be a backbreaking experience. Learn which tools you need, and the right technique to employ, finish the task safely.

Satellite view of hurricane Dorian, year 2019.
Exterior

Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet—Hurricane Season Might Just Be Delayed This Year

With the 2024 hurricane season baffling experts, learn how to stay prepared.

Cutting a PVC pipe with a pipe cutter.
DIY

The 3 Best Ways to Cut PVC Pipe

Use these tools to get the best results when cutting plastic PVC piping.

A woman is pruning a fruit tree in front of her home.
Lawn & Garden

Prune These 10 Plants Before Summer Ends (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

The right tools, the right time, and the right procedure for late summer pruning can result in healthier, shapelier plants that produce more blooms and better growth.

A person at home using tablet with smart home control functions.
Interior

Smart Furniture Has Many Benefits—But It’s Not for Everyone

Experts weigh in on the pros and cons.

The Best Mop For Tile Floors Option
Reviews

We Tested The Best Mops for Tile Floors, and The Winner is Clear

An ergonomic and effective mop can make cleaning floors feel like less of a chore. Bring a squeaky-clean shine back to your tile floors with these functional and affordable mops.

Linsy Sofa Review
Furniture & Decor

This Modular Sofa Is 50% Cheaper Than Lovesac With the Same Features

The Linsy Home Rubik III is a high-quality modular sofa that adds versatility and elegance to any home.

The Best Putty Knives
Reviews

Tested: The Best Putty Knives for Spackling, Scraping, and Mudding

A reliable putty knife is an essential tool for repairing nail holes, taping and mudding seams on newly installed drywall, and scraping off old paint or wallpaper.

Close up of kitchen counter with butcher block
Interior

5 Things to Know About Sealing Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops can last for years if they're maintained properly. Here's what to know about cleaning, sealing and maintaining the surfaces.

Hand shaking toilet flusher.
DIY

Why Is My Toilet Hissing?

A water flow problem is likely causing the the toilet noise you're hearing. Learn which toilet parts need your attention.

Person inserts a soil test probe into a hole in a grassy yard.
Lawn & Garden

How to Test Soil pH

Give your plants the very best chance of survival by growing them in suitable soil.

A teal chair and two small white metal tables are placed in a concrete basement room.
Basements

14 Unfinished Basement Ideas You Can DIY in a Weekend

Can't afford a full basement renovation, but still want to be able to use the space comfortably? These DIY updates can make a big difference.

Overhead view of a man setting a wax ring around the toilet pipe opening on a tile floor.
Bathrooms

How to Replace the Wax Ring on a Toilet

Is water puddling around the base of your toilet? Here’s how to replace a failing wax ring.

A suburban blue home with a tree planted in front of the front windows to provide shade.
Lawn & Garden

7 Landscaping Strategies That Can Lower Your Home’s Energy Costs Year-Round

There are plenty of things you can do indoors to reduce your bills, but these smart landscaping tips can help you save even more.

A yellow two-story home features manicured landscaping and a clean exterior.
Curb Appeal

13 Outdoor Upgrades That Make Your Home More Valuable

Thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen or backyard deck? These and other exterior home improvements can pay off big time.

All 10 of the best ceiling fans installed and in use during testing.
Reviews

The Best Ceiling Fans to Keep Your Home Breezy Without Cranking the AC, Tested

A good ceiling fan can help cool a home while lowering energy costs. We tested today's top-selling models to find out which ones blew the competition away.