Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 79)

The florets and spikes of a buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) blade are visible as the grass self-spreads in the wild.
Landscaping

Buffalo Grass: The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Lawn?

Buffalo grass may be the answer for homeowners who dream of a lush, green lawn that requires little maintenance—under the right circumstances.

A general interior view of a room with beige sofa, two accent lounge chairs, black sideboard, bookshelves and a new beige carpet.
Flooring

7 Secrets to Keeping Your Carpet Looking New

Proper maintenance (and occasional damage control) can keep your carpeted floors cozy and clean for years to come, no matter the size of your household.

This is Our Favorite Generator Cover for Rain, Snow, and Dust Protection
Backup Generators

This is Our Favorite Generator Cover for Rain, Snow, and Dust Protection

Help your generator provide emergency electricity for many power outages to come with one of these top generator covers.

The Best Cordless Caulk Guns
Reviews

The Best Cordless Caulking Gun for A Fast, Professional Finish

Battery-powered caulking guns are designed for the effortless application of fillers, sealants, and adhesives. We tested a handful and chose the top performers.

Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer Review
Reviews

I May Never Paint With a Brush Again Thanks to This Paint Sprayer

Can you get a professional finish from Graco’s consumer-friendly airless paint sprayer? Find out what happened when I tested this paint sprayer.

A bumblebee on a flower within a diverse flower bed.
Landscaping

New Study Explains Critical Factors for Pollinator Gardens

It’s easier than you might think to support bees, butterflies, moths, and more with your landscaping decisions.

A woman is cleaning a bedroom's dark wooden laminate floor with a vacuum cleaner.
Flooring

The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

Hard-working laminate flooring is durable, affordable, and stain-resistant. But is it a better choice than vinyl or tile?

Woman stands in front of front-load washer, distributing laundry evenly inside.
Appliances

What to Do When Your Clothes Washer Won’t Spin

Clothes shouldn’t be sopping wet after a run in the washer. Repair your machine's spin cycle with these quick tips, and learn when to throw in the towel and call an appliance expert.

The Best Work Gloves Options
Workshop

After Testing Work Gloves, This is The Pair We Use Daily

We tested the top work gloves on the market during home improvement, gardening, and automotive projects. Find out the top performers in our hands-on tests.

Handyman kneels in front of a white brick fireplace, painting it with a paint roller.
Painting & Finishing

How to Paint a Brick Fireplace

Sometimes it pays to skip the remodel! Rather than pulling out an outdated brick fireplace, save money and still transform this feature into one you'll enjoy for seasons to come—with just a bit of paint.

Ace Hardware Fall Lawn Care Essentials Options
Lawn Care

Everything You Need to Grab from the Hardware Store for Your Fall Lawn Care Routine

Prep your yard to survive winter and thrive in spring while saving on must-have tools, fertilizers, and grass seed.

The Best Outdoor Fireplace
Outdoor Living

The Best Outdoor Fireplaces for a Cozy Backyard

A toasty, crackling fire makes any outdoor space feel more inviting. Keep warm and cozy on the patio or in your backyard with the best outdoor fireplaces.

Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet installed on a white toilet
Reviews

Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Review: Create a Better Bathroom Experience

A bidet can replace toilet paper and make it easier to clean your bottom. We tested a best-selling bidet to see what all the hype is about.

A living room with grey carpet and white couch is on the left side, and a living room with light-colored hardwood flooring and a white couch is on the right.
Flooring

Carpet vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which Is the Better Option for Your Home?

Price, comfort, return on investment: There’s a lot to consider when deciding which of the two popular flooring options is right for your home.

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
Tools & Materials

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.
Flooring

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.
Skills & Techniques

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.