Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 88)

Birds flying above a river at sunset with the moon in the sky.
Lawn & Garden

Big lights are big problems for birds on the move. Here's how to address your landscape lighting—plus 7 more small changes around the yard that will help migration.

Milwaukee M18 Hammer Drill on workbench with white peg board
Power Tools

This hammer drill bests the competition in nearly every measurable aspect, making it worth the high price tag.

Four Chimneys Inn, Manchester, Vermont
Fireplaces & Chimneys

From classic wood-burning hearths to completely flameless electric fireplaces, there’s an option sure to be right for virtually any home.

A woman using a drill to drill a piece of wood into a brick wall.
Skills & Techniques

Are you planning to hang a garden hose reel or artwork on a brick wall in your home, and don't know where to start? Choose the right tool, drill bit, and technique, and you can bore holes in brick walls—indoors and out—in mere minutes.

A brown stink bug on the side of a house
Reviews

Dreading stink bug season? Effective repellents help keep these seasonal home invaders away.

Pull-out sofa with bed pulled out and wrinkled sheets and pillows.
Holidays & Celebrations

Caught in a space squeeze without a hideaway bed? Ensure that your overnight visitors get a good night’s sleep with these cots, Murphy beds, futons, and more.

Split image showing a magnified drain fly on the left and a magnified fruit fly on the right.
Pests

At first glance these two types of flies look similar. Learning to identify the species and limiting their food sources will help you control your fly issue.

A large patch of hydrangeas, in hues that vary from blue to purple to pink.
Gardening

Changing the color of the flowers is as easy as testing your soil and adding these amendments.

A butternut squash growing on a vine in a lush garden.
Gardening

If you grew a patch of butternut squash this year, you “butter” learn the nuts and bolts of when to pick it!

Woman uses garden hose to rinse debris from air conditioner compressor.
Cooling

Want to save money and lengthen your AC unit’s life? Follow this easy-to-follow maintenance regimen for cleaning the inside of your air conditioner.

Freshly waxed hardwood flooring shines in the light of large windows in an empty living room.
Flooring

Waxing can bring long-lasting luster to hardwood floors. Learn which type of wax is right for your wood floors, and how to apply it properly.

Staining a wooden shelf on an outdoor work station.
Furniture & Design

Staining wood furniture brings out the natural beauty of wood grain. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a beautiful, lasting finish.

Rusted screws on address numbers in a brick wall.
Skills & Techniques

When repairing older metal furniture and appliances, it's common to encounter rusted screws. Help these fasteners yield by following one of these tried-and-true processes.

Best Potting Soil
Reviews

The right type of indoor potting mix can make all the difference in the health of your houseplants.

Person wearing winter clothing pushing a snow blower through a snowy driveway.
Tools

How you maintain a snow blower directly correlates with how prepared you are for this season's snowfall. Repairing and replacing spark plugs, shear pins, and more will keep your machine running smoothly.

The Best Applicator for Deck Stain Options
Tools & Materials

From brush to sprayer, and everything in between, we put them all through the paces to find the right products for your deck-staining project.

The Best Water Cooler
Appliances & Cookware

For cool, refreshing water on demand—or hot water for instant tea and coffee—invest in a plumbed-in or freestanding water cooler.

how to change a tire
Skills & Techniques

Change your flat tire and get back on the road safely with these simple steps.

how to change a bike tire
Repair & Maintenance

Bicycle tire flats are inevitable, so learn how to replace the tire on your bike before anything can interrupt your ride.

A DIYer using an air compressor for home improvement projects with a graphic overlay that says Tool Tutorial.
Skills & Techniques

We take a close look at these versatile tools, and share how to get the most out of air compressors at home.