Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Furniture & Design

How to Polish Wood Furniture

Wood furniture can last for decades if it's cared for properly. Regular polishing can conceal scratches and protect the wood from dust and spills.

Interior Design

16 Types of Blinds Every Homeowner Should Know

Window blinds shield your home's interior from the sun (and prying eyes), but how do you know whether to buy Venetian or vertical? This guide will help you determine which blinds are right for you.

Clothing & Gear

Wolverine Loader II Review: No Break-In, No Blisters

After a week of 10-hour days on concrete slabs, ladders, and rough job-site ground, my contractor husband gave his verdict: comfortable from the first morning, with no sore feet at quitting time.

Power Tools

Home Depot’s Early Black Friday Sale Drops Tools to Clearance-Level Pricing—Save Up to 70% Off Tool Kits, Batteries, and More

Shop DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Ridgid, and Makita gifts starting at $24.97, including battery-and-charger kits for $99.

Deals

Amazon’s Early Black Friday Deals Drop Chainsaws Up to 38%—Save on Greenworks, Worx, and More

Cordless chainsaws, mini pruning saws, and pole saws from Greenworks, Ego, Worx, and Black+Decker start at just $68.97.

Home Security

6 Tricks to Get Back Into Your House After Getting Locked Out

Keep this plan in your back pocket, and try out five handy tactics to avoid this situation in the first place.

Lighting & Electrical

6 Cool Ways to Decorate With Battery-Operated Candles, From Now Until the New Year

An interior designer shares her tips on how best to elevate home décor with battery-operated candles.

Hand Tools

The 40 Best Gifts for Woodworkers in 2026—Tools, Clamps, Accessories, and More

The best gifts for woodworkers make their job or hobby more enjoyable, whether experienced professionals or beginners. From noise-canceling earbuds to drill bit sets, these gifts can help fine-tune the process.

HVAC

The Best Space Heaters of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Learn the features that matter most in a space heater so you can find the unit that works best for your needs and budget.

Safety & Security

The Best Solar Gutter Lights of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Adding a touch of flair, convenience, and security around your property has never been easier than with these tested solar gutter lights.

Gardening

2027 Garden Planning: What the Experts Say Will Be Big Next Year

With the hottest colors, plants, and styles, we’ve got you covered for next season.

Fireplaces & Chimneys

6 Ways to Stop Chimney Fires Before They Start

Enlist these techniques to reduce the likelihood of a chimney fire starting on your watch.

Outdoor Living

What Does a Green Porch Light Mean? The Tradition, Explained

Learn the reason your neighbors are shining green porch lights this month—and no, it doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas.

Power Tools

The Best Cordless Screwdrivers for Furniture Assembly, Repairs, and Tight Spots

We drove dozens of screws into pre-drilled holes, drywall, and wood to find the models that offer the best mix of comfort, control, and power.

Appliances & Cookware

Lowe’s Is Clearing Out Appliances Ahead of Black Friday—Up to $1,400 Off Whirlpool, Samsung, GE, and More

Save on laundry and kitchen replacements, with Maytag washers under $600, dishwashers under $500, and more than $1,000 off French door refrigerators.

Deals

EcoFlow Power Stations Drop Up to 58% Off in Amazon’s Early Black Friday Sale

Save on power stations for outages, solar bundles for off-grid trips, and power banks starting at $16.49.

Hand Tools

25 Ryobi Gifts for DIYers—Power Tools, Accessories, and More

Find the perfect gift to complete your favorite tool nerd’s collection of quality Ryobi tools and products.

Landscaping

5 Annual Flowers I Bring Indoors to Brighten Winter

If you hate to watch your annuals shrivel and die in autumn, bring some indoors for summerlike flowers and greenery during winter.

Cleaning Supplies

The Best Roof Cleaners of 2026, Tested

Bring your home’s roof back to its original glory by removing dark streaks, moss, and other roof-hitchhiking debris. These cleaners will help.

HVAC

The Best Propane Heaters of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Heat your home, garage, patio, or campsite with a powerful and efficient propane heater.