Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Deals

Amazon Is Clearing Out Portable Power Stations Ahead of Black Friday—Save Up to 47% Off Anker, Bluetti, and More

Save up to 47% on backup power from Bluetti, Anker, Jackery, and DJI, with options for keeping devices charged or running larger appliances during an outage.

Pests

How to Get Stink Bugs Out of Your House

Stink bugs often head indoors when temperatures drop. Here’s how to evict these unwelcome squatters and keep them out.

Power Tools

Ace’s Early Black Friday Deals Drop DeWalt Tools Up to 52% Off—Save on Drills, Drivers, Saws, and More

Shop drill-and-driver bundles, a $99 pruning saw, and workshop accessories, with extra Ace Rewards savings on select deals for your projects or gift list.

Interior

The Right Types of Christmas Lights for Indoor and Outdoor Holiday Displays

Ready to light up your house for the holidays? Learn which types of Christmas lights, bulb sizes, and colors work best in all your interior and exterior spaces.

Fireplaces & Chimneys

15 Things You Should Never Burn in the Fireplace

It may seem OK to toss things like driftwood and cardboard into your fireplace, but doing so can smoke up your house, and even cause chimney fires.

Heating

This is the Best Temperature Setting for Your Thermostat in Winter

There's a sweet spot between comfort and savings on your thermostat.

Tools & Materials

The Best Oil for Snow Blowers of 2026, Expert-Picked

Keep your snow blower ready for the next snowfall with one of these quality motor oils.

Tools & Materials

The Best Nonstick Sprays for Snow Blowers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Don’t let clogged snow blower chutes and augers slow you down. Prepare for big storms with a nonstick spray that keeps passageways clear.

Power Tools

The Home Depot Is Clearing Out DeWalt Tools for Early Black Friday—Save up to 53% on Tools, Kits, and Batteries/Chargers

Shop $99 drill kits, discounted batteries, and tool bundles with up to $370 off for your next project or a favorite DIYer.

Painting & Finishing

3 Winterization Projects That Are as Easy as Painting

Take care of these painting and sealing jobs to protect your outdoor furniture, walkways, and structures before winter hits.

Holiday Decorations

The Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations of 2026: 15 Festive Picks for Your Porch and Yard

From nostalgic roofline lights to a mailbox made for letters to Santa, these tested outdoor decorations bring holiday cheer to porches, yards, and entryways.

Everyday Essentials

The Best Lunch Boxes for Construction Workers, Picks from Our Editors

Soup, sandwich, salad, leftovers—whatever you pack will stay fresh if you have the right lunch box. These top options provide easy access to their contents and are durable enough for rugged jobsite environments.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Hydroponic Systems of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Hoping to enjoy fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables year-round? We tested some of the most popular indoor hydroponic systems to help folks find the ideal option for growing produce at home.

Deals

Lowe’s Early Black Friday Deal: Get a Free Kobalt Jigsaw or Reciprocating Saw With a $299 Combo Kit

Buy a Kobalt 24V four-tool combo kit for $299 and choose a free jigsaw, reciprocating saw, impact wrench, or other tool worth up to $169.

Deals

Amazon’s Early Black Friday Sale Drops Outdoor Tools Up to 40% Off—Save on Greenworks, Worx, and More

Finish fall cleanup with discounted Worx, Greenworks, and Black+Decker equipment, from trimmers and leaf blowers to chainsaws and mowers ready for spring.

Holiday Decorations

The Home Depot’s Early Black Friday Holiday Decor Sale Takes Up to 43% Off Christmas Trees and More

Save on flocked trees, lighted reindeer, oversized wreaths, and a Santa-on-a-motorcycle inflatable while there’s still plenty to choose from.

Hand Tools

The Best Gifts for Pros, From Electricians to Carpenters: 32 Tools and Gear They’ll Actually Use

Give the pro in your life a gift they can use at home or on the job site.

Heating

3 Updates for Electric Home Heating You Can Complete by Winter

Stay cozy throughout your home by addressing the chilliest spots.

Tools

How to Use an Axe Safely

When you're cutting down trees or splitting wood for your backyard campfire, wielding an axe improperly can have dire consequences.

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.