Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

The Best Seedling Heat Mat
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Seedling Heat Mats of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Starting seeds indoors gives gardeners a jump on the summer growing season. Speed up the germination process with the right seedling heat mat.

Amazon Drops Power Tool Prices to Clearance Levels Ahead of Spring—Save Up to 50% on DeWalt, Bosch, Metabo, and More
Tools

Amazon Drops Power Tool Prices to Clearance Levels Ahead of Spring—Save Up to 50% on DeWalt, Bosch, Metabo, and More

You can grab a DeWalt drill and impact kit for $139, a Milwaukee multi-tool for $99, and brushless options from Bosch and Craftsman—all priced under $200. See our favorites.

Best Lead Test Kits
Paint Needs

The Best Lead Test Kits of 2026

Before you remove old paint or renovate an older home, use a home lead test kit to check if lead is present in your walls and other surfaces.

Shop Wayfair's Clearance Sale Ahead of Spri: Up to 79% Off Fire Pits, Patio Sets, and Pizza Ovens
Outdoor Furniture

Shop Wayfair’s Clearance Sale Ahead of Spring: Up to 79% Off Fire Pits, Patio Sets, and Pizza Ovens

From a $144 chaise lounge set (was $674) to half-off propane fire pit tables and smokers under $200, these backyard deals deliver serious savings just in time for outdoor season. See our favorites.

Dead hedges lining a trail in a large backyard.
Lawn Care & Gardening

5 Unique Ways I Use Dead Hedges on My Property

Make artful and practical use of garden waste with linear creations that also provide an important ecological link, creating nutrient-rich homes for microorganisms and animals.

Friends unpacking boxes in attic
Attics

7 Things You Never Want to Keep in the Attic

Experts want you to avoid storing these common items in the attic to ensure they don’t get ruined or forgotten.

The Best Workbenches
Tools & Materials

The Best Workbenches for DIYers, Woodworkers, and Pros

From weekend projects to pro-level builds, these workbenches provide the space and stability you need.

The Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Options
Lighting

The Best Under-Cabinet Lighting for Kitchens and Beyond

Increase kitchen functionality at any hour with extra output from easy-to-install under-cabinet lighting.

The Best Drill Bits Options
Power Tools

The Best Drill Bits of 2026, Tested

Get the lowdown on drill bits so you’ll know which ones to buy and rely on for all kinds of drilling tasks and DIY projects.

A group of the Best Cordless Drills Under $100 on a workbench before testing.
Building & Installing

The Best Cordless Drills Under $100 for Your DIY Projects

Add an essential tool to your workshop without overspending.

Woman sits on stairs with paper and pencil, sketching layout of staircase.
Flooring

How to Measure Stairs for Carpet

The first step to carpeting your staircase is knowing how much carpet to order. Here's how to get an accurate measurement.

Woman wearing dust mask uses a sander to sand a wood drawer.
Skills & Techniques

How to Sand Wood

Whether you plan to update wood furniture with a new coat of paint or just need to smooth a freshly cut edge, this guide will help you select the best sandpaper, tools, and technique for the job.

A carpenter with eye protection and grey hat uses a sander on outdoor decking.
Deck, Patio & Porch

How to Sand a Deck the Right Way

A professional deck builder shares basic steps (and a few secrets) for sanding a wood deck to renew its surface.

Home Depot Is Clearing Out This Bob Vila-Tested DeWalt Oscillating Multi-Tool—Save 54%
Power Tools

Home Depot Is Clearing Out This Bob Vila-Tested DeWalt Oscillating Multi-Tool—Save 54%

One of our go-to oscillating multi-tools is temporarily priced at over half off, making it a good time to buy if you’re into remodeling or repair work.

Woman handing a plate to a young girl through a large pass through window in her house.
Deck, Patio & Porch

4 Ways to Embrace Biophilic Living at Home Beyond Buying More Plants

Blur the lines between inside and outside by adding these features to your home.

A sink faucet with low water pressure.
Plumbing

What Causes Low Water Pressure In Your House?

Low water pressure in your home can be caused by things like clogged pipes, valve issues, even municipal supply problems. Learn why your water is trickling, and what you can do to fix it.

Cottage garden with various flowers in a circular shape.
Gardening

Want a Cottage Garden That Looks Like This? Do What This Influencer Does.

The contrast of sculptured shrubs with meandering pathways and beds bursting with color paints an alluring picture. Here’s how you can pull this off yourself.

DeWalt Drops 3 New Brushless Ratchets, Including Its Fastest 20V MAX Model Yet
Tools

DeWalt Drops 3 New Brushless Ratchets, Including Its Fastest 20V MAX Model Yet

The updated lineup adds a sealed-head XR ratchet with interchangeable drives and two compact Atomic 1/4-inch models – including a long-neck version built for tight engine bays and equipment work.

The Kitchen and Bath Upgrades Everyone Will Be Talking About This Year
Kitchen Design

The Kitchen and Bath Upgrades Everyone Will Be Talking About This Year

The best kitchen and bath products of 2026 are smarter, quieter, and more space-saving than ever.

Lowe's Dropped Kobalt Power Tools to Clearance-Level Pricing Ahead of Spring—Save Up to 45% on Drills, Saws, Batteries, and More
Power Tools

Lowe’s Dropped Kobalt Power Tools to Clearance-Level Pricing Ahead of Spring—Save Up to 45% on Drills, Saws, Batteries, and More

If you’re already on Kobalt’s 24V system, Lowe’s has rare $79 pricing on core add-ons, including batteries and an impact wrench, plus more tool kits under $100.