Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

A sign displays a hurricane warning along a roadside.
Skills & Techniques

From stocking up on essential supplies to testing our backup generator, I make sure to always be prepared for the next storm.

Milwaukee Outdoor Power Tool Deals at Ace Hardware Save $50
Deals

Ace Hardware is knocking $50 off select Milwaukee outdoor tools, just in time for fall yardwork and landscaping.

Lowe's is giving away free kobalt power tools during Kobalt Days
Deals

Lowe’s is giving away a battery starter kit when you buy one of these popular 24V Kobalt tools.

The Best Water Softener Salt Options
Plumbing Supplies

Ensure you’re getting the most out of your water softener with one of these top water softener salts.

Morgan Square close-up
Reviews

If you’re tired of simple mistakes that increase project time and material costs, you need to try a Morgan Square.

Best chair mats group corners_thickness
Home Office

Whether you have plush carpet or polished concrete, these mats will stay in place and stand up to daily use.

The Best Fruit Fly Traps
Reviews

After testing various options, we're confident our top pick will clear out annoying fruit fly infestations.

A boiler (left) and a solar-powered hot water tank (right) in residential spaces.
Plumbing

Both appliances heat water, but do they both heat your home? Here's what boilers and heaters do, and don't do.

Smiling man in organized garage workshop.
Workshop

For starters, organize your tools and materials by task.

A DIYer using a caulking gun to seal bathroom fixtures with a graphic overlay that says Tool Tutorial.
Repair & Maintenance

Caulking can help keep unwanted invaders like mice and mildew as far away from your home’s crevices as possible. But first, you need to know how to use a caulk gun.

A moldy shower head in need cleaning.
Tubs & Showers

These household staples at opposite ends of the pH scale can remove mineral buildup and grime to deep-clean your shower head.

Troubleshoot a Smoky Fireplace with These Tips
Fireplaces & Chimneys

Why is the smoke from your fireplace going into your living room, and not up the chimney? Here's what might be happening.

Lower half of a woman wearing a tool belt and holding a wrench.
DIY

There's no need to hire a handyman whenever a home repair comes up. Discover how easy it is to DIY home fixes and updates.

Brisk It smoking
Reviews

Brisk It’s techy backyard cooker promised hands-off smoking from setup to shutdown. I wanted to see if it could actually deliver tender, smoky results without the babysitting.

Keter's Shedtemper Super Sale is live and you can save up to 35% off sheds and storage
Deals

Up to 35% off Keter storage sheds—limited-time Shedtember savings on bestsellers.

Best Tomato Cages
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The right tomato cage can make your tomato plants happier, healthier and more prolific.

All pressure washers for cars-2
Power Tools

Our tested picks make it easy to clean your car with just the right pressure—no damage, no streaks, and no hassle.

Red and black Honda EU2200i generator on grass
Generators

A backup generator doesn’t have to create a racket. Find out what happened when we tested models advertised as being quiet.

Kobalt deals for Lowe's Kobalt Days
Deals

From impact drivers to mowers, these Kobalt tool deals at Lowe’s offer big savings for DIYers and pros alike.

Edge of green grass next to dark brown mulch, with some yard tools on the lawn between the two areas.
Lawn Care

Your perfect lawn is right around the corner. Here’s all you need to know about growing grass from seed—and how long you can expect to wait.