BUILD

Browse By Tag

  • How To (110)
  • DIY (35)
  • Woodworking (30)
  • Outdoor Structures (29)
  • Construction (29)
  • Choose (28)
  • Tools (26)
  • Deck Patio & Porch (21)
  • Cement (18)
  • Workshop (18)
  • Wood (11)
  • Power Tools (11)
  • Landscaping (10)
  • Storage (10)
  • Reviews (10)
Tag icon article
Milwaukee 15-Gauge Finish Nailer: A Hands-On Review
Whether you’re a professional or a weekend warrior, a good finishing nail gun can boost your productivity and simplif...
Tag icon article
11 Basic Steps for Building a DIY Dog Wash Station
While we love our furry, four-legged friends, we don’t love it when they smell. Or when they’re tracking in mud. Or, ...
Tag icon article
9 Organizations for Black Contractors, Builders, Engineers, and Architects
For decades, even centuries, Black workers have been underrepresented in the construction industry. According to info...
Tag icon article
Hands-On Tool Review: Did the DeWalt Narrow Crown Stapler Nail It?
We own a narrow crown stapler that gets a lot of use in our small woodworking and trim projects. This type of stapler...
Tag icon article
Plug In and Power Up: A Tested Review of the DeWalt Charging Station
In a world where cordless tool power is taking over, the DeWalt DCB104 charging station offers a substantial benefit ...
Tag icon article
Can You Buy Land With a VA Loan?
Q: I want to use my VA loan benefits to buy a home, but nothing on the market fits my needs. I’m considering buying a...
Tag icon article
What Is a Spec House?
Q: I just received a promotion for my job and am moving to a new city. My real estate agent brought up the possibilit...
Tag icon article
These Radon-Resistant Construction Techniques Can Improve Home Health
A silent killer is lurking in homes across America—the invisible invader known as radon. You can’t see, taste, or sme...
Tag icon article
12 Bookshelf Plans You Can Build in a Weekend
Building a bookshelf can be a fun and rewarding project, and it’s a task suitable for woodworkers of all levels, even...
Tag icon article
How to Build a Workbench That Fits Just About Anywhere
Stationary and sturdy by day, mobile and minimal by night, our workbench is designed to assist DIYers with a wide var...
Tag icon article
Drilling in Tight Spaces: A Makita Right-Angle Drill Review
If you’re not yet acquainted with the remarkable versatility of a right-angle drill—the top tool for drilling in tigh...
Tag icon article
Wen Drywall Sander: It Performed with Power and Versatility in Our Tests
Drywall sanding can be unpleasant work. It takes a long time, and the fine dust it creates manages to coat everything...
Tag icon article
6 Old House Features Making a Comeback in New Builds
Did you grow up in a home with a carriage house in the back? Maybe you lived in a split-level home built in the 1950s...
Tag icon article
Barndominium Cost vs. House Cost: 10 Factors to Consider Before Building
When homeowners are comparing barndominium cost vs. house cost, there are several crucial factors that come into play...
Tag icon article
Precision Meets Portability: An In-Depth Review of the DeWalt 10-Inch Table Saw
The popularity of table saws stems from their unparalleled ability to cut through materials with accuracy and ease, s...
Tag icon article
Building a Shed Looks Easy—Here's What We Learned When Building a ShelterLogic Shed
Tired of all that clutter in your garage? Maybe it’s time to give your yard tools their own space. When it comes to s...
Tag icon article
See What Happened When I Used the Kushlan Cement Mixer to Pour a Shed Foundation
Whether it’s replacing a mailbox post, repairing the sidewalk, or building a new shed, the time eventually comes when...
Tag icon article
The Versatile Gorilla Ladder May Be The Only Ladder You Ever Need
Gorilla's multi-position ladder, the GLMPXA-22, combines stability, safety, and convenience into one impressive packa...
Tag icon article
Hands-On Review: Unveiling the DeWalt PowerStack Advantage in High-Performance Batteries
Get ready to supercharge your power tools with DeWalt's latest offering: PowerStack batteries. As an avid constructio...
Tag icon article
How Much Does Land Excavation Cost?
Highlights The national average cost to excavate land is $3,847, though prices typically range from $1,515 to $6,211...
Tag icon article
Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost Comparison: 9 Considerations Before Choosing
Homeowners who are looking to install or replace a deck are typically faced with a major choice: composite decking vs...
Tag icon article
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cabin?
Highlights The typical price range to build a log cabin runs from $50,000 to $150,000, with customers around the cou...
Tag icon article
How Much Does a Container Home Cost?
Highlights The typical cost range to build a container home is between $25,000 and $250,000. Some of the factors th...
Tag icon article
How Much Does an Architect Cost to Hire?
Highlights The typical cost range for hiring an architect is $2,175 to $10,480, with a national average of $5,980. ...
Tag icon article
The Best Home Builders in Iowa of 2023
The Hawkeye State is an appealing place to live. The cost of living is one of the most affordable in the country, and...
Tag icon article
The Best Home Builders in Texas of 2023
With its low taxes, range of job prospects, and affordable cost of living, many folks are choosing to build homes in ...
Tag icon article
17 Planter Box Plans You Can DIY This Weekend
If you want to dress up your porch, deck, or garden with some greenery, consider taking a DIY approach with outdoor p...
Tag icon article
How Much Does a Pool House Cost to Build?
Highlights It will typically cost between $26,630 and $180,000 to build a pool house, with a national average cost o...
Tag icon article
The Best Home Remodeling Estimating Software of 2023
Remodeling is a great business; renovation contractors get to take a homeowner’s vision and turn it into reality. But...
Tag icon article
The Best Home Builders in Florida of 2023
Florida certainly has its perks. It has long been a destination for retirees and vacationers, but it's also become a ...
Tag icon article
How Much Does an Infinity Pool Cost?
Highlights An infinity pool typically costs between $55,000 and $130,000 to build, with homeowners across the countr...
Tag icon article
How Much Does a Barndominium Cost to Build?
Highlights A barndominium typical costs between $112,800 and $540,000 to build, with homeowners across the country p...
Tag icon article
How Much Does a Flagstone Patio Cost to Install?
Highlights The typical cost range for flagstone patio installation is $750 to $8,400, with a national average cost o...
Tag icon article
The Best Floor Plan Software of 2023
Whether it’s for a professional project or a personal build, designing the floor plan of a home or building is exciti...
Tag icon article
Modular Home Prices Today: A Cost-Effective Way To Build a New House
Highlights The cost to build a modular home is between $180,000 to $360,000, with a national average cost of $270,00...
Tag icon article
How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land?
Highlights It typically costs between $1,359 and $5,572 to clear land, with a national average cost of $3,374. The ...
Tag icon article
19 Kit Homes You Can Buy and Build Yourself
Kit homes, also called catalog or mail-order homes, come shipped to your door in flat-packs with precut (and often pa...
Tag icon article
Our Best Advice for the Most Frequently Asked Questions of 2022
Homeowners face a variety of common conundrums, and they know just where to go for the best advice. From appliances o...
Tag icon article
How to Build a Classic Snowman
Snowflakes are falling, and you know what that means! It’s time to put on your snow gear and head outside. The arriva...
Tag icon article
The Best Railing Planters
An easy way to add greenery to an outdoor space is with a railing planter. They can house colorful flowers, herbs, or...
Tag icon article
The Best Custom Home Builders
When it comes to building a dream home, hiring the right builder is everything. Folks looking to make the most of a f...
Tag icon article
The Best Tiny-House Loans of 2024
Many home buyers will need to secure a mortgage in order to buy a new home. But what if they are looking to purchase ...
Tag icon article
The Best Construction Loan Lenders of 2024
Finding the perfect home isn’t always easy, especially for home buyers with very particular tastes. After months of s...
Tag icon article
The Best Roof Underlayments
From the ground, a roof looks like a simple set of inclined planes meant to shed water. However, roofs are actually c...
Tag icon article
The Best Modular Home Manufacturers
While modular homes are not yet as popular as traditional stick framing, the modular home industry is growing quickly...
Tag icon article
The Best Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
Nothing beats cooking and entertaining outdoors until it comes time to clean up. An outdoor sink can make the task le...
Tag icon article
12 Modern Homesteading Ideas for a More Self-Sufficient Life
Homesteading as a term can be derived from the Homestead Act of 1862, in which eligible adults who had not taken arms...
Tag icon article
The Best Mobile Home Manufacturers
Manufactured homes are light-years ahead of where they used to be. Once referred to as trailers, today’s mobile homes...
Tag icon article
The Best Pond Liners
Every man-made pond needs a liner to ensure the water doesn’t leak out into the surrounding soil. Shopping for the be...
Tag icon article
15 Outdoor Bench Plans You Can Build This Weekend
Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just looking for the right weekend project to get your feet wet, building...
Tag icon article
The Best Tiny-Home Builders of 2023
Whether it’s a personal mission toward minimalism, a vacation home in the mountains, or the start of a fledgling rent...
Tag icon article
What is a Gabion Wall and How Do You Use It in Your Home Landscape?
A gabion wall offers numerous home landscaping possibilities: They can serve as a budget-friendly retaining wall, enh...
Tag icon article
The Best Home Builders
Whether someone is a first-time home buyer or customizing the house of their dreams after years of living in pre-buil...
Tag icon article
10 Small House Plans With Big Ideas
With rising real estate costs, many people are getting priced out of purchasing a traditional home. In addition to of...
Tag icon article
13 Floating Deck Ideas Perfect for Big or Small Backyards
When most people hear the word deck, they immediately visualize wooden planks and rails attached to the side of a str...
Tag icon article
The Best Metal-Cutting Saws
Sawing through metal by hand is hard work! A hacksaw can tackle occasional small jobs, but for larger pieces or if yo...
Tag icon article
9 Cabin Plans for Building Your Dream Home Away From Home
Home kits that include all the plans and materials needed to build your own home are an economical solution for many ...
Tag icon article
9 Deck Plans for Extending Your Outdoor Living Space
Adding a deck to your home is perhaps the best way to maximize your outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing, playing...
Tag icon article
The Best Ryobi Drills for Your Budget and Needs
Ryobi, the featured brand of The Home Depot, differentiates itself from the pricier brand names in the power tool wor...
Tag icon article
Are 3D-Printed Homes the Answer to the Housing Shortage?
House hunters have their work cut out for them. A limited number of available houses combined with soaring home value...
Tag icon article
12 Porch Swing Plans for Building the Ultimate Outdoor Siesta Spot
A porch swing is a great place to relax on a balmy evening while sipping something cool and refreshing—what’s not to ...
Tag icon article
Make This DIY Accent Wall in a Day
Instead of trying to decorate a blank wall with pictures and other decor, consider creating a modern wood accent wall...
Tag icon article
9 Sawhorse Plans You Can Build This Weekend
Among the most useful tools to have in your garage or workshop are sawhorses for supporting long planks of lumber, se...
Tag icon article
14 Picnic Table Plans for Building the Perfect Backyard Dining Area
A nice picnic table is a desirable piece of furniture for many backyards and gardens. It isn’t just a great place to ...
Tag icon article
What is Reversible Architecture?
A drive through any American ghost town reveals buildings in various states of decay: collapsed roofs, fallen walls, ...
Tag icon article
What's the Difference Between Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, and Modular Homes?
Mobile, manufactured, and modular homes are all types of prefabricated homes. These "prefab" homes are built in a fac...
Tag icon article
How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
Highlights The typical range for outdoor kitchen costs is $6,121 to $25,180 with a national average of $15,534. Out...
Tag icon article
See Inside Habitat for Humanity's First 3D-Printed Home—and the Future of Construction
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has constructed hundreds of thousands of affordable homes for people who need t...
Tag icon article
The Best Drill Bits for Tile Tested in 2023
Drilling holes in tile—to install towel rods in a bathroom renovation, say—can be tricky. There's always a risk the t...
Tag icon article
How Much Does a Tiny House Cost?
Highlights The typical range for the cost of a tiny house is $30,000 to $60,000, with a national average of $45,000....
Tag icon article
30 DIY Home Projects Absolutely Anyone Can Do
Every home can use a little sprucing up. If you’ve been overwhelmed by a list of needed house projects in the past, t...
Tag icon article
5 Reasons Why You Should Reconsider Renovating Your Home
Renovations can make your home more comfortable and attractive, and can often increase your home’s value. However, it...
Tag icon article
Designing Your Own Home: Tools to Use, and How to Get Started
Building a new house is a complex undertaking that must comply with building codes, ordinances, and even homeowners a...
Tag icon article
13 Adirondack Chair Plans You Can Download and DIY This Weekend
Adirondack chairs feature high backs, wide arms, and slanted seats. Their design makes them ideal for sitting and loo...
Tag icon article
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garage?
Highlights Building a garage typically costs between $16,281 and $39,472, with a national average cost of $27,867. ...
Tag icon article
The Best Right-Angle Drills Tested in 2023
Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, you've likely encountered situations where a standard...
Tag icon article
What the First 3D-Printed House for Sale Means for the Future of New Construction, According to Home Builders
Recently, BobVila. com showcased a 3D-printed home in Riverhead, New York. Built by SQ4D, a New York construction com...
Tag icon article
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House?
Typical Range: $158,572 to $478,600 National Average: $303,373Shopping for a new home based on existing inventory ...
Tag icon article
5 Things to Know Before Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to Your Property
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are additions that create secondary standalone or interior housing on a single-family...
Tag icon article
The Best Shower Doors of 2023
Shower curtains might be perfectly functional, but a glass shower door offers the same function with an enhanced mode...
Tag icon article
The Best Masonry Drill Bits for Concrete and More
Drilling through stone, brick, granite, and even marble is possible, but it takes a tough drill bit made of hard meta...
Tag icon article
The Best Cement Mixers for Your Concrete Projects
There are lots of DIY-friendly projects that require a bit of concrete work. From building decks to erecting a new ma...
Tag icon slideshow
9 Building Materials with the Biggest Pandemic Price Increase—and What That Means for DIYers
No, it’s not your imagination. You’re paying more for some home improvement building materials these days, and you have the pandemic to blame.
Tag icon article
The Best Drill Bits for Metal Tested in 2023
Home improvement centers often dedicate an entire aisle to drill bits, which come in a plethora of types and sizes fo...
Tag icon article
DIY Lite: Set Up a S'mores Station Anywhere with This Tabletop Fire Pit
What's summer without s'mores? Even if your outdoor living space is limited to a small side yard, you can still enjoy...
Tag icon article
The Best Table Saw Blades of 2023
While a good table saw makes large jobs easier and more accurate when it comes to cutting wood, a good blade is a thi...
Tag icon slideshow
8 Inexpensive Building Materials That Don’t Look Cheap
There’s no need to break your budget when buying building materials, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for ugly. These 8 reasonably priced materials look g...
Tag icon slideshow
11 Things You Need to Consider Before Putting in a Pool
Before you meet with that swimming pool company, take time to consider all that goes into choosing, maintaining, and paying for a summer oasis.
Tag icon article
The Best Levels of 2023
In almost any home renovation, achieving the best results requires some type of level. Whether you’re trying to hang ...
Tag icon article
The Best Electric Screwdrivers Tested in 2023
For DIY projects that call for a lot of manual screwdriving in places too tight for a trusty drill, an electric screw...
Tag icon article
5 Tips for Building a Strong Shed Foundation
A shed can be a great place to store yard tools and equipment, or it can serve as a useful area for completing projec...
Tag icon article
6 Things to Know Before Cutting Metal
Around the home, you won’t frequently run into situations that require you to cut metal, but there are a few DIY proj...
Tag icon article
The Best Drill Bits Tested in 2023
When one is assembling a tool kit for home improvement, maintenance, and construction projects, one of the first item...
Tag icon article
The Best Cordless Drills for DIYers
With many of today's tools running on powerful, long-lasting batteries, DIYers aren't limited by the length of a cord...
Tag icon article
5 Tips for Building and Using a French Cleat Wall
It may sound fancy, but a French cleat is simply a sturdy beveled support board, a secret that builders and craftsmen...
Tag icon article
Here’s How Building a Cold Frame Can Extend Your Gardening Season
A cold frame is one of the most valuable accessories for the northern or mountain gardener. With a cold frame, garden...
Tag icon article
The Best Wood Glues Tested in 2023
With its unique grain patterns and natural tones, thick and thin wood earns praise for being a beautiful building mat...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Temporary Wall
If you can't live with the layout of your space, a temporary wall may be just the solution you need. For decades, ren...
Tag icon article
A Strong Start: The Best Concrete Mix for Every DIY Project
If you have any experience with home improvement, you need no convincing about the strengths of concrete as a buildin...
Tag icon slideshow
9 Pro Tips for Building an Outdoor Kitchen
To create a functional and beautiful outdoor kitchen, you need materials that can really stand up to the elements—and few materials surpass the durability of ston...
Tag icon slideshow
13 Beautiful Ways to Use a Backyard Pergola
Take your backyard to new heights with more than a dozen versatile uses for a trendy garden feature. Ahead, these pergola ideas will inspire and even guide your n...
Tag icon slideshow
The Secrets to Pouring Concrete in the Heat of Summer
While summer sunshine encourages outdoor projects, it also poses its own set of challenges. Ahead, learn how to beat the heat when pouring garden edging, patio sl...
Tag icon slideshow
5 Ways to Prevent Cracks in Concrete—and 1 Easy Fix
Even if it's your first concrete project, you can ensure a long-lasting, professional finish by steering clear of a few pitfalls and, if necessary, using the righ...
Tag icon slideshow
9 Ideas for a Beautiful Brick Patio
Perk up your patio with great-looking, long-wearing brick with one of these ideas.
Tag icon article
Solved! When, Why, and How to Use Pilot Holes Correctly
Q: I know it’s a good idea to pre-drill before nailing or screwing two pieces of wood together, but I can’t seem to g...
Tag icon article
The Easiest Way to Make an Outdoor Bar for All Seasons
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or entertaining Christmas carolers around the chiminea, an outdoor bar provi...
Tag icon article
Backyard Makeover: DIY a Patio Table with a Built-In Cooler for Drinks
Has a relatively empty patio left you uninspired to head outdoors?When it comes to setting up the deck or balcony, yo...
Tag icon article
This DIY Project Provides the Ultimate Finishing Touch for Your Curb Appeal
This content has been brought to you by Quikrete. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Lawn and garden e...
Tag icon article
The Dos and Don'ts of Gluing PVC Pipe
Pipe made of polyvinyl chloride, commonly called PVC, is used in a variety of residential applications, from plumbing...
Tag icon article
The Dos and Don'ts of Building Retaining Walls 
Reducing soil erosion, turning steep slopes into terraced backdrops, creating focal points in the landscape—retaining...
Tag icon article
Makeover an Ordinary Outdoor Space with a Wall-Mounted Trellis
It's not news: You don’t need to have a huge backyard to enjoy greenery. The key is to embrace your vertical space, a...
Tag icon article
Dos and Don'ts of Building a Fire Pit
Fire pits are a hot commodity! These attractive backyard additions can dress up a drab yard with mesmerizing flames w...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Better-Looking Baby Gate
A lot of lifestyle adjustments need to be made when a baby comes along, and the house is no exception. In addition to...
Tag icon article
5 Keys to Choosing the Right Size Shed
When the time comes to buy a backyard shed, size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Surprisingly, th...
Tag icon slideshow
9 Cool Projects You Can Make with Pipe and Fittings
Create hip, functional home goods out of flanges, elbows, and other basic fittings. This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse.com. Its facts and op...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Pavers
Pavers—be they brick, stone, or concrete—are a pleasing alternative to large expanses of plain concrete, adding visua...
Tag icon article
All You Need to Know About Pony Walls
While pony walls aren’t new to the housebuilding scene, they’ve recently seen a resurgence in popularity—even before ...
Tag icon article
This DIY Christmas Tree Stand Makes Your Fake Fir Look Real (and Taller!)
You've adorned every limb with baubles, tinsel, and ribbon, but what's a fully decorated tree if its base remains bar...
Tag icon article
How To: Drill Into Brick
Decorative brick adds warmth and beauty to your home, but its tough surface shouldn’t deter you from hanging your art...
Tag icon article
This DIY Rolling Cart Is What Every Kitchen Needs
Having an organized and functional kitchen can sometimes feel unattainable especially if you're working with limited ...
Tag icon article
7 Strong Types of Wood Joints Worth Knowing
Wood joinery, as the term implies, refers to joining pieces of timber or lumber to create other structures. Crafting ...
Tag icon article
9 Things to Know Before You Screen In a Porch
A porch is an extension of a home’s living area: a place to savor a summer’s breeze, observe wildlife, or bask in bir...
Tag icon article
Solved! The Perfect Closet Rod Height
Q: I need to organize my closet of chaos with a closet rod, but I don't know how high to mount the rod for easy acces...
Tag icon article
So, You Want to... Build an Outdoor Fireplace
It's the ultimate in backyard entertaining—an outdoor fireplace where friends and family gather to share good times a...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Plastic
There’s little debate over the proper methods to cut wood. However, cutting plastic—particularly acrylic and polycarb...
Tag icon article
All You Need to Know About Cedar Closets
Prized for repelling sweater-munching moths, the woodsy aroma of cedar is finding new fans in eco-savvy homeowners lo...
Tag icon article
The Dos and Don'ts of Curing Concrete
You may rightly consider concrete to be one of the most durable and attractive construction materials around, but did...
Tag icon article
Power Sheds: How to Design and Build a Shed for Workshop Projects
Every weekend warrior dreams of a convenient backyard structure that's spacious enough not only for storing tools but...
Tag icon article
Solved! The Best Decking Material
Q: I’m putting a new deck on my house and I want to make sure it is constructed properly. What is the best decking ma...
Tag icon article
The Dos and Don'ts of Building a Shed
A backyard shed frees up your home and garage by storing cumbersome essentials like your riding mower, hedge trimmers...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Sheet Metal
Whether you're repairing HVAC ducts, replacing roof flashing, or tackling the occasional metal craft project, you'll ...
Tag icon article
All You Need to Know About Doorway Casing
The trim around a door frame—also known as doorway casing—is installed first and foremost to conceal unsightly constr...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Mirror
Mirrors enhance any interior as both decorative and highly functional features, bouncing light and offering an opport...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Concrete
Whether you want to create a countertop or expand your sidewalk, cutting concrete yourself may not be as daunting as ...
Tag icon article
DIY Lite: This Curtain Rod Only Costs $12 to Make
While often initially installed for privacy, window treatments do a lot to improve a space's interior design. Curtain...
Tag icon article
5 Types of Screws Every DIYer Should Know
Though they may not be much to look at, screws hold a place of honor in the construction, hobby, and furniture-making...
Tag icon article
How to Pour Concrete the Right Way
Learning to pour concrete may save money and build your skills, but without proper equipment and attention to detail,...
Tag icon article
How To: Drill Into Concrete
While concrete's cool, industrial aesthetic is a go-to design touch in modern homes, its density and strength are wha...
Tag icon article
How To: Sweat Copper Pipe
For DIYers eager to take on plumbing tasks, one of the most important skills to master is how to sweat copper pipe—a ...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Faux Fireplace
Even if it’s not operational, a fireplace somehow still makes a space feel cozy—and ups its “architectural charm” fac...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Kitchen Island
Sometimes, the kitchen is too small to prep a multi-course meal for friends or family. If only you had 12 square inch...
Tag icon article
DIY Lite: Build a Clock that Displays the Time—and Your Plants
Clocks may be less a necessity than they were in the days before cell phones remained attached to consumers' hips and...
Tag icon article
So, You Want to... Build a Ramp
Most homes have one or more exterior steps, but mobility-challenged individuals may find it difficult or impossible t...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Copper Pipe
Beyond its well-earned prominence in the plumbing department, copper piping is having its moment in the DIY world as ...
Tag icon article
DIY Lite: Build a Backyard Hammock Stand from Scratch
Wish that you had a relaxing moment in a camping hammock in your own backyard, but have nowhere to hang it? Rather th...
Tag icon article
So, You Want to... Build a Floating Deck
Summer isn’t summer unless you’re soaking up the sun, grilling, and chilling in your own backyard. Yet a traditional ...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Brick
Many home improvement enthusiasts choose to enhance their landscapes with the DIY installation of brick patios, walkw...
Tag icon article
How to Drill a Hole in Glass
You're a crafty DIYer who'd love to create a lamp from an empty wine bottle or hook that mirror through a hole, but t...
Tag icon article
How To: Cut Glass
If the very thought of cutting glass makes you cringe, perhaps it’s because you remember a painful occasion when glas...
Tag icon article
DIY Lite: Double Bathroom Storage with Easy-Build Box Shelves
The bathroom can be a nightmare to organize, with all of its towels, soap bottles, grooming supplies, and other toile...
Tag icon article
DIY Lite: A Beginner's Guide to Building a Wooden Planter Box
Some lucky homeowners with enough property for a large plot of land to be dedicated garden space; for the rest of us,...
Tag icon article
How to Cut Ceramic Tile
A small- to medium-size ceramic tiling job is a project that's well within the grasp of most DIYers. With careful mea...
Tag icon article
How To: DIY a Space-Saving Sliding Door
When you have a doorway but not enough room for a door to swing open, oftentimes the frame goes without any sort of c...
Tag icon article
How to Cut Plexiglass
Plexiglass, the clear acrylic material that revolutionized modern architecture and design, was developed in the 1930s...
Tag icon article
How To: Frame a Mirror
Done any shopping for your home recently? In perusing the aisles, you may have noticed that even a very simple mirror...
Tag icon article
How To: Install Curtain Rods
An attractively mounted curtain rod adds a subtle layer of embellishment to an entire room.  Beyond completing a room...
Tag icon article
DIY Kids: Build a Backyard Tire Swing
There’s something so incredibly appealing about a simple tire swing. Whether it’s the freeing feeling of soaring thro...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Tabletop with 2x4s
This DIY has a bit of a backstory: In my basement workshop—as a byproduct of about a half dozen previous projects—I'd...
Tag icon article
How to Make a DIY Wasp Trap from a Bottle and the Right Bait
Nothing can ruin a summer barbecue or evening by the pool like the threat of a wasp’s sting. Mind you, wasps aren’t a...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Cinder Block Wall
Privacy, safety, security—these are only a few of the reasons that homeowners build solid, durable garden walls. Alth...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Paver Patio
Patio. The very word conjures up visions of lazy, relaxing afternoons spent with friends and family. For those whose ...
Tag icon article
How To: Make Concrete Garden Edging
Always affordable and at once both decorative and functional, concrete garden edging effectively defines garden beds,...
Tag icon article
Genius! DIY Radiator Cover
If your heat comes from radiators, you know the predicament: In the winter, you're glad to have the heat. But no matt...
Tag icon article
Today's Homeowners Rediscover the Benefits of a Root Cellar
Until fruits and vegetables were available year-round at the grocery store, the root cellar played a vital role in da...
Tag icon article
Genius! DIY Trash Can Shed
Who hasn't admired a great product in-store before balking at the price tag? When daring DIYer Anne Davis saw a $300 ...
Tag icon article
How to Mix Concrete Properly
 Used to construct some of the world’s most famous buildings, from the Pantheon and the Sydney Opera House to Falling...
Tag icon article
How To: Create a Gravel Driveway
A gravel driveway can be very attractive in a characteristically unpretentious way, introducing casual curb appeal to...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Picture Frame
What is art? Critics and philosophers are free to debate the question endlessly, but we think it's pretty simple: If ...
Tag icon article
How To: Make Concrete Countertops for Your Kitchen
The brute strength of concrete has made it the go-to building material for a variety of such outdoor installations as...
Tag icon article
3 Simple Steps to a Backyard Ice Skating Rink
Over the snowy-white winter, adults and children make the most of the cold by taking part in a smorgasbord of seasona...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Fresh Holiday Garland
This year, as you dress up your house for the holidays, consider decking the halls with twinkling lights, festive rib...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Gingerbread House From Scratch
The holiday season comes with so many traditions—cooking and baking, house decorating, caroling, and cocoa making—but...
Tag icon article
Be Nice to Mice: How to Build a Humane Mousetrap
None of us loves the idea of little Mickeys and Minnies scurrying around our homes. Some people insist they're cute, ...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Winding Staircase
 If space is a consideration in your remodeling project, you might want to consider building a winding staircase.  Yo...
Tag icon article
How to Build a DIY Pallet Compost Bin
This post has been brought to you by Dickies.  Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. A compost bin is a g...
Tag icon article
How to Build Scaffolding (and When It's a Better Idea Than Using a Ladder)
Painting a home’s exterior, installing new siding, and putting up new gutters are just a few of the projects that req...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Trellis (The Quick and Easy Way)
Low-cost additions to any landscape, easy-to-make garden trellises can be used to introduce shade or privacy, or to s...
Tag icon article
How To: Install Pegboard in Your Workshop
Does it look like a bomb went off in your workshop? Even the best tools are useless if they are nowhere to be found w...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Basic Backyard Fire Pit
Many homes have fireplaces or propane stoves inside, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying a fire pit under the sta...
Tag icon article
How To: Make an Inexpensive Desk for Your Kids
It was a challenge to find a desk for my five-year-old daughter. I needed something size-appropriate that would provi...
Tag icon article
Planning Guide: Basement Remodeling
Do you feel like your home is shrinking? Are the kids growing up and accumulating more stuff? Is your teenager demand...
Tag icon article
Planning Guide: Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen makeovers remain popular as homeowners continue to invest to create a warm, stylish, comfortable, and efficie...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Mortise and Tenon Joint
Mortise and tenon joints are the preferred style of joint for furniture and cabinetwork. It's strong, durable, and li...
Tag icon article
Planning Guide: Bathroom Remodeling
Bathrooms continue to top homeowners' lists of popular rooms to remodel—and for good reason. As more Americans are ca...
Tag icon article
How To: Clamp a Glue Joint
A properly glued wood joint is very strong, but one that is glued improperly is likely to fracture given a minimum of...
Tag icon article
Building a Basic Deck? Top Tips for DIYers
Decks and other outdoor spaces are different from ordinary rooms. They serve as an intermezzo between home and nature...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Concrete Walkway
A walkway or garden path enhances a home's landscape and complements its exterior features. While traditional materia...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Horseshoe Pit
When summer is on, it’s time to get outside and play. If you're looking for ways to make your backyard more fun, why ...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Mitered Corner
A mitered corner is formed by joining two pieces of wood, each cut to a 45° angle. One of the easier joints to cut, a...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Deck Rail Planter
Last year, I was dying to have some deck rail planters to grow spinach and lettuce in, but I couldn’t find any that w...
Tag icon article
How To: Make an Evergreen Holiday Wreath
As soon as December hits, I’m ready to break out the Christmas cheer. When it comes to decorating for the holiday, I’...
Tag icon article
So, You Want to... Build a Porch
A porch is simply a deck with a roof on it, right? Not quite. While some porches may be as simple as that, many are m...
Tag icon article
How To: Drill Straight 90° Holes (Without a Drill Press)
Except in special cases—when you intentionally choose a specific angle or bias—it's important to keep all drill holes...
Tag icon article
How To: Choose the Right Screw for the Right Job
Back in the day there were just two options, slotted or Phillips. You picked one, picked a length, and were good to g...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Kite
There's nothing more fun for a child than learning to fly a kite. Who doesn't remember the thrill of watching their f...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Window Box
A window box can add enormous curb appeal to a house and provide a garden opportunity for even city dwellers. And, th...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Sandbox
With just some basic home improvement knowledge, you can build a simple backyard sandbox like this with colorful stri...
Tag icon article
How To: Build a Dry Stone Retaining Wall
Depending on the size and weight of the stones used to construct the retaining wall, the tools and materials for the ...
Tag icon article
How To: Make a Tire Swing
Create some outdoor fun this summer—the old-fashioned way—with this "oh so easy" tire swing how-to.
Tag icon article
How to Build a Birdhouse
Building a homemade birdhouse can be a blast. Unlike real houses that require complex framing, these humble avian abo...
Tag icon article
How To: Make an Outdoor Shower
Whether you’re cooling off, rinsing off, or actually bathing, an outdoor shower is a fun and relatively easy summer D...
Tag icon article
How To: Get Clean, Chip-Free Cuts in Melamine and Veneer
Melamine-coated particleboard is a great material for storage, basement, garage, home office, and kid's room projects...
Tag icon article
5 Ways to Get Perfect, Clean Cuts in Plywood
Plywood sheet goods are an essential in any home improvement project involving wood. But due to their layered structu...
Tag icon article
How To: Stack Firewood
Nothing celebrates the colder weather like the distinct scent and sound of a crackling log in the wood burning firepl...
Radio banner a
Regulating the Refrigerator Temperature More clips
Get the Adobe Flash Player to listen to this audio file.
Follow banner a
Newsletter icon Flipboard glossy Facebook Twitter Pinterest Youtube Rss icon