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I knew the time was coming to replace our 16-year-old dishwasher, and as I began my research into the best dishwasher...
It’s possible to use just about any sander for hardwood floors, but some can involve a long, laborious, and uncomfort...
Discovering a tick in one’s hair or stuck to another place on the body is distressing. Unfortunately, there are sever...
Keeping the bathroom exhaust fan clean is an important—yet often overlooked—home maintenance task. A layer of dust co...
A shed can often benefit from insulation. Whether it’s a simple storage space for lawn and garden equipment, a backya...
Q: We just ordered a new grill for our deck. I need to get rid of the old grill to make space for the new one, but I’...
Knitting is a fun and productive pastime—not only is the process itself meditative, but when done right, it should en...
Especially important when it comes to car maintenance, a torque wrench tightens bolts to a specific torque level, ens...
At some point or other, most car owners will need to learn how to clean battery terminals if they don’t already know ...
Cleaning upholstery with a steam cleaner or other cleaning products can only go so far. Sometimes the fabric on your ...
A handheld belt sander will rip through old paint or varnish in minutes. It can smooth flooring or decking at remarka...
Packed with vitamins and flavor, raspberries are growing in popularity in home and restaurant dishes. Since lusciousl...
Knowing how to anchor furniture to the wall (as well as televisions) is a crucial part of making a home safe for chil...
Many lighting projects might challenge the average DIYer, but learning how to install LED strip lights while avoiding...
Typically, toilet fill valves last about 5 years without any issues, depending on the quality of the valve, hard wate...
A morning espresso is a boost that can help start the day off right, and, for many, a Nespresso machine is the magica...
High-speed WiFi networks and smart home devices make our lives easier by providing us with entertainment, security, a...
Is 2023 the year you become more active in your community or more impactful with the causes that are important to you...
For most folks, slow internet is a nightmare from the past. Needing 15 minutes to load a video or several hours to do...
Learning how to crochet opens up a world of crafting possibilities. From cozy blankets and custom clothing to decorat...
Welding is an increasingly popular hobby, and for good reason. It can be used to fix a gate or repair a car, saving a...
If you love crispy fries or a speedy weeknight meal, then an air fryer provides a healthy, easy way to prepare food. ...
When it comes to choosing your bedding, there are plenty of options, from quilts to comforters. Duvet covers can also...
Woodworking can challenge your DIY skills and encourage creativity. However, sticking to the most basic tools can be ...
A water heater is an essential part of most homes, providing hot water for cooking, cleaning, and personal care. With...
Whether or not particle board can be successfully painted is a question that crops up quite often, and usually it’s f...
Board-and-batten has traditionally been the stuff of barns and exterior cladding. Often rough-sawn and ready for the ...
With all the wear and tear from walking around, it’s no surprise that socks deteriorate quickly, often sprouting hole...
While there are a few things you should never put in a blender, overall, they’re valued as versatile kitchen timesave...
If you live in the Southeastern United States, you might be dealing with a mole cricket problem. These pests (which a...
Do you know if radon gas is present in your home? Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is naturally...
Memory foam mattresses have become the go-to construction for most of America’s bedding manufacturers due to memory’s...
Seeing the finished product after spending hours putting the pieces together over a puzzle table can feel quite rewar...
Let’s face it, no one likes getting into a dirty car, whether it’s their own or someone else's. And if you’ve got nic...
Snowflakes are falling, and you know what that means! It’s time to put on your snow gear and head outside. The arriva...
Wallpaper adds character and dimension to any space, but hanging it can be difficult, messy, and time-consuming. Not ...
Curtains do more than just block light and offer privacy. A stylish window covering can bring color, texture, and cha...
Essential oil diffusers can help set the right mood at home, depending on the scents you choose. If you enjoy diffusi...
When it comes to young vegetables, microgreens are “the next size up from sprouts,” according to North Carolina Unive...
With their striking purple leaves and gorgeous flowers, purple heart plants are a beautiful addition to any ornamenta...
Hanging chairs are a staple of retro and modern interior design aesthetics and common on traditional porches. They of...
Although not actually a daisy, gerbera does belong to the same plant family as daisies, but it more closely resembles...
Umbrella plants are known for their whorls of glossy leaves. When they hang downward, the leaves resemble umbrellas o...
Pitcher plants are carnivorous, which eliminates their need for plant food. Tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp. )...
Since 2009, No-Shave November has been an annual opportunity to raise awareness and funds to support nonprofits that ...
MIG welding is extremely popular with both beginners and professionals. It is undoubtedly the easiest to learn of the...
There’s a growing focus on electric meters lately. With energy prices rising, many folks may have developed trust iss...
Even the most careful among us can get dirt and stains on our furniture upholstery, but store-bought chemicals aren’t...
Cabbage worms can pose a real threat to cruciferous vegetables in the garden. These velvety green caterpillars nibble...
If you’ve ever dabbled in aromatherapy—or if you’re a koala bear—you’re probably familiar with the fragrant leaves of...
Boxwood shrubs are dense evergreens that don’t feel like typical evergreens. This slow-growing perennial features lea...
Whether you just spotted a grasshopper inside the house or have noticed a recent uptick in grasshopper damage in your...
Keeping a workspace organized and free of clutter, regardless of the project, improves the overall safety conditions ...
The presence of maggots is a dreaded sight for homeowners unlucky enough to have attracted them. These slimy white wo...
It’s almost impossible to not be fascinated by a plant that gets most of its nutrients by actively luring and trappin...
From Greek myths to English ballads, the ivy plant has long held a prominent place in popular culture. Like the beaut...
No matter how hard we try to keep our homes tidy and organized, clutter inevitably creeps in over time. Not only is i...
Couches are designed as a comfortable spot to sit and relax day in, day out. Unfortunately, this means keeping a couc...
Heat stains are an enduring concern for both seasoned homeowners and those who have just made their first furniture p...
Knowing the best way to clean car windows is important for safe driving. Improper cleaning can leave behind unsightly...
A home’s entire electrical system runs through one distribution hub: the electrical panel. The electrical panel, or b...
Woodworms are one of those common household pests that many have heard of, but most people know little about. In fact...
Among the frilliest of outdoor ferns, the maidenhair also can be the most formidable to grow indoors. Don’t blame thi...
Keeping the water clean, clear, and ready for swimmers is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a swimming...
An easy way to add greenery to an outdoor space is with a railing planter. They can house colorful flowers, herbs, or...
Wisteria, with its grape-like clusters of usually purple blooms, often is identified with the South. However, hardy w...
Canned goods—such as soups, meats, beans, and vegetables—are a staple in many kitchens. Manual and electric can opene...
There’s a reason that coleus plants have been popular since the 19th century—after all, how often are ornamental plan...
As far as woodworking projects go, few are as satisfying as those turned on a lathe. But what is a lathe? A lathe is ...
Regardless of whether you are preparing steaks, burgers, or chops, grilling with charcoal is a great way to add a smo...
While siphoning gas is normally associated with nefarious activities, there are many aboveboard reasons to learn this...
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is a common material in drains, vents, water mains, and irrigation systems because it’s...
Those who live in coastal regions in the Southern U. S. know all too well about the damage and destruction a hurrican...
Although zebra plants (Aphelandra squarrosa) have a reputation for being among the hardest-to-please houseplants, the...
When you move into an older home, it's not uncommon to find at least one window painted shut. Wood windows add plenty...
Keeping your home dust-free is sometimes easier said than done. Unfortunately, dust collects everywhere, not just on ...
If tomatoes are the heroes of the summer garden, then brussels sprouts are the kings of cool-season crops. Not only d...
The phrase “eat your veggies” might bring back memories of overcooked greens, but fresh broccoli from your vegetable ...
If you want your yard to be a welcoming place for birds, there are a few things you should do, including make your wi...
Keeping an ant farm is a rewarding pastime for children and adults. Formally known as a formicarium, these fascinatin...
Petunias may just be the teacher’s pets of the plant world. They work hard at blooming and almost always look good. T...
Perhaps no belongings are more at risk during a move than the dishes, plates, glasses, and cookware that inhabit your...
Marigold care is easy, since the plants thrive almost anywhere they have sun and well-draining soil. They are often g...
One of the most overlooked parts of a bathroom sink is the sink plug; this is because many people don’t understand th...
Water-bath canning is a terrific, cost-effective way to preserve produce for later in the year. All summer long, hom...
Q: I recently saw a viral video recommending that gardeners make banana water for plants. Is banana water an effectiv...
Many homes have brick facades, fireplaces, mantels, interior walls, and walkways. Although it’s a long-lasting buildi...
Butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) are prized for their showy cones of tiny fragrant flowers, which attract butterfl...
If walking through the farmers’ market gives you garden envy, then you know the joy and satisfaction of growing your ...
Popular for its ability to produce clusters of long-lasting flowers year-round in frost-free zones, lantana also can ...
After you purchase a car, grill, phone, generator, or pretty much any other product, the general assumption is that y...
When it comes to pops of color in the garden bed, few flowers rival a hardy zinnia. Zinnias grow in a variety of colo...
Bugs Bunny was onto something, always munching on carrots. These root vegetables aren’t just tasty—they’re good for y...
If the sight of a bright red geranium in a pot on the porch gives you a nostalgic feeling, you’re not alone. This har...
Q: My car got a flat tire the other day. I was able to change the tire without issue, but I realized I don’t know how...
The supposedly mosquito-repellent citronella plant contains only a tiny amount of citronella. The citronella used in ...
Vinyl plank flooring is becoming increasingly popular for its ability to recreate the look of solid wood while being ...
While moths aren’t a dangerous creepy-crawly to find in a home, they can be destructive, so it’s worth preventing or ...
A gabion wall offers numerous home landscaping possibilities: They can serve as a budget-friendly retaining wall, enh...
Yarn winders are useful tools for knitters and crocheters, making it simple to turn other yarn ball types into yarn c...
Table saws are a versatile staple of DIY enthusiasts, home woodworkers, and jobsite contractors, capable of accuratel...
One of the key ingredients of an efficient, comfortable home sauna is the choice of heater. There are a number of dif...
A greenhouse heater makes it possible to create suitable plant and vegetable growing temperatures year-round. Greenho...
Q: I was cleaning out my parents’ house the other day, and I found an fire extinguisher that looks like it’s about 20...
It’s fun and relaxing to watch a diverse assortment of birds flit in and out of your yard, and it’s gratifying to kno...
Need yards of fabric for a craft project, but don’t want to spend big bucks on fancy textiles? Look no further than y...
The gig economy is here to stay. If you’re looking to make some extra money outside of your full-time employment, why...
Dragonflies and damselflies are known for their colorful appearances—but they aren't just pretty to look at. They're ...
When considering how to prune lilacs, keep in mind that those shrubs reportedly flower better on newer wood, so you c...
Learning how to install kitchen cabinets isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The most important part of installation i...
Have you ever wondered what dust is made of? Skin cells, animal dander, pollen, and lint are some of the more commonl...
Candle jars come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Once the candle has finished burning, the glass container lends it...
Terrazzo is everywhere in home decor, from coffee tables to wallpaper to pet food bowls. But the price tags for these...
Dried flowers provide colorful, long-lasting, low-maintenance floral arrangements without the need for watering. Beca...
While important, cleaning the oven is one of those tasks that many homeowners would rather put off. Being up to your ...
Many of us were taught to make our bed every morning, but not everyone knows the proper way to make a bed. What order...
Streaming video lag, dropped video calls, and dead zones in the far reaches of your home are all symptoms of a frustr...
When a screw head becomes damaged, it can be very difficult to remove from the material in which it is situated. Some...
Chalk paint creates a soft, chalky patina that gives furniture an antique look and it makes refinishing furniture and...
Whether you’re a keen DIYer or a pro, there’s little more frustrating than being unable to find the right tool when y...
Changing a drill bit is one of the first steps in a DIYer’s journey from green to great. But, for someone who isn’t q...
One of the most important DIY tools is the trusty power drill. Equipped with speed and torque, a power drill can bore...
Pressure washing is an effective method for cleaning off dirt, dust, and other debris, as well as stripping layers of...
Whether to commemorate special occasions or just brighten someone’s day, flowers enhance our lives. Beautiful blooms ...
DIYers have a wide variety of cutting tools available to them, but few are as convenient and versatile as the circula...
The conflict in Ukraine has captured the attention of the international community, with many looking for a way to off...
An automatic garage door opener saves a lot of time and effort while ensuring the security of your vehicles, tools, a...
Q: I recently purchased a new television for my living room, but I’m unsure what to do with the old one. What are the...
If your laundry room is tight on space or you are looking to maximize the square footage, consider stacking your wash...
After a few washes, once-pristine wool or cotton fabric often grows visibly fuzzy. The all-too-common tragedy of pill...
It might be nice to imagine a special potion that could magically clean and protect all your furniture, regardless of...
Instead of trying to decorate a blank wall with pictures and other decor, consider creating a modern wood accent wall...
A Cleaner, More Natural HomeMore and more of us are turning away from traditional cleaning products and toward eco-fr...
Tires hold a lot of information if you know how to read the numbers and letters on them, but many people don’t know h...
Q: My old knives have seen better days, and I’m ready to purchase a new kitchen knife set. However, I’m not sure how ...
Q: When I bought my home, I was told the house’s septic system needs to be cleaned out every three to five years. I r...
There’s an ideal houseplant for people who are averse to dirt, as most air plants don’t require any soil. Since they ...
For new seamsters, learning how to sew a zipper can be intimidating, but it’s a must-know skill for many projects. Zi...
Experienced cyclists know punctures occur frequently, so it’s important to learn how to change a bike tire even if yo...
A patch can add personality to your closet staples or give a well-loved garment new life. Patches can be used to cust...
Knowing how to sew by hand is a versatile skill, and once you know the basics, you can build on your knowledge to cre...
You can fix small tears in just about any fabric once you know how to sew a hole. Armed with a needle and thread, it’...
Knowing how to use a sewing machine opens the door to a whole new world of DIY projects. These tabletop machines are ...
Q: I have several large oak trees that cover my yard in leaves every fall. I’m trying to reduce the cost of disposal ...
Most homeowners have probably never moved a piano. You don’t need to search, “How much does a piano weigh?” to know t...
Knowing how to sew on a button is a useful skill for everyone. It’s an easy-to-do task once you get the hang of it, a...
Q: Between delivery boxes filled with Styrofoam peanuts and takeout orders packed in Styrofoam containers, I always s...
Banana plants are native to Asia, Africa, and Australia, but they are grown in 135 countries around the world for the...
If you’ve recently done some downsizing or decluttering, you may have taken a car full of items you no longer needed ...
Whether you’re moving out of a small apartment or a multistory house, moving out of one space and into another requir...
Highlights The national average cost of a local move is $1,710, though customers could pay anywhere from $911 to $2,...
Mushrooms are a low-calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They impart a lovely, earthy flavor to soups,...
Whiteboards have replaced blackboards in many classrooms and are also commonly used in workplaces and home offices. W...
You’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to our homes, curb appeal matters. Whether you’re...
If you don’t know how to move a shed, it might seem like an impossible task. But, with the right information and prep...
Q: The last time I installed a fence it didn’t last long because I underestimated the amount of concrete necessary fo...
Hydrangeas are one of the only types of flowers that can change color. The change in hue happens in response to the a...
If your patio has seen better days, don’t worry; you’re not alone. While concrete is incredibly strong and durable, n...
Whether you’re looking to learn about lawn care or tool maintenance, DIY fixes or safety reminders, we know a guy who knows a few things about home care and repai...
Hornets are a vital part of any garden ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean they are welcome buzzing around the patio or ...
Among all types of insect infestations, bed bugs are among the most feared for homeowners. These tiny insects like to...
Frogs are exciting and beneficial creatures to have in your yard—in moderation. The loud croaking that might draw a l...
When people think of groundhogs, they may picture Punxsutawney Phil or think of the fascinating history of Groundhog ...
Muriatic acid, a less-pure variant of hydrochloric acid, is available in high concentrations for use in a host of hom...
Q. I’ve seen a neighbor mow the lawn in the morning shortly after the sprinklers were turned off, but I thought this ...
Q: This past week, one of our home’s smoke detectors has chirped a few times. We weren’t cooking at the time, and can...
Removing a tree from your yard can be a tricky and expensive process, but it’s especially frustrating when you still ...
The chirping of crickets may be a pleasant sound of summer, but these insects can become a real nuisance—especially i...
Stubborn weeds are the bane of a beautiful lawn. Yet, although it’s pretty stubborn, clover (aka Trifolium repens) is...
Dirty windows or a streaky glass door are easy to notice and are easy to clean. Yet, cleaning windows and doors alway...
I don’t mind the squirrels taking their turn at the bird feeder, but our dog seems to have developed a personal vende...
An outdoor deck sees lots of traffic. Muddy shoes, spilled food, and wet dogs can leave it dirty, stained, and smelly...
Ever-rising utility costs can make heating an entire house prohibitively pricey. To save money but still keep occupie...
Hardwood floor refinishing and sanding is unforgiving work. Make a mistake, and it will show. However, a refinished f...
For voracious bookworms and avid bedtime readers, a reliable book light is a handy tool. These gadgets make reading i...
Homeowners used to think of concrete as strictly utilitarian stuff, resorted to only when a better-looking material w...
What's true about fashion can be applied to interior design: If you wait long enough, the old styles come back in vog...
For many, nothing quite says “Christmas” like a real tree. With it comes the tradition of picking one out with loved ...
A version of this story originally appeared on The Drive. BobVila. com is partnering with The Drive to share syndicat...
Whether this is your first time cutting down your own tree or it's an annual tradition, keep these 10 important tips in mind before you head out to the Christmas ...
Breaking a ceramic household item is frustrating, but most can be repaired—so long as you have all the pieces and a h...
Small cabin kits—the sort designed to install in a backyard or on a wooded lot—serve multiple purposes: pool houses, ...
A version of this story originally appeared on The Drive. BobVila. com is partnering with The Drive to share syndicat...
When there’s snow on the ground for shoveling, it can be tempting to run out and buy a snow blower. After all, they d...
What's summer without s'mores? Even if your outdoor living space is limited to a small side yard, you can still enjoy...
No amount of candy corn can make up for the moment you realize that your carefully carved pumpkin’s smile has turned ...
Q: I will be pouring a concrete slab as part of a landscaping renovation project and I’d like to know how long it wil...
Don’t let clutter and disorganization take charge of your home. These easy tips will help you bring the chaos under control.
Not everybody has a backyard or year-round temperate climate suited for a traditional grill. Electric grills allow yo...
Although they can't really harm you, gnats are certainly annoying. The mere presence of these pesky insects in your h...
A full, green lawn creates curb appeal and makes you feel like sipping an iced tea on the back patio. But if bare spo...
Considered a high-end upgrade—until now—installing tile has been the domain of professional tile setters, due in larg...
Take some of the stress, accidents, and guesswork out of moving with these top tips from the pros.
True to their name, portable air conditioning units are, well, portable—especially when compared to virtually all oth...
Many people use a fan to assist in circulating indoor air and increasing comfort. Of all the different types of fans ...
Whoever said, “The grass is always greener on the other side,” probably wasn’t using the right stuff. When it comes t...
If you're updating hardwood floors or refinishing a piece of furniture, for the best results, you need to remove the ...
Nothing boosts self-sufficiency quite like raising your own chickens. Not only do chicken owners claim that their home-raised eggs taste better than store-bought ...
There’s a lot to love about carpet when it’s new. It’s thick and fluffy, feels great on your feet, and adds warmth an...
Your home’s first line of defense against fires and smoke should be a trusty set of smoke detectors. These devices pi...
Investing in a patio heater is a great way to extend the entertaining outdoor season any time of the year. Patio heat...
Maintaining your countertops may require more than a simple cleaning. Here are top tips for maintaining every material.
A shed can be a great place to store yard tools and equipment, or it can serve as a useful area for completing projec...
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe is a type of plastic tubing commonly used for drains. These are the white pipes with pu...
Composting is great for your garden and the environment. Instead of dumping vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass c...
Believe it or not, there are right and wrong ways to clean the house. Check out what cleaning mistakes you might be making and how to fix them.
Modern trends have tended toward flat, blank walls and a focus on color to bring a room together, but adding a unique...
Chainsaws hold much appeal for tool enthusiasts, aspiring and professional lumberjacks, landscapers, and the like. Wh...
Over time, the moisture inside the washing machine can get trapped in hard to reach places and can easily become a gr...
If your kitchen needs a makeover, but you lack the funds or time for a costly renovation, consider simply painting ki...
Selling your old stuff online can be a great way to make a few bucks, but a word of caution: It takes a lot more initiative, planning, and follow-through than ope...
Whether your yard is large or small, minimally landscaped or filled with flower beds, one of the easiest ways to tame...
Around the home, you won’t frequently run into situations that require you to cut metal, but there are a few DIY proj...
In theory, metal bolts—headed fasteners with external threads that fit into suitable non-tapered nuts—can be removed ...
If you’d love a steady supply of fresh vegetables, the tried-and-true farming practice of succession planting could f...
Even when the sun is shining, you may not get the maximum amount of natural light in your home if your windows are co...
Enlist these productivity tips from experts to accomplish more at home in less time and with greater joy.
Of all the plants, trees, and shrubs in your landscape, the lawn is the most demanding feature, requiring constant ma...
For DIYers and hobbyists, a garage can often be project central. It can be the place to store tools and to work on a ...
Our homes are loaded with dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other indoor air pollutants. Poor ventilation and the u...
Path lights help extend outdoor enjoyment well past sunset, and when solar powered, they don’t even add to your elect...
The desire for a better, more convenient way to vacuum reached its next step with the advent of robot vacuums. Robot ...
Q: I pride myself on keeping a tidy home, but I can’t seem to get a handle on the dust. It seems like a layer of dust...
Those who host frequent backyard cookouts tend to have firm opinions about what kind of grill keeps mouths watering. ...
Q: I thought I’d finally found a plant I couldn’t kill, but the small collection of succulents I arranged in my livin...
Management of kitchen waste is a daily chore. To make it easier on yourself, equip your kitchen with the best trash c...
Whether you’re looking to add shiplap, install trim, or tackle one of the hundreds of other carpentry projects, a nai...
They inflate when you need them and deflate when you don’t. Essentially, air mattresses are beds on demand. When defl...
Uh oh! You turn on the tap, flick the switch, and after a groan your garbage disposal goes silent, leaving you with a...
When one is assembling a tool kit for home improvement, maintenance, and construction projects, one of the first item...
With many of today's tools running on powerful, long-lasting batteries, DIYers aren't limited by the length of a cord...
The much-anticipated arrival of spring also brings a plethora of insects. Some, like ladybugs and honeybees, are bene...
Hedges establish boundaries in landscaping, add privacy, and benefit curb appeal, but to look their best, they must b...
Q: During the winter, the central heating in our home makes the air super dry. Not only do my nasal passages get infl...
Sitting all day while working can get uncomfortable and it isn’t ideal for your health. For fitness—or even just for ...
Over the winter months, when your outdoor garden has little to boast about, the greenery inside your home lifts spiri...
The to-do lists are long in a home renovation—and that's before you account for unexpected tasks like running to the ...
Want to speed up your paint job? Equip yourself with a paint sprayer! We field-tested some of the most capable, popul...
Entry door locks are an essential element of home security. Choosing a door lock might seem like a simple decision, b...
Nowadays, many renters and homeowners choose light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) over the classic incandescent, fluores...
Stop for a moment and consider the number of appliances in the home that run on gas. These days, many stoves, furnac...
Q: When the water reaches the fill level in my washing machine and the agitation cycle starts, I always hear a loud s...
Q: My childhood dresser is beautiful but the wood stain looks faded. I’d love to update it with fresh paint and new h...
One fundamental rule applies to the installation of just about anything: If you get the first piece right, the others...
You found the perfect Christmas tree, now you just need to make sure it survives until December 25. Luckily, with these helpful tips keeping your fir fresh isn't ...
Q: Until last week, I could look out my kitchen window to watch the songbirds at my backyard feeder. But something mu...
At first, it may seem like a foolproof undertaking: You put some wood in the fireplace, light a match, then sit back ...
Your house is only as safe as its weakest entry point, and for many, that point is an overhead garage door. While hom...
Q: We love to watch the birds in our backyard, and have installed several feeders that have successfully attracted th...
Yes, it's absolutely possible to control your mess without letting it control your life. Find out how you can streamline your chores and create more time for your...
Fall brings football games, hot apple cider, pumpkin carving, and other seasonal delights. But for homeowners with de...
The hardest part of fixing a roof leak? A lot of times, it's simply locating the problem. Sure, it's easy enough to s...
No matter what you're painting—your home's exterior, the living room, or the furniture you recently bought secondhand...
Q: I turned on my furnace for the first time this year, and it made the whole house smell musty. I checked the filter...
Wood furniture is beautiful, but it’s not impervious to the wear and tear of everyday life. To retain their looks, ne...
If you can't live with the layout of your space, a temporary wall may be just the solution you need. For decades, ren...
We’ve all been there, right? “Oh, I just need to find a stud to hang this picture. ” And 15 holes later, you’re convi...
As days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we retreat indoors to the warmth of our homes and hearths. If you ha...
Q: When should I repot a plant? And how do I ensure success?A: Plants don’t stay little for long, especially if they ...
Badly scratched hardwood flooring, rotted window frames, and chipped furniture are common problems that can be time-c...
A hardworking room humidifier is a lifesaver during the dry, cold months of winter. Its dedicated function—adding moi...
Q: What would be the best way to hang a 40-pound framed mirror? Should I find the studs in the wall or use a picture ...
In contrast to a regular paint job, whitewashing brightens the look of wood surfaces while allowing their natural gra...
It's always a challenge to clean shower doors of the hard water stains and soap scum that lingers after a wash, but y...
Traditionally, most homeowners have two choices for the stove: gas and electric. More often than not, the type of sto...
Save cash and protect the environment by doing the right thing with your outmoded cell phone, tablet, and other gadgets.
Your home’s foundation—the concrete walls surrounding a basement or crawl space—supports the entire weight of the hou...
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for homes today, accounting for nearly 70 percent of domestic ...
End-of-summer chores at the shore aren’t much fun, but will prevent leaks, smells, and pests in the long run. Follow our checklist for what needs to be done befor...
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...
Your under-sink workhorse doesn't need strict maintenance to continue out its duties—only sensible care. You probably...
They are cheap and easy to install, and they camouflage a host of flaws, but popcorn ceilings are also dated and tend...
When intact, your garden hose is a trusty tool for hydrating your lawn, rinsing debris from your deck, and just about...
Sparing your air conditioner a little work could save you a significant amount on your energy bill over the summer months, so what are you waiting for? Start with...
Q: Until this year, my tall fescue lawn has always been plush and green, but a few weeks ago, some yellow spots devel...
Are you stumped by the fact that your dryer seems to take forever these days? If your clothes dryer needs more time t...
Garage sales are go-to destinations for bargain hunters and antiques aficionados in search of one-of-a-kind pieces to complete their home or wardrobe. But make a ...
Staying in a stranger’s home on your next trip? To ensure a snag-free visit, follow these 10 rules gathered from seasoned travelers as well as Airbnb. With all th...
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Q: Last night my kitchen sink clogged up while I was in the middle of a load of dirty dishes. By morning, the sink ha...
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All batteries—particularly the alkaline variety—leak over time, whether drawing a current or not. So even if you heed...
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Flying the grand old flag on Memorial Day is a great way to honor our servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. Not only is it festive to ...
Q: How’s this for a peculiar plumbing problem: After every flush, our toilet hisses, just like a loud snake. It start...
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Creeping Charlie—Glechoma hederacea, also commonly known as ground ivy—is an insidious weed that is both resilient an...
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Gleaming and shiny, stainless steel brings a bright and polished air to any kitchen. Keeping that brilliant sheen, ho...
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Along with colorful falling leaves, tailgate parties, and family gatherings, autumn’s crisp air brings a reminder of ...
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Caulking windows—to give them a finished look (inside and out) and seal out leaks and drafts—is a fairly common DIY t...
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Heavy-duty dirt, grime, mildew, and mold accumulations call for powerful household cleaners. And chances are you have...
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In nature, wood rot is a vital decomposition process, turning fallen logs into nutritious soil. But few things send h...
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You woke up shivering in a cold house. Your morning shower, instead of a warm and pleasant wakeup call, was spent fut...
Your bathroom is the wettest room in your home. Steamy showers, flushing toilets, running sinks, and occasional drips...
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It's time to embrace the warmer weather by tackling a couple of outdoor DIY home improvements. There's so much to be done, where do you start? How about right her...
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Ask any group of gardeners about their least favorite task, and you’re bound to hear a chorus of “Weeding!” Rampant w...
Q: Yesterday I spotted a tick on my bathroom floor, and last week I found one on my clothing. Is it possible that I h...
Get pro-quality results on your next paint job with these expert tips and tools that promise ease of application, consistent color and texture, and crisp, clean e...
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Usually found marching along a kitchen sink, the tile near a baseboard, or outside on the porch by your welcome mat (some welcome!), ants are tiny and persistent ...
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Durable and resistant to water corrosion, bronze has a lovely, warm glow shown off to perfection when crafted into je...
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Common sense dictates that you not leave babies, pets, and expensive gadgets in hot cars. But did you know that some everyday objects, from sunscreen to art suppl...
Landing on the food at your backyard barbecue. Buzzing around your face as you do yard work. Zipping through your fro...
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Radiators have been keeping homes toasty for about 150 years. While yours probably doesn’t date back that far, it may...
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If you’ve ever been out on a summer evening outdoors only to be startled by an inch-long, slow-flying beetle crashing...
From the pressure of people sitting to the constant opening and closing of the lid and/or seat, your toilets probably...
Homeowners can’t seem to get enough of the shiplap look! The on-trend design that mimics historic shiplap—the horizon...
The line between indoors and out continues to blur as people take advantage of warmer temperatures, patio heaters, an...
While an attractive way to update a knockdown, skip trowel, or orange peel finish, attempting to paint a textured wal...
Elegant and durable, metal makes an appearance on furnishings and decor in and out of the house, from entryway benche...
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Pavers—be they brick, stone, or concrete—are a pleasing alternative to large expanses of plain concrete, adding visua...
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Whether your bathroom vanity has gone dingy with heavy use and exposure to moisture, or it’s just looking dated, pain...
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Kitchen surfaces are bound to get messy from meal prep, but arguably none more than your stovetop. Take a good look a...
Composed of mineral spirits, turpentine, and acetone or other solvents, paint thinner effectively does its job of thi...
Shellac is a versatile, non-toxic wood finish that enhances the natural grain while adding smoothness without the pla...
It’s a dilemma shared by many homeowners: Yes, those tired Formica countertops and cabinet doors in the kitchen or ba...
Solidified carbon dioxide—better known as dry ice—is commonly used to freeze food or keep it cold longer than regular...
Though invaluable for slumber parties, camping trips, and out-of-town visitors, an air mattress can be rendered usele...
Q: I’m eager to try out my new flat screen television on movie night, but I'm much less excited about getting it up o...
Have you ever walked into a bathroom and wrinkled your nose because the space was so musty? It’s not news that damp q...
A popular choice for kitchen and bathroom upgrades, polished and sealed granite has the timeless allure, durability, ...
A well-maintained dishwasher filter can mean the difference between sparkling clean tableware and items marred by uns...
Epoxy is a heavy-duty bonding adhesive that comes in handy in many different repair projects, from fixing wobbly furn...
Dust and dirt may go undetected on the lighter patina of stone fireplaces compared with brick, but your fireplace mus...
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If you recently set out to upgrade your home with more energy-efficient light bulbs, you've likely seen there's a big...
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Silver plate platters, tea sets, and flatware—typically made of copper, brass, or nickel and topped with a thin layer...
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If you’ve ever parked your car outside during an onslaught of sleet or a frigid winter’s night, you’re familiar with ...
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Manufacturers add chrome plating to their products to give them a mirror-like finish that says, “I’m high-class. ” As...
Prepping to paint your walls a new shade? While you may understand how essential priming is when it comes to hiding t...
Kitchen cabinets, thanks to their close proximity to the stovetop, are natural hotspots for grease. Ideally, you’re c...
You've adorned every limb with baubles, tinsel, and ribbon, but what's a fully decorated tree if its base remains bar...
A good mattress is a big-ticket purchase, but stains—from bodily fluids to breakfast-in-bed accidents—are often inevi...
Homeowners gush over granite for kitchen counters, bathroom vanity tops, and other surfaces for its ability to handle...
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'Tis the season for all things twinkling and bright. In countless communities nationwide, hanging outdoor Christmas l...
At first, the idea of cleaning a dishwasher, an appliance that fills with suds and water on an almost daily basis, ma...
If the last time you got the bathroom sparkling did not fully mask a foul odor or required a concentrated effort to r...
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If you’ve ever worked with wood, you’re likely familiar with instructions to sand all edges after cutting: before app...
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Whether newly installed or more than a hundred years old, hardwood floors are a striking feature in many homes. Wood ...
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Chrome is distinctive, modern, and cool—all reasons to love it, whether it’s as the bases of your '50s-style bar stoo...
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Even greenhorn green thumbs know that applying compost to soil helps plants fight erosion, pests, and disease. But we...
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Do-it-yourselfers love spray paint as a fast, fun way to complete projects or breathe new life into tired décor. Acci...
Having an organized and functional kitchen can sometimes feel unattainable especially if you're working with limited ...
If you want lush healthy houseplants and garden growth but aren’t thrilled about paying for costly commercial foods w...
Wood joinery, as the term implies, refers to joining pieces of timber or lumber to create other structures. Crafting ...
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Adding lead pigment to paint started way back in the Colonial era, as it made paint extremely durable. By the mid-190...
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Q: For the first time in my life, I have mice. I had thought that I dreamed the scratching and skittering sounds I he...
There’s nothing more elegant than marble, a timeless material available in a variety of colors and veining styles tha...
The scariest sight on your porch this Halloween might not be the ghoulish grin on your Jack-o’-Lantern’s face, but ra...
If you’re repairing old things, you’re bound to run into rusted screws. As long as you keep the right tools and suppl...
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...
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Unexpected early fall and late spring frosts—periods when outside temperatures go below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenhe...
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Though unwelcome on gardening tools and patio furnishings, rust isn't always something to remove. In fact, with rusti...
Painting the exterior of your house is a big project that can quickly turn into a huge headache if you’re not adequat...
Laminate flooring has been a popular floor choice since its invention in the late ’70s. With a typical lifespan of 15...
Have you ever reached for a favorite sweater or pair of jeans only to find that its last spin in the hot dryer caused...
Wooden lanterns placed throughout the home—on the window sill, fireplace hearth, dining table, or the steps up to the...
Leather goods are investment pieces that require delicate care, which is why it’s frustrating when they get stained w...
Whether you're a green thumb or not, you probably already know that all plants need water to thrive—after all, that b...
The refrigerator is arguably the most important major appliance in the kitchen, and it’s often the most expensive one...
It's the ultimate in backyard entertaining—an outdoor fireplace where friends and family gather to share good times a...
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There’s little debate over the proper methods to cut wood. However, cutting plastic—particularly acrylic and polycarb...
While closed doors do a decent job shutting out the noise outside the room, cracks between a door and its casing or t...
Whether it’s a new mirror that you brought home or a wine bottle that you’re using for a DIY project, lifting the pri...
Concrete is durable, dependable—and, naturally, a bit cold in tone. If this steely neutral isn't your style, you can ...
Flying ants may seem more formidable than their tiny ant counterparts. Interestingly, though, flying ants—also known ...
Q: Woodpeckers recently swooped in on my property and did a number on my cedar tree, siding, and roof. How do I plug ...
Whether they represent a sports team, your alma mater, or your favorite political candidate, bumper stickers let you ...
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Artificial grass made its big debut at the Astro Dome in 1966—hence the term Astroturf—but it’s come a long way since...
If you’re itching to get your garden going, don’t wait until the weather outdoors is agreeable—get a jump on the grow...
As you enjoy outdoor fun this summer, keep family, friends and pets safe from disease-carrying ticks. CM_BVNOTES-1734...
Your beautiful garden and potted indoor greenery are equally vulnerable to mealybugs, tiny yet destructive pests that...
Those who say "good things come in small packages" probably don't have to contend with small-kitchen challenges like crammed cupboards and limited counter space. ...
Q: I just noticed a crack in my ceiling, but I’m not sure how long it’s been there. Is it a normal symptom of an agin...
Caulking is one of the easiest and most affordable home fixes. By sealing off unwanted cracks in places like windows ...
Bathroom fans don’t have to sound like a jet engine to remove enough moist air to keep your bathroom mold- and odor-f...
The zipper is a staple in daily life, keeping everything from jeans and jackets to duffel bags and lunch boxes closed...
Are your garden plants stunted, shriveled, yellowing, or curling at the leaves, despite your best efforts to keep the...
Summer is upon us, and with it come visions of long lazy days relaxing in the sunshine. This summer weather, however,...
Every weekend warrior dreams of a convenient backyard structure that's spacious enough not only for storing tools but...
Characterized by its showy, star-shaped foliage, English ivy (Hedera helix) might seem a fine choice for landscaping ...
Oscillating fans are a smart choice for cool comfort thanks to a side-to-side rotating mechanism that evenly distribu...
Q: I recently noticed some water stains on the ceiling of my living room. I'm not sure where they came from, but the ...
Take a look at your clothing tags before your next load of laundry. If you're lucky, they'll include a set of fine-pr...
A yard with lumps and bumps is not only unattractive but also a potential safety hazard with ample opportunity to cau...
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Though often overlooked, air conditioner filters are responsible for a mighty important job: keeping dust, dirt, and ...
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Q: I started seeing brown patches on my lawn at the end of spring. They seem to have grown in size and number since t...
Yellowing on your favorite dress shirt or old tee typically suggests that it's time to add it to your rag collection....
Do you find yourself raising your eyebrows at higher-than-normal energy bills? If your old air-conditioning system se...
They may be perceived as sneaky, slimy, and scary, but most snakes are not dangerous to humans. And, to their credit,...
Q: I’ve just turned on the air conditioner for the summer, but I just can't get get comfortable. The appliance circul...
This content has been brought to you by Hyde Tools. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Paint offers on...
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...
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A backyard shed frees up your home and garage by storing cumbersome essentials like your riding mower, hedge trimmers...
Anyone serious about woodworking or DIY eventually wants to add a table saw to their power tool arsenal. Named for th...
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When you’re starting out in a new home or renovating the kitchen in your current one, the time may come when you must...
Ticks are a fact of outdoor life throughout the United States. These blood-feeding arachnids become active every year...
"Mudding," the process of applying multiple thin coats of drywall compound to the joints and screw indentations in ne...
While more and more households are going chemical-free, no one wants to sacrifice cleanliness, especially in the kitc...
With iridescent wings that catch the light as they flit between flowers, hummingbirds have earned their nickname of “...
The naturally distressed patina of brick adds to its desirability indoors and out, but too much dirt accumulation can...
Your car is an extension of your home, but how often do you treat it with the same TLC you give your house? Keep your wheels in good condition with these simple-b...
Your sleeping bag is your bed away from bed during warm weather, whether during full-on camping or nights of backyard...
Do you have a flaking eyesore of a fence that plagues the perimeter of your property? While there are no shortcuts to...
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Water brings a touch of enchantment, transforming an ordinary landscape into something magical. Whether you yearn to ...
Deer are delightful romping through the forest but can wreak havoc in a garden, decimating vegetables, fruit trees, l...
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The trim around a door frame—also known as doorway casing—is installed first and foremost to conceal unsightly constr...
Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition: stain. ...
While children love big-eared Bugs Bunny chomping on a carrot, gardeners can identify closely with his cartoon nemesi...
If you have a sprawling lawn it might feel like the more you mow, the more it grows. But keeping your lawn neatly man...
There may not be a magic wand to instantly banish years of mildew, soot, dirt, and grime from your home’s exterior, b...
Q: I’d like to lay some grass seed this year, but I don’t want to get the timing wrong and create more work than nece...
Available in all shapes and sizes, baskets are often the simplest way to store anything from your soap collection to ...
A lightweight and durable material, aluminum has long been used for construction projects and home furnishings. Thoug...
Q: I notice neighbors’ sprinklers running at all hours of the day. What’s the best time to water grass, and how much ...
Mirrors enhance any interior as both decorative and highly functional features, bouncing light and offering an opport...
Have you dreamed about a walk-in closet with endless storage possibilities for clothes and accessories? Fortunately, ...
The bathroom may well be the wet spot in any home, but water pooling around the base of the commode doesn't fall in t...
Q. We’ve just moved into our new home, and the previous owners left behind some bathroom wallpaper that has got to go...
The handiest people advocate keeping a pocket knife within reach (if not actually in a pocket) at all times. Its fold...
If you’re reluctant to rearrange the pictures on your walls because you dread dealing with the nail holes left behind...
Q: Help! Just as I was leaving the bathroom, I heard the unmistakable, undesirable sound of water hitting the floor. ...
Whether they’re deciduous or evergreen, shade or ornamental, trees add value and curb appeal to any property. But occ...
For homeowners who appreciate all-natural ingredients and saving money on household necessities, baking soda and vine...
If you have a gorgeous granite countertop in your kitchen and want to keep it in “model home” shape, you may need to ...
Whether you want to build a rustic bench, install trim molding, or plumb a new sink, odds are that you’ll need to cut...
To filter the light that enters your home and control your level of privacy, blinds are often a budget-friendly and s...
Carpet is a costly investment that should last at least 10 years, but discoloration—thanks to spills, pet mishaps, an...
Whether you want to create a countertop or expand your sidewalk, cutting concrete yourself may not be as daunting as ...
Are aphids gnawing on the heirloom roses? Are spider mites munching on the tomato plants? If garden pests are bugging...
From powering vehicles and generators to garden tools, gasoline makes our world go around. But unused remnants of the...
This content has been brought to you by Hyde Tools. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Removing old wa...
Ever since we’ve had doors, we’ve been reinventing ways to be alerted to a visitor’s arrival. Hefty iron knockers gav...
Nothing is quite as aggravating as discovering that the delivery guy's van leaked oil on your driveway or that the dr...
While often initially installed for privacy, window treatments do a lot to improve a space's interior design. Curtain...
An outdated kitchen puts a damper on daily meal prep and entertaining, but a full-on kitchen renovation is rarely in ...
Figuring out how to soundproof a room doesn’t have to be difficult. As working from home is becoming more popular, ho...
Whether doing fine woodworking or tackling a kitchen or bathroom remodel, chances are you’ll need to create some curv...
Prized for their prolific blooms in a rainbow of colors—from creamy white and soft pink to shades of deep rose and cr...
You can repaint the walls, re-carpet the floor, and replace all outdated furniture, but leaving that eyesore of an ol...
Wood floors add beauty and warmth to any home, but they do demand special care. Though there are plenty of commercial...
Decorative tile floors can add an element of elegance to a hum-drum living space, but often for a pretty penny. To av...
Just like the fabric in clothing, upholstery gets assaulted daily by skin oils, hair, dust, food crumbs, and spills. ...
Though they may not be much to look at, screws hold a place of honor in the construction, hobby, and furniture-making...
Let’s face it: Dealing with a clogged toilet is about as much fun—but, unfortunately, just as necessary—as a root can...
Q: I want to re-tile my floor, but I'd rather not go through the hassle of ripping up the existing flooring first. Ca...
The ageless patina of wood grain makes it a popular material for home furnishings. Unfortunately, solid wood pieces—s...
An Internet real estate listing can be crucial in attracting buyers, and the photos that accompany that listing are incredibly important. They are the first impre...
Knowing how to get rid of a black mold is a skill set every DIYer and homeowner should have in their know-how arsenal...
Whether you’re caramelizing onions, simmering a sugary fruit jam, or baking homemade biscuits, your culinary masterpi...
Learning to pour concrete may save money and build your skills, but without proper equipment and attention to detail,...
If you’ve ever tried to remove a stuck nut with a pair of pliers in a pinch, you know how easy it is to scrape and da...
Grout—the filler between tiles—tends to be an afterthought. But homeowners have reason to prioritize this DIY job: Wh...
Q: I went to transfer a load of laundry from the washer to the dryer, and the clothes were sopping wet! Why won't my ...
No horror movie can match the terror of a mouse skitter across the living room floor at night—because where there’s o...
No matter how quietly you traipse through your home late at night, a squeaky floor will always trip you up and announ...
Not to scare you into ordering takeout more often, but more home fires are caused by cooking mishaps than anything el...
A hardware store’s paint department presents an overwhelming number of options to any homeowner looking for a color r...
Glass tile is enjoying its day in the sun as more and more homeowners choose to incorporate it in their home renovati...
Key rings can get crowded (and heavy!) fast, when you consider all that you load up on them: keys for your car, front...
A dirty, grimy windshield is bad enough, but nothing will slow you down more than one covered in ice and snow. Using ...
In cramped bathing quarters that rely on a walk-in shower instead of a full-size bathtub, the shower pan can be an un...
Whether your daily drink of choice is a frothy latte, creamy hot cocoa, or an old-fashioned cup of Joe, the Keurig ca...
Medium-Density Fiberboard, known simply as MDF, is common for both furniture and home construction these days. The in...
Q: Lately, when I take a shower, more water drips and runs out from behind the shower head faceplate than comes out t...
The chainsaw—a portable power tool that cuts wood via a fast-moving chain that rotates around a guide bar—can make sh...
Untreated dampness on carpet—whether caused by a persistent leak, overzealously watered plants, or a not-quite-houset...
While concrete's cool, industrial aesthetic is a go-to design touch in modern homes, its density and strength are wha...
For a century, the naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral asbestos was a mainstay of the building industry, use...
Nothing beats crawling under a cozy comforter after a long day, but did you know the bulky piece of bedding likely ha...
For DIYers eager to take on plumbing tasks, one of the most important skills to master is how to sweat copper pipe—a ...
The world’s most abundant metal, aluminum, contributes to many products homeowners use every day: pots, pans, utensil...
Enter any supermarket and it’s obvious that detergent is big business. Yet while the choices seem endless, today’s co...
Putting a new face on tired-looking home accents can be as simple as brushing on a few coats of paint. But if you wan...
Some of the most gorgeous, long-lasting pieces of furniture, cabinetry, and trim work are crafted from wood, the worl...
Stainless steel is strong, durable, and easy-care, but aesthetically its high-tech, industrial vibe can leave you col...
Q. After dinner, I rinsed off the dishes in the sink like I always do, and then I flipped on the garbage disposal swi...
Even if it’s not operational, a fireplace somehow still makes a space feel cozy—and ups its “architectural charm” fac...
Tough and durable yet easy to cut, polyvinyl chloride piping (PVC)—originally developed for plumbing—is ideal for use...
Do-it-yourselfers live by the rule of “the right tool for the job,” but just as important is maintaining those tools ...
Sometimes, the kitchen is too small to prep a multi-course meal for friends or family. If only you had 12 square inch...
Drywall anchors certainly come in handy when you want to safely hang something heavy on a hollow wall or a spot witho...
Q: Even though my shower was perfectly toasty when I hopped in, it quickly chilled until there was no hot water left ...
Natural stone, with its rich colorations and wonderful feel, is Mother Nature’s gift to our homes. But this beautiful...
It’s entirely possible to remove paint from tile, whether you’re simply hoping to banish some accidental splatters or...
When hanging heavy mirrors, bracing large furniture, wall-mounting a new television, or erecting shelving, you need t...
Seems like just yesterday that the red brick in your family room looked perfect, but tastes change with time. Now you...
Dirty window tracks can spoil even the sunniest views. Whether you leave your windows open or closed, the tracks inev...
Curling up in front of a fire is a thoroughly delightful aspect of fall and winter. But a fire can be a messy busines...
From sinks and appliances to counters and cabinet hardware, stainless steel remains popular in home kitchens, favored...
Your hardworking cutting board constantly plays host to meats, veggies, and herbs. Over time, however, such unsavory ...
Though in wintertime a window seat affords postcard-perfect views of snow-covered tree branches, it's not necessarily...
Tiny, sap-sucking arachnids known as spider mites can be a problem any time of year, not only in your garden but plag...
Thanks to a harvest time of as little as 5 years, bamboo is an environmentally sustainable, increasingly popular floo...
Clocks may be less a necessity than they were in the days before cell phones remained attached to consumers' hips and...
The popcorn effect—so called for its resemblance to America’s favorite fluffy snack—is the result of loose particulat...
We’ve all seen the bottles of glass cleaner vying for our dollars on supermarket shelves. But there’s an economical a...
Are you looking for an easy way to add years and visual interest to your basic wooden furniture? Grabbing a paintbrus...
Sprinklers keep your lawn looking great most of the year, but when autumn rolls along, take some time to empty and in...
Fire extinguishers are like insurance: You have it in hopes of never needing it (and there’d better be at least one i...
Our carpets suffer the collateral damage of our busy, active lives. The daily foot traffic and those inevitable spill...
At some point in the never-ending list of do-it-yourself projects, nearly every handy homeowner encounters a stripped...
It’s common to ignore oven spills and splatters until you can’t avoid seeing—or smelling—them on the walls, racks, an...
Most homes have one or more exterior steps, but mobility-challenged individuals may find it difficult or impossible t...
Shag rugs are enjoying a resurgence, thanks to their groovy textured looks and comfy feel underfoot. The potential bu...
Nothing interferes with a refreshing shower like a slow-draining bathtub. And that inch or two of water that sneaks u...
Metal furniture and ornaments are popular because they’re durable, but the longer a piece lasts, the older its look c...
If you’re one of those people whose morning routine is just not complete without a comforting cup of tea (and maybe a...
Cast iron is so strong and durable, it can serve for a lifetime and beyond. Yet rugged as the material is, it only ta...
Glue is an essential product for home repair mavens, DIY enthusiasts, and recreational crafters alike. But when the s...
Streamlining the home's entryway or mudroom poses a real challenge for bustling households. Add up all of the jackets...
If your around-the-house to-do list includes an ambitious DIY electrical project, be it installing a light fixture, r...
A coat of latex paint will add color to plain wood furniture—but not much else. To really beat the blahs, consider tr...
Everyone loves a clean home, but our obsession with sanitation may come at a cost to our health. Some people, especia...
Beyond its well-earned prominence in the plumbing department, copper piping is having its moment in the DIY world as ...
Among the many advantages of high-tech home accessories is their ability to let us untangle ourselves from old-fashio...
Many homeowners strive for the lived-in look—the shabby chic, vintage-eclectic vibe touted by interior designers and ...
Today, many homeowners strive to achieve a lived-in vibe with their interior design choices. Who wants furniture that...
Planning a carpentry project? Quick, grab a speed square! Also known as a rafter square or triangle square, this simp...
Hardwood flooring adds beauty to your home, and it's durable enough to last a lifetime (or more). But that's not to s...
Good fences may make good neighbors, but accidentally erecting one on or across a neighbor’s property line can lead t...
Wish that you had a relaxing moment in a camping hammock in your own backyard, but have nowhere to hang it? Rather th...
It’s bound to happen. You’re just going to do a bit of touch-up or you accidentally brush up against a still-wet proj...
The beauty, shade, and privacy offered by trees make them a popular environmental feature for any property. But many ...
Summer isn’t summer unless you’re soaking up the sun, grilling, and chilling in your own backyard. Yet a traditional ...
Many home improvement enthusiasts choose to enhance their landscapes with the DIY installation of brick patios, walkw...
During the hottest days of the year, it’s likely that you rely heavily on an air conditioning unit—be it targeting yo...
When you need a quick, cool upgrade that doesn’t cost a bundle, spray paint is hard to beat. A host of exciting new h...
Breezes in, bugs out—functionally speaking, the screen door hasn’t changed much in the past hundred years or so. Diff...
Quartz. Quartzite. The names sound alike. But although both of these popular countertop materials are derived from th...
At its best, a kitchen furnished with shiny stainless steel appliances and surfaces is the picture of a pristine, pro...
"One man's junk is another man's treasure"—you've heard the adage before. Now you can prove it for yourself: With summer in full swing, so are the neighborhood cl...
Beautifully mowing a lawn without edging the perimeter and beds is like getting an amazing haircut but leaving an ove...
A healthy outdoor ladybug population is a good thing. Gardeners appreciate their voracious appetite for the destructi...
By adding a cap of liquid fabric softener to certain loads of laundry, you condition the clothing fibers and textiles...
Trees add great beauty to your landscape and their shade can help keep cooling costs low. But when a tree outgrows it...
Q: Help! My toilet won’t flush. The handle moves freely, but nothing happens when I press down. Can I fix it without ...
It’s hard to beat ceramic tile for beauty, versatility, and durability. Perfect for bathroom, kitchen, even entryway ...
Plenty of DIYers find themselves eager to start a project only to come to a full stop when confronting rivets. The fa...
For construction professionals and homeowners alike, concrete offers many appealing qualities, but there may be none ...
Maybe you dream of upgrading to a modern jetted model, or simply want to switch to a stall shower to gain square foot...
If you see an ant or two, chances are you’ll see more—many more—especially if there's something tasty lying around ne...
You work hard on your garden, so the last thing you want is gnarly weeds littering your lawn or popping up smack dab ...
Whether you’re planning a road trip or gearing up for an outdoor DIY project, the task ahead starts with checking and...
Whether you move during peak season or in the depths of winter, you'll probably have to deal with stress and a dwindling supply of energy and funds. When it's tim...
Few things are as frustrating as trying to drive a screw into a tight corner or over your head, only to have it fall ...
Careful preparation is key to the successful installation of hardwood flooring. If you fail to get the subfloor clean...
Blood happens. Not often, hopefully, but when a kid skins a knee and lays wailing on the living room rug, or the dog ...
With Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses on the rise, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the mosquito contr...
Nothing spoils the satisfaction of a paint job like drips and splatters on plastic surfaces, such as light switch cov...
Even the nicest wall-to-wall carpeting can start to buckle, ripple, or wrinkle over time when it loosens and lifts fr...
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...
Maybe there was a mishap while moving a major appliance. Or perhaps someone hung some pictures the old-fashioned way ...
A love of gardening often goes hand in hand with a hatred toward the pests that pervade the fruits of your labor, bot...
Q: Parts of my concrete driveway are flaky, cracked, and pitted. How do I halt the deterioration and return the surfa...
If the very thought of cutting glass makes you cringe, perhaps it’s because you remember a painful occasion when glas...
Whether you're planning on replacing a floor or simply wanting to change up the style of trim in a room, your project...
We think of a doorknob as ubiquitous and mundane, yet a closer inspection can sometimes prove puzzling, leaving you t...
The bathroom can be a nightmare to organize, with all of its towels, soap bottles, grooming supplies, and other toile...
Want to juice up your space, indoors and out, without spending a bundle? Think succulents! From the rosettes of Echev...
Nocturnal and relatively shy, skunks aren’t often seen—but they certainly are smelled! Though the black-and-white cre...
Walls framed by baseboards and crown molding exude unmistakable character and polish, most notably in historical home...
The bald eagle may be our national symbol, but virtually every American has encountered the crow. These highly intell...
Many new trees do just fine on their own. In fact, the movement they experience from normal wind and weather helps th...
It’s easy to take doors for granted. Until they start sticking or binding, that is—or you install a new floor and sud...
They don’t care who you are or where you live. You won’t see them coming, and by the time they make their presence kn...
Let’s face it: Laminate isn’t the most high-end countertop material out there, and when it starts showing signs of we...
Q: I’ve noticed that my freezer isn’t working as well as it used to. Is there any possibility of a quick fix instead ...
Although metal patio furniture is elegant and durable, it can over time become a rust-coated symbol of neglect. Inste...
Cleaning a gas grill ensures that one of the most loved rituals of summer—friends and family gathering together in th...
Whether you’re rewiring an old lamp, installing a new doorbell, or adding another outlet to a wall, the first step to...
Treating your trees, garden, and landscaping beds to mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and arm plants...
Day after day, year after year, exterior siding protects your home from the elements. It's the first line of defense ...
Thanks to its ability to resist corrosion, withstand heat, and handle all sorts of chemicals, stainless steel is a co...
If you’ve never actually seen a vole, that’s not surprising. The 7-inch-long rodent also known as a meadow mouse is r...
No homeowner wants to be confronted with ripped-up wall coverings as a day-in, day-out reminder of a job not yet fini...
A small- to medium-size ceramic tiling job is a project that's well within the grasp of most DIYers. With careful mea...
Did your most recent trip to the thrift store pay off in a big way? Vintage furniture adds character to any builder-g...
It all too easy to slap a coat of white paint on your ceiling and consider it done. But to really pull a room togethe...
Q: Help! My toilet is leaking all over the bathroom floor, and I haven’t yet located the source. How can I find and f...
Any professional painter knows that a successful paint job is only as good as the preparation that comes before it. T...
Garage doors sometimes seem to have a mind of their own, often deciding when—and how far—they want to open or close. ...
Buckles, splinters, and cracks, oh my! These are all clear-cut signs that your vinyl siding needs to be replaced. Des...
A deck is a plein-air addition to your home. Like the space inside your residence, it needs regular cleaning and main...
The pungent odor of mothballs is the very smell of storage. Made from either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, thes...
Steel doors are wonderful at keeping the wind and weather out of our homes, and they're remarkably durable—they can l...
We don’t give tub drains much thought until they give us trouble. Over time, tub drains clog and sometimes even corro...
Millions of people and animals are swarmed and stung every year by fire ants. Their burning (hence the name) bites ar...
Like most home cooks, you probably love whipping up meals but hate cleaning up afterwards. If you neglect tidying up ...
No matter how beneficial massaging hydrotherapy is for your health, a jetted tub can be only as restorative and relax...
When most homeowners refer to a "waterbug," they're actually employing a delicate colloquialism for an insect whose m...
Q: I jumped in my shower this morning and, holy cow, was it cold! After a quick inspection, I discovered my water hea...
Use well-seasoned cast-iron cookware once, and chances are that you’re hooked for life. More than simply a nontoxic, ...
Grass can be great—when it’s like lush, lovely lot-to-lot carpeting beneath your feet. Flawless grass can be a pain t...
There’s nothing quite like the joy of living in a home with character, craftsmanship, and history within its walls. Y...
When you have a doorway but not enough room for a door to swing open, oftentimes the frame goes without any sort of c...
If you’ve recently noticed that your clothes are taking longer to dry than they used to, you may need to look no furt...
Q: Help! Last year, our lawn was brown and not as healthy-looking as it could have been. When should I fertilize the ...
They enter your home in a myriad of ways: hitching rides on cut flowers, clothing, or pets, or simply flying in throu...
If you’re confused by the wide array of options in the adhesives aisle at your local hardware store, you’re not alone...
Whether in the form of a windowpane, shower wall, or tabletop, glass serves as a durable and glamorous surface almost...
Even if you’re not an avid cultivator of prized begonias or caretaker of an expensive golf course like Bill Murray’s ...
As long as it goes up and down on command, it’s easy to ignore your garage door. Yet this aspect of your home’s exter...
Commonly used to construct everyday items from shower enclosures to tabletops, plexiglass (also known as acrylic) off...
Though far from pleasant to think about, there’s a good chance your home is ridden with dust mites—microscopic organi...
At the start of growing season, part of the necessary prep every homeowner with hopes of a greener yard tacks (or sho...
When faced with the conundrum of how to unclog a garbage disposal, most people would say that the easiest solution is...
Notice an inexplicable mass destruction, yellowing, or defoliation in your evergreens? A close and careful look throu...
Once reserved for engineers and electronic technicians, multimeters—sometimes called “multitesters”—have come down in...
Linoleum is a classic and resilient material, often found in high-traffic spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallwa...
Whatever your home’s style may be, flooring is quite literally its foundation, and often the first design element vis...
Wool rugs in a home appeal to several senses: Their vibrant colors and patterns improve the look of any space, while ...
In a range of applications, from picture frames to tabletops, plexiglass (also known as acrylic) serves as a cost-eff...
Few outdoor chores are as inherently hazardous as cutting down trees or chopping up wood, especially when your axe is...
Linoleum has been a practical flooring option for more than 100 years. While it fell out of fashion in the late 1940s...
There’s nothing quite like a steamy shower to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit after a good night’s sleep or a ...
Most of us already have the makings of a collection sitting out on a shelf or dresser, right under our noses. Transfo...
No matter their placement—on the mantel, beside the bathtub, or on the dining table—lit candles instantly create an a...
No matter how hard you work to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean, they'll always look dingy if they're plagued by ...
Drywall—commonly known as sheet rock—is one of the most popular construction materials used in finishing interior wal...
The more you entertain, the more likely it is that you'll have to deal with stains. A spilled glass of wine, a smudge...
Sure, there are plenty of intimidatingly complex bathroom repairs for which you would be wise to hire a plumber. This...
If you are your household's designated bathroom cleaner (or if you pay attention to your surroundings when you're in ...
If it looks like a snake and moves like a snake, it probably is a snake, right? Or, perhaps, its toolbox doppelgänger...
Q: Lately, every time I open my washing machine door, I detect a foul-smelling odor. My washing machine smells like r...
Hardwood flooring offers rich, warm, timeless beauty, and can even favorably affect the resale value of your home. Wi...
Wishing for a way to refresh a kitchen or laundry room without sinking thousands of dollars into a renovation? If you...
A coat of durable wood finish on your hardwood floors, fine furniture, and outdoor decking can mean the difference be...
Of all the many types of molding installed to put the finishing touch on a room, there's none more common than basebo...
Even if you keep your bathroom tiles clean, dirty grout lines can really detract from the look of your tiled floors a...
Thanks to the simplicity of their design and function, light switches seem to last pretty much forever despite daily ...
There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that your iron is soiling your favorite clothes while you're trying...
Looking for a quick way to remove old layers of paint? Your best bet might be a heat gun—and it's easy enough to use ...
Many homeowners invest in glass cooktops because their modern, flat surface makes them both easy on the eye and easy ...
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but all this merrymaking can lead to seasonal dangers. Holiday-related injuries and disasters can put a serious da...
You've just grabbed the mop to clear up a spill or wipe away the day-to-day dirt, but will you actually make your flo...
When your sink or shower drain gets clogged, it's pretty easy to figure out the cause. The perp is usually a disgusti...
You know the story: After cooking a big meal—especially after doing so several times a week, for months—splattered gr...
Now that the temperature is falling, you may have cranked up the heat in your house only to find that one (or more) o...
Fireplace season has at long last arrived: Time to gather around the hearth, hunker down, and embrace the warmth of t...
It’s not how you start, but how you finish, as the adage goes. But when it comes to painting, the materials you choos...
Inevitably, there’s at least one unwelcome guest at every holiday party: the red wine stain. Sure enough, just as eve...
You know that little knob on top of the bathtub spout? It's tiny but not insignificant, as it performs the vital role...
You set out a drop cloth and meticulously lined the wall trim with painter’s tape, but you still ended up with a litt...
You’ll be surprised at the gems you uncover once you strip the paint and lacquer off your attic, yard sale, or thrift...
Don't let the name fool you: Silverfish are nothing like the goldfish you nurtured as pets in your childhood bedroom....
Looking to reupholster your dining room chairs in a beautiful print without having to worry about future damage from ...
Showcase the beauty of wood stairs without sacrificing the comfort of carpet with this clever compromise: a carpet ru...
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. With a singl...
We all have those "What was I thinking?" moments, and when it comes to decorating, those mistakes often take the form...
If you’ve ever tried using nothing but a hacksaw to cut through PVC pipe, you know it can be challenging. Often, part...
You may use your toaster almost daily, but when was the last time you cleaned out the burnt crumbs? There’s no need t...
Sometimes, even despite attentive maintenance and care, brick masonry fireplaces amass a fair amount soot, mildew, an...
Powered hedge trimmers are a tremendous time-saver for any homeowner who prefers to handle his own landscaping. But i...
Done any shopping for your home recently? In perusing the aisles, you may have noticed that even a very simple mirror...
Part-time workshop, storage center for outdoor equipment, shelter for the family cars—the garage is a do-it-all space...
Hopping into a hot and steamy shower only to notice that the water is pooling around your feet makes for a rough way ...
Known for its impressive strength and ultraquick dry time, super glue plays a vital role in many household fixes. But...
An attractively mounted curtain rod adds a subtle layer of embellishment to an entire room. Beyond completing a room...
A microfiber suede sofa is a cozy centerpiece for any room. Known for being soft and stylish, this popular seating ch...
Admit it: You invest a great deal of time and energy in keeping your stainless steel appliances fingerprint-free, shi...
Stymied by a stripped screw, or a screw without a head? No worries! There’s a brilliant little tool that can help you...
There’s something so incredibly appealing about a simple tire swing. Whether it’s the freeing feeling of soaring thro...
Even the smallest slugs play a big role in the ecosystem, feeding on decomposing matter and in turn providing protein...
Though young children love dandelions for their bright yellow flowers and their irresistibly entertaining, fluffy see...
It’s the stuff of nightmares for any do-it-yourselfer who takes on a weekend painting project. Even though you carefu...
A green, moss-covered roof may make you think you’ve wandered into a fairy tale, complete with a quaint little woodcu...
Knockouts are partially stamped, quarter-size openings in the electrical boxes that service such things as outlets an...
Of all the reasons to appreciate solid wood cabinets, there may be none more appealing than their virtually endless c...
Has it been a while since your last home improvement project? If your do-it-yourself skills are a little rusty, chanc...
Grass stains are souvenirs of outdoor sports and other messy fun—as well as battle scars from labor-intensive rounds ...
Summer vacation is all about fun: swimming pools, later bedtimes, and epic blanket forts. With all the lively activit...
This DIY has a bit of a backstory: In my basement workshop—as a byproduct of about a half dozen previous projects—I'd...
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...
Air conditioners are our saving grace during sticky summers—there’s nothing quite like the relief of walking into a r...
Whether you're returning from a 12-day vacation on foreign soil or have just wrapped up a weekend by the pool with th...
Wallpaper is having its moment again—and we're not talking about the stuffy prints you remember seeing in your grandm...
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are a common nuisance in many homes. These pests live and breed inside your pl...
As pretty as woodpeckers are to observe in your backyard or garden, these noisy birds can cause major damage to your ...
There's no disagreement here: Concrete ranks among the most durable, longest-lasting of all building materials. That ...
Privacy, safety, security—these are only a few of the reasons that homeowners build solid, durable garden walls. Alth...
Think your wood siding needs a fresh coat of paint? Maybe. Or it could be that your wood clapboard, lap, or shingle s...
Do-it-yourself types depend on cement backer board for numerous projects, including tiled walls, flooring, and even c...
Whether rectangular or curvy in design, next to the home or freestanding in the yard, a concrete patio establishes ne...
Sometimes the simplest updates make the most impact in a room—and chair rail molding is no exception. More than an ea...
Pressure treating protects wood from the elements, helps prevent insect attacks, and minimizes the effects of aging. ...
Painting a room can be quite the process: choosing your paint color, covering all of your furniture, prepping every s...
Birds eat bugs, propagate seeds, and bring your garden to life with color, movement, and song. Yet, “the greatest joy...
"Just paint it!" That's the motto for many DIYers when they're unhappy with the lamp, dresser, doors, hardware. . . y...
Durability ranks high among the many reasons to choose concrete as a driveway surfacing material. After years of expo...
Whether you’re seeking unique decor that won’t break the bank or hoping to unload a few pieces for profit, look no fu...
Come summertime, the deck practically becomes an extension of your house. In fact, when decorated according to typica...
Picture the average lightbulb. Now picture sunlight streaming into a room in your home. There's no comparison, right?...
The entrance to your home is the first impression that strikes visitors, so why don't you make it a friendly one with...
Patio. The very word conjures up visions of lazy, relaxing afternoons spent with friends and family. For those whose ...
As warm weather persists, so does an annual nuisance: houseflies. The small black pests that get in your face, buzz i...
A fixture of backyard barbecues and poolside parties, patio furniture must withstand not only the elements, but also ...
As an avid DIYer, chances are you have remnants from many projects lingering around the house—tools waiting to be sta...
This post has been brought to you by QUIKRETE. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Everyone knows that ...
Used for cutting paper, cardboard, fabric, string, price tags, plastic packaging—that list goes on—those scissors in ...
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of plastic shopping bags you’re harboring underneath your kitche...
For committed do-it-yourselfers, extension ladders are a must-have. When you’re using them, though, it’s important to...
Always affordable and at once both decorative and functional, concrete garden edging effectively defines garden beds,...
Bleary-eyed fumbling for that first cup of joe can lead to spills, yet despite this repeated abuse during the morning...
Need to patch a hole in drywall? While you can resolve smaller problems with spackling paste, larger jobs call for a ...
Because they remain outdoors for a good portion of the year, patio cushions weather plenty of dirt and debris. Bird d...
Gail from My Repurposed Life is no stranger to fantastic repurposing projects. But don't let her skills intimidate yo...
If you're like us, spring and summer can mean long, thirsty hours spent DIYing (or even relaxing!) in the sun. But th...
After posting pictures of a DIY coffee table that she (and readers) loved, Sausha from Sweet Pickins decided to revis...
One of the enjoyable things about reading Thistlewood Farms is the playful way that KariAnne puts things. But when sh...
You may think that permanent marker is, well, permanent. But we'll let you in on a special secret: With a little elbo...
Wicker evokes summertime porch-sitting perhaps more than any other outdoor furniture. But besides all the fair-weathe...
Though caulk often lasts for years, it doesn't stick around forever. If yours has become discolored, has developed cr...
It's not what you feared. Spilling coffee on the carpet doesn't have to mean living with an eyesore until you replace...
Don't let the bushy tails fool you. They may be cute and and bright-eyed, but if left unchecked, squirrels can do an ...
Science says flowers make us happy, and who can argue with that? Multiple research studies, including a seminal study...
Though your shower curtain performs a valuable service, preventing water from cascading across your bathroom floor, y...
As you go about your spring cleaning routine, take a few minutes to inspect the condition of your wood furniture and ...
Delicious and versatile, eggs are on the ingredients list for countless favorite recipes. But while the yolks and the...
Vintage rattan furniture is getting harder to come by, so if you happen to run across a nice piece at a garage sale, ...
If you've ever tried to remove paint from brick, you know that it can be a painstaking process. Depending on the scop...
Are there always white spots on your bathroom fixtures? Does a cloudy film coat the carafe of your coffeemaker? If so...
Everyone dreads at least one household chore. Many people's least favorite is cleaning the windows. Too important to ...
Carpeting inevitably undergoes wear and tear, whether from foot traffic or the accidents of everyday life. If those f...
A lot of DIY demolition and renovation can be fun. It provides stress relief, excitement, and fast results. One of th...
You know and loathe the traditional way to clean a carpet. But however laborious it may be, there's no doubt that blo...
These concrete modular wall planters made by Ananda at A Piece of Rainbow are the perfect geometric accent for the mo...
Large planters for your deck or patio can be very pricey, so it makes sense to build your own. If you like the look o...
By her own admission, Linda from It All Started With Paint isn't what you'd call a green thumb. But tiny low-maintena...
What's even better than making your own concrete planter? How about trying your hand at a hypertufa planter? If you'v...
The term "wainscoting" refers to any type of paneling that covers the lower portion—usually the lower third—of an int...
Concrete floors are no longer found only in garages and basements. With elegant finishes now available—like stencilin...
Wood, which naturally soaks up and retains water, makes an ideal environment for mold and mildew. If you're dealing w...
As the only home appliance to host a rotating population of mess-making foods, it's no wonder the refrigerator ranks ...
Owning your own hot tub is an affordable luxury. But while the bubbles may be relaxing, maintaining the unit takes wo...
Fleas are irritating—not only for pets but also for people. If you have fleas in the house, you can usually expect so...
[bobsays_inset] There are plenty of housekeeping jobs that people put off. And as opposed to a task like clearing the...
As challenging as it may have been to settle on blinds, not curtains, you're not quite finished yet. On the contrary....
Most people know that spiders benefit our homes and gardens by eating insects such as mosquitoes, flies and ants that...
Ceiling fans are great—until they get wobbly. What causes that to happen, and how can you go about fixing a wobbly ce...
Sweeping dirt under the rug: Tempting, sure, but it's no long-term solution. Different rooms in different houses requ...
Removing wallpaper is, in a word, laborious. The process takes a great deal of energy and time. And lo and behold, ev...
It's the shortest month of the year, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to be done. Tackle your home projects systematically by identifying your home's needs...
[bobsays_inset]Before hauling your rug outside on a cold day after a snowstorm, first vacuum its front and back. Alte...
You put a great deal of trust in your front door, counting on it to form a good first impression of your home for any...
When Canada phased out the penny, Vone from Vone Inspired got to work on a DIY project—an ode to the penny. Because t...
When Homeroad blogger Susan's daughter came to her with a project idea, she jumped at the chance to help. She provide...
Meg from Happy Looks Good on You is no stranger to Bob Vila Thumbs Up—here's her great idea for a concrete lamp. But ...
When Rebecca at The Crafted Sparrow had a friend move into a new home, copper accents were on the ultimate kitchen wi...
Ashley from Domestic Imperfection had her work work cut out for her when she decided to create a DIY penny countertop...
Just about every down comforter has a tag with care instructions that read, "Dry Clean Only. " But if you're on a bud...
Consider the environment within the average in-sink garbage disposal: It's cool, dark, and moist, and there's a near ...
When the skin of our hands gets dry and starts to crack a bit, we quickly reach for moisturizing lotion. The same log...
Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention—but so is thriftiness. When a $2,000 light fixture was out of the que...
Paint is the easiest way to transform a room, yet it’s surprisingly easy to muck up your project with a few silly mistakes. The next time you pick up a paintbrush...
You’ve put off the task for months, hoping the little spills and splatters inside the oven would vanish on their own....
Before antismoking campaigns and the advent of disposable lighters, matchboxes and matchbooks were very common. They ...
There are many questions to grapple with before settling on any particular rug: How big should it be? Is it durable enough? What do I need to know to clean it? Fo...
We've all been there: It's the end of a long day, and rather than wipe up the splatters on the range, you decide the ...
If you're as weary of your home as you are of 2014, it might be time to shake up your space. Let's be honest: If we want changes to stick, we have to know ourselv...
Can you believe this stunner only cost $53 to make? We couldn't either. Using scrap wood, a set of spare hairpin legs...
The IKEA Expedit is a veritable mainstay in homes across the world. It's perfect for collectors and book lovers, but ...
When we saw Ama's sleek and contemporary bookshelf, we were impressed. And when it became clear that it was made enti...
Think that fun and custom home accents need to be pricey? If so, you're in for a shock. Take a look at this amazing m...
It's a new year—and the perfect chance to start fresh! Here are 10 projects that will help you restart, reorganize, and reinvigorate your home this month.
Everyone has at some point pulled something questionable from the fridge, sniffed it, then handed it to someone else asking, “Is this still good?” But sometimes, ...
Cast iron, properly cared for, can last a lifetime at least in the kitchen. Apart from cleaning your pan or skillet a...
We're no strangers to the power of paint. It brightens dark rooms, adds interest to walls, and transforms furniture. ...
Some homeowners are so drawn to the fireplace that they ignore the mess and hassle that accompany its operation and m...
Vintage lovers will probably love this throwback-looking iPhone speaker set. Designed to look like a gramophone but d...
The refrigerator is the appliance king in a room filled with appliances, the kitchen. Once a plain white box with no-...
Air quality can suffer in myriad ways. Excess humidity ranks among the least desirable effects. Left unchecked, mois...
A dreaded household chore, cleaning the toilet is the definition of dirty work. Mostly it's a matter of hygiene, but ...
Like their closet-lurking cousins, pantry moths are destructive pests. Act fast before they eat through (and lay eggs...
Front doors undergo wear and tear on a daily basis, not least from the elements—precipitation and wind and the glarin...
December is a busy month, packed with festivity preparation and the typical winter maintenance. Get it all done and still have time to lounge inside by the fire b...
When holiday guests gather in your home to enjoy festive food and drink, there are bound to be a few accidental slops and splatters that could make your carpets a...
Wash and dry your sheets and pillowcases once a week—that's all it takes to sleep in clean comfort, right? Wrong. You...
Installing wall-to-wall carpeting? It can be tricky to cut the floor covering so that it accurately fits the room. To...
Installing a dishwasher may seem daunting, but with the right instructions and a little care, it can be a rewarding D...
More than a mere decorative finish, frosted glass also offers a practical benefit: Without blocking the passage of li...
Whether your goal is to renew a faded surface or bring a new color into the mix, there are two main things to know ab...
Once you've put your garden to bed for the winter, why not clean your garden tools before storing them away? TLC star...
Few things say autumn more than fresh apple cider. So what if you could make your own from your backyard. That's what...
If you've gone out to buy a light bulb recently, chances are you've hesitated over the unfamiliar selection. Traditio...
There's no such thing as a truly refreshing bathing experience in a shower that looks—or even feels—dirty. To keep th...
More than a mere shine, polyurethane sealer protects and preserves the finish you've chosen for your furniture or flo...
Simply put, electrical work is dangerous. If you're contemplating a project that requires any complexity or sophistic...
When's the best time to remove paint spots from wooden floors? Right after the paint hits the floor, of course! But w...
A sensible siding solution, vinyl remains a popular and budget-friendly choice for home exteriors. Many homeowners ha...
If your heat comes from radiators, you know the predicament: In the winter, you're glad to have the heat. But no matt...
When gardening season is in full swing, there's nothing like a trusty potting bench to help you reap the season's bou...
If you wound up with more tricks than treats this Halloween, you're likely to have your hands full with a mess: toilet paper in the trees, eggs dripping on your h...
Among household odors, mildew undoubtedly ranks among the worst. And unfortunately, it's all too common, lurking in t...
Tineola bisselliella, the common clothes moth, wreaks havoc on wardrobes, destroying shirts and socks, pants and swea...
The good news: Bats are not aggressive. The bad news: If there are bats in your house, it’s only a matter of time bef...
There's a simple reason why builders relied on steam radiators for decades and decades—they work! But every technolog...
Kitchen cabinets are opened and closed more often than the front door is. Such frequent use—along with leakage, spill...
Sorting, loading, folding—doing laundry is a tiring chore not only for you, but also for your appliances. What drags ...
Painting pressure-treated wood comes with some complications caused by the very treatment that allows the material to...
Butcher block counters are a perennial favorite in the kitchen, though many homeowners worry about the care and maint...
A multi-use cleaning product is always something to smile about! Here's why you should keep a few extra tubes of toothpaste in your kitchen, laundry room, and cle...
Wood furniture is no small investment. In covering the expense, we are comforted knowing that what we are buying can ...
Years ago, you purchased particleboard furniture at IKEA. Maybe it's begun to show its age, or maybe you simply no lo...
January 2014 signaled the final stage in the phaseout of standard incandescent light bulbs in the United States. As of January 1, traditional incandescents are no...
Homemade dish soap. OK, sure. But why? For one thing, why not? But more seriously, homemade dish soap, which requires...
Door drafts can be a cause of real discomfort. Besides the immediate unpleasantness of a chilly gust invading the war...
Homeowners know too well that not all greenery contributes to the beauty of a garden. Weeds, for instance, are a chie...
Whether tucked under our heads while sleeping or behind our backs while lounging in the living room, pillows are an o...
Why buy a desktop organizer when you can make your own? That's what Cher, brains behind Designs by Studio C, thought ...
When Rachelle, blogger from Adventures in Creating, saw a modern (and pricey!) wine rack for sale, it was love at fir...
Summer might be over, but that didn't stop us from appreciating these amazing (and amazingly simple-to-make) summer c...
There's something about the nostalgic and timeless beauty of stained glass. . . but genuine stained glass comes with ...
Who says PVC pipe can't be really, really good-looking? Alicia from Thrifty & Chic makes a case for keeping PVC p...
When Crafting in the Rain blogger, Steph, remodeled her bathroom, she said goodbye to an ugly old cabinet—but lost so...
Everyone's got that their weak spot. For Melissa, it's succulents. So when her gardening addiction found her running ...
Until fruits and vegetables were available year-round at the grocery store, the root cellar played a vital role in da...
Two primary advantages recommend homemade laundry detergent. First, mixing your own costs very little in comparison t...
Autumn is generally seen as the season of winding down before winter dormancy. But when it comes to lawn care, fall i...
Let's be clear: It's no fun to remove vinyl flooring. Peeling up the material itself is no picnic, but the real trial...
Of all kitchen appliances, the dishwasher must rank as one of the greatest, don't you think? It's a true time-saver. ...
In nearly every kitchen remodel that involves cabinets of standard dimensions, you're left with at least one gap betw...
Used in everything from caskets to kitchen utensils, pewter remains popular with artisans and crafters in part becaus...
You are itching to redesign your kitchen or bathroom, but the color of your existing tile limits your options. Certai...
Who hasn't admired a great product in-store before balking at the price tag? When daring DIYer Anne Davis saw a $300 ...
Over the last decade, engineered wood flooring has developed by leaps and bounds, making it more affordable than ever...
Hand-washing through a pile of pots, mixing bowls, and place settings can take hours. At the prospect of all that lab...
What a huge job it is to clean up a flooded basement! But the job can be a lot less of a headache if you keep some ke...
There's a little MacGyver in all of us. And when it comes to DIY, who couldn't use another shortcut? Whether your toolbox is fully stocked or you're slowly acquir...
Thinking of putting some paint on that deck you just built? If you used pressure-treated lumber, you'll need to appro...
On those busy nights when you're lucky to have found just 20 minutes to put toward preparing a one-pot meal, cleanup ...
Installations of concrete can last hundreds of years, but sooner or later, most end up developing small cracks, gaps,...
No matter where you live, be it city, suburb, or country, noise is just about everywhere. Even the quietest of neighborhoods regularly experience some level of no...
Looking to make your garage a little snazzier? Dressing up the concrete floor with colorful epoxy paint may be just t...
When you throw a load of laundry into the washing machine, your clothes emerge stain- and sweat-free, and that’s a wo...
Hold on a second! Don't get rid of that old wooden dresser just yet. Give it a second look, and this time try to see ...
We've seen a resurgence in barn door decor over the years but when we spotted this project from Beth at Home Stories ...
We love it when home DIYers aren't afraid to work with wood and stains. So when we saw this project from Mandy at The...
There's something transporting about wingback furniture. And private. When it comes to wingback headboards, that litt...
French doors are one of those charming classics that we think never goes out of style. And so that's why we thought t...
At BobVila. com we like resourcefulness. And we love reclaimed wood. So when we saw this salvaged barn door headboard...
Oil spots on asphalt driveways certainly don't add to a home's curb appeal. Ask ten people what remedies they recomme...
With all the turf you've been trimming this summer, now's a good time to give your mower some well-deserved TLC. That...
Who doesn't love IKEA? It's affordable, flat packs make it easy to transport, and a breeze to assemble (well, usually...
Automated security systems are nice to have, but the easiest and least expensive way to improve the security of home ...
When it comes to yard sales, it's easy to make a wrong turn: setting prices too high, forgetting to advertise, or shadowing buyers are all simple mistakes sellers...
Everyone knows how concrete looks and that it lasts for years and years. What you may not have realized is that prepa...
A staple of summer camp (and of America in the late '60s), tie dye entertains and engages the young and young-at-hear...
At BobVila. com, we love an old window. No, really. And this repurposed window headboard from Liz Marie puts one of o...
Sure, you love your old wooden double-hung windows. But sometimes—after raising and lowering them—do you feel like yo...
You mean you can make your own citronella candles? Now, that's genius! Mother and daughter team Vicki and Jennifer at...
High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems produce condensation, and that condensation needs to go somewher...
You lavish attention on the bedroom and living room, bathroom and kitchen, but what about the unsung hero of many smo...
Ever come to the frustrating conclusion that you've planted a young tree in exactly the wrong place? Here are some ti...
The stench of a skunk is strong and unmistakable, even when you’re in a car with the windows closed, driving through ...
A fresh coat of paint can brighten the look and prolong the life of metal surfaces in and around your home. Painting ...
Whether you’re a veteran weekend warrior or a newcomer to home improvement, you’ll get nothing done without reliable tools you can wield with confidence. But rath...
These days, we're increasingly sharing our homes with electronic devices. Many of them are pretty pricey, and that in...
Whereas other home upgrades are purely elective, roof repairs aren't a choice; they're essential. Besides being crit...
Although you may scratch your head over what animal is digging holes in your yard, there’s no mistaking when that ani...
In my house, several of our wood doors keep sticking. I've tried candle wax and have made sure all the screws in the ...
If your refrigerator door doesn't open and close as it should—or if it doesn’t seal as tightly as it's supposed to—th...
People go weeks, months, and even years without giving the toilet a second thought. The instant it clogs, however, th...
Installing wall hooks or fasteners into plaster walls isn't difficult—that is, if you use the right approach. Probabl...
There's great satisfaction in making something you could just as easily purchase ready-made. Besides that special fee...
Have you got a freezer full of frost? That'll happen. Fortunately, defrosting a freezer isn't as big a deal as people...
Q. First-time deck painter here. I have prepared my deck as well as possible, scraping away old paint and sanding the...
In any room, in any house, lighting is key. Besides its practical importance, lighting is one of the main factors inf...
Gleaming silver exudes refined charm, yet over time that lustrous beauty gradually fades with the accumulation of tar...
Painted decks are nice to look at, but they can require a lot of maintenance. Constant exposure to sun, water, and fo...
Although exposed brick offers a warm, appealing aesthetic redolent of history, many homeowners are puzzled by the que...
Even if you've never before tried to repot a plant, you can do it today without much trouble, probably in under 15 mi...
Ever hear a banging noise when you shut off faucets in the house? The problem could be what plumbers call "water hamm...
Enter the yard of many homes in America and somewhere among the trees, shrubs, and grass, you’re bound to find metal....
Sooner or later, most of us need to patch drywall, whether for purely cosmetic reasons—filling nail holes, for exampl...
We loved Jessie's concrete countertops at Imperfectly Polished and couldn't wait to feature them. The entire project ...
Concrete is one of the most versatile materials. And unlike many raw materials, concrete can be molded into any shape...
Inspiration comes in many forms—sometimes even in a store catalog. When Diane of In My Own Style saw these Concrete F...
There are lots of DIY concrete planters out there, but not many are in the shape of a pair of hands. We were so struc...
Sometimes we see a project that truly bowls us over. This concrete tabletop from Pete at D. I. Y. Projects with Pete ...
Q: I’ve removed some carpet and want to refinish the hardwood floors below. What should I use to fill the holes left ...
Ever notice how pesky bugs manage to find their way through even the tiniest holes in your screens?Listen to BOB VILA...
Every homeowner knows that a sound roof is an absolute must to protect your investment. That's why routine roof maint...
If you've never tasted homegrown potatoes, prepare to be amazed. A hundred days or so after planting—more or less, de...
Like any other tool in your arsenal, a chain saw must be properly and consistently maintained in order to perform eff...
For homeowners and renters who don’t want the bother (or expense) of installing a central air conditioning system, wi...
Q: I’d like some advice on how to level a concrete floor. We plan to finish the basement in my house, and there are g...
It’s only a matter of time: Sooner or later, your chairs with upholstered seats become worn, dirty, or dated. When yo...
This post has been brought to you by Rust-Oleum. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Is there a dated,...
Spring and summer are lovely times of the year, but they do usher in a host of seasonal hazards, perhaps none more fe...
Add storage to your bathroom—and in the process, give the space a jolt of fresh style—by installing a medicine cabine...
July ushers in the start of summer, which translates into outdoor living, grilling, and staying cool. But this month, like any other, there are things you can do ...
Laying in a hammock is the epitome of summertime relaxation. Getting the hammock set up, on the other hand, can be a ...
Unless you’re planning to hire a lawn care company to handle your yard maintenance, you’ll need to learn how to start...
Q: I'm going to install a new screen door. Any advice or time-saving suggestions on how to go about it?A: It's relati...
A gravel driveway can be very attractive in a characteristically unpretentious way, introducing casual curb appeal to...
This article is sponsored on behalf of Lumber Liquidators. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Homeowne...
When it's clean, chrome glimmers—there's no other word for it. The downside? Chrome succumbs fairly easily to surface...
The humble mason jar can hold nearly anything—including tech gadgets! Designer Sarah Pease converted these canning ja...
I just love candles in mason jars. A few summers ago I bought a package of half-pint jars and some light wire and mad...
It was only a matter of time before I tried out my bottle cutter on a mason jar. Here's how I pulled off this mason-j...
When the words mason jar and solar lamp come together in the same sentence, I don’t care who you are—you get excited....
These days, each and every time you buy something new, the product seems to come with a sticker on it. Usually, that ...
This article has been brought to you by Lumber Liquidators. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Few thi...
For those who live in a damp climate—or in a poorly ventilated home—mold can be a cause for concern. That's not only ...
If you’ve ever dripped paint on your sidewalk or changed your mind about that coat of paint you put on a concrete pla...
Sometimes a homeowner prunes a tree for aesthetic reasons, trying to keep the landscaping neat and tidy. Other times,...
Q: My wife and I recently moved into a rental house, and we cannot seem to open the double-hung windows in the bedroo...
Though deer look innocent, home gardeners know they can be a menace to plants and trees. Gardeners also know that bar...
If you are one of the many homeowners who labor in pursuit of the perfect lawn, then you know what a menace crabgrass...
For some of us, summer doesn't mean sunbathing on the beach or hiking along a mountain trail—it means grilling burger...
You’re not alone in wanting to get rid of roaches. These creepy-crawly insects are a major problem around the country...
With its sumptuous texture and supple feel, leather furniture provides an element of luxury to your room decor. Fortu...
Soil matters. To the plants you wish to grow in your garden, nothing is as important as what's in or missing from the...
A new sofa is an investment—not just of your hard-earned dollars, but of your time. You hope to spend many years with your sofa, so it's worth your while to seek ...
Concrete is porous, which means that it readily absorbs liquids like paint. With this ease of penetration, paint can ...
A terrific way to maintain good health is to stick to a diet chock-full of fruits and vegetables. But few things spoi...
There's no denying the convenience of the garbage disposal: It simplifies so many of the activities that take place i...
Bathroom ventilation fans whisk away odors, but their more important job is to draw moisture out of the room. Moistur...
Even if you spend hours washing the floor, dusting furniture, and vacuuming the nooks and crannies around your home, ...
It's not easy maintaining a lush carpet of green grass. We only see the blades on the lawn surface, but the health of...
Considering the low cost of the project and the relative ease with which it can be completed, painting a door is a te...
Do you want to establish a new lawn or rescue a worse-for-wear patch on your property? The solution is, of course, to...
The best-laid DIY project plans can hit a snag if a stripped screw turns up. Though stripped screws can certainly slo...
Smooth and reflective, glass makes a lovely canvas for paint. If, however, you've never before tried to paint glass, ...
You know you should test your smoke alarm twice a year, but what about your fire extinguisher? If yours is at the bac...
Copper can be a finicky material; it tarnishes easily even when subject to normal wear. Fortunately, using only commo...
From the 1950s through the ’80s, the ceilings in many new homes were finished with a rough, stippled texture that bec...
I'm interested in installing a drop ceiling in my basement rec room. Do you have any helpful hints for a do-it-yourse...
Nobody wants to spend time in a room with bad lighting, but how do you avoid it? Well, there's strength in numbers: O...
This is the time of year when we shed our winter wardrobes and slip into warm-weather fabrics. To be sure that your c...
To paint concrete successfully—so that it looks good and lasts a long time—proper preparation is of paramount importa...
A durable material if there ever was one, cast iron occasionally requires cleaning, particularly where food preparati...
This article has been brought to you by Englert LeafGuard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Gutters...
A clean, dry basement—there, doesn’t that sound nice? Yet the fact is, many of us live with basements that are damp, ...
Laminate floors are so beautiful when first installed, but over time they can start to look a little worse for wear. ...
Unquestionably, marble ranks among the most luxurious and beautiful countertop and flooring materials. Equally beyond...
There are two main types of mosses—acrocarpous and pleurocarpous. The former grows vertically and resembles strands o...
I am living in Spain and redoing an old house in the country. I'd like some of the floors to be polished concrete. C...
The best way to keep your microwave clean is to wipe it down after every use. But that doesn’t always happen—you’re i...
Chalkboard paint lets you transform any wall into an endlessly reusable writing surface. Although it's readily availa...
It can be a mighty labor-intensive and time-consuming process to remove paint, which is why many DIYers dread or even...
Let’s be honest. Drywall repair is not something most people look forward to. Although it’s relatively straightforwar...
The fancy French word decoupage refers to the simple act of gluing paper or fabric cutouts onto an object. The result...
Homeowners have long relished the beauty, versatility, and toughness of wood furniture—and above all, they've appreci...
Q: My house is 55 years old and still has the original stucco. On one exterior wall, there's a fine crack with paint ...
Spring is near, and for many that means coaxing the lawn back into shape. Growing grass can be frustrating and reward...
By design, our floors will see some of the most wear and tear of any of the fixtures in our home. Even if you’re normally careful with your floors, life happens. ...
Candles enhance the atmosphere of any space. The gentle glow from their lit wicks fosters a feeling of calm and relax...
Window screens really take a beating. They're constantly exposed to the sun, wind, rain and snow, and pollen and inse...
Any bibliophile knows that storing your books is almost as much of an obsession as reading them. And while books can be an expensive habit, storing them doesn’t h...
Painting seems like a pretty straightforward task, so homeowners frequently choose to do it themselves in order to sa...
At some point in life, everyone wants or needs to hang shelves. Whether simple 2x4s or part of a store-bought kit, sh...
If you’re looking forward to a hot shower with an invigorating blast of water spray, you’ll understandably be disappo...
You probably know that bare, raw wood needs to be primed before it’s painted. For best results, though, there are a f...
Here's an ornamental way to use clapboard. Create a sunburst on a gable end. Draw out your design on a template. Cut...
There’s something so crisp and clean about a kitchen with a traditional, white porcelain enamel stove. But sometimes ...
Learning how to remove rust from metal isn't rocket science, and in homeowners' ongoing fight to maintain outdoor too...
Painted stripes can be bold or subtle, identical or varied in size, horizontal or vertical. But no matter what design...
Here's how to inlay sheet vinyl flooring for a designer look. Measure your design on the floor with chalk lines. Se...
Here's a way to create a decorative textured finish for a cement surface. Once your cement is poured and flowed out,...
What is art? Critics and philosophers are free to debate the question endlessly, but we think it's pretty simple: If ...
When you're repainting your house, here's how to restore that smooth, original finish. After you've removed all loos...
Here is a tip you can use to shingle your own roof. Make a starter course at the edge of the eave, laying the shingl...
Here's an inexpensive and creative way to decorate a floor. Roll on a coat of deck enamel (the color of your choice)...
Here's how to install a hot or cold water shut-off valve under your sink. Apply plumbing sealant to the shut-off th...
The source of your home’s power is the breaker box, also known as the electrical panel or circuit breaker box. Whatev...
Installing a prehung door tends to be easier and more straightforward than hanging a door that isn’t prehung. While d...
Here's how to dress up a fence post with a beveled cap. It's easy to do with a radial arm saw. Set the blade at a 45...
I've got some tips for you on how to laminate countertops in your kitchen. Roll on contact cement and allow it to se...
Determining how to clean a microwave can seem daunting when there are many cleaning products marketed as the “best” w...
The brute strength of concrete has made it the go-to building material for a variety of such outdoor installations as...
It's easier to cut vinyl flooring to the exact shape and size of your room when you make a template first. Staple she...
What can I use to remove caulk from around the bathtub? Also, what is the correct product to use when I caulk the tub...
Here's how to drill a hole when you need to see both sides of your work. Drill on the front side of the board until t...
Here's some tips for easier door hanging. For this type of door, measure five inches from the top of the door to the...
Here's how to scribe a floor tile to fit around an uneven edge. Set the closest full tile in place, then use another...
You can paint over existing interior wood finishes, if you take the proper steps first. Here's how. To paint over a ...
Developed in 19th-century England, the first mechanized clothes dryers were perforated barrels that rotated over flam...
You can't deny the decorative appeal of painted floors, whether they're patterned in checkerboard, stripes, or some o...
Here's how to properly install a sill plate on top of a foundation wall. Sink anchor bolts into your foundation ever...
Here's how to keep the exterior paint from peeling off your house, if you live in a damp climate. Using a breathable...
A decorative wood valance adds charm to your house. You can make one yourself. Here's how. Copy a pattern, or create...
Everyone knows that milk does a body good. But were you aware that milk also works wonders for walls and furniture? Y...
Several years after you complete a bathroom or kitchen renovation, it inevitably starts to show some wear. One culpri...
Make sure that when you're using a slotted screwdriver, you're not doing it the hard way. Here's how. Be sure you're...
I would like to remove a tree stump that is a couple of feet away from my house. It's starting to rot, and I'm afraid...
Learning how to install a vinyl window is something most DIYers can do, and it can save them a lot of money. For star...
Here's a helpful tip for getting really smooth drywall seam. After you've laid the tape in a four-inch bed of joint ...
Shimming a door frame is a skill anyone planning to install a new door into a rough opening should know. When carpent...
Using a chalk line is a quick way to give yourself a straight line as a building guide. Here's how. Find the endpoint...
Next time you tackle a big exterior paint job, try using a power sprayer. Start at the bottom and work your way up, ...
Learning how to texture walls does more than transform boring-to-look-at surfaces into pitted, peaked, and otherwise ...
While mounting a TV to a wall isn’t a complicated job, doing it the wrong way carries pretty significant consequences...
Q: Many of the drywall seams on my 40-year-old house are bulging. It doesn't appear as if the joint tape is pulling a...
Here's a way to install a tongue-and-groove ceiling without damaging the wood. Set a board in place. Then with a scr...
Here's how to lay a no-squeak subfloor. Apply a generous bead of panel adhesive to the tops of your floor joists. La...
It doesn’t take long for an oven to get dirty. If you use the appliance at all, baked-on grease, sticky grime, and bu...
Here's a tip on how to install a pre-hung door. First, lift the door into place, then be sure it's plumb. Always use...
Here's a way to join two pieces of wood without visible hardware or nails by using oval wooden biscuits. With a bis...
If you're updating the bathroom, you'll need to know how to install a toilet. Apply a new wax seal over the waste fl...
'Tis the season for resolutions—and have we got some good ones for you! Follow our lead, and come next December, your house will be more energy efficient, better ...
When you're using a Phillips-head screwdriver, make sure that you're not doing it the hard way. Here's how. Be sure ...
A decorative paint finish is a good way to customize an interior in only a short time. Use a latex glaze mixed to th...
Q: I have various scratches on my wood floors. Some add character, but some are just too big and need to go away. Wha...
Here's how to get a professional look when you hanging wallpaper. After you line up your pattern, overlap the top a...
Professional builders use a plumb bob to make sure their walls are vertical. Here's how. Measure two inches away fro...
Whether you're hanging shelves or breaking through a wall, you've got to know where to find the wall studs. There ar...
Over the snowy-white winter, adults and children make the most of the cold by taking part in a smorgasbord of seasona...
Before you repaint your house, you have to remove all loose and peeling paint. A pressure washer makes the job go fa...
This year, as you dress up your house for the holidays, consider decking the halls with twinkling lights, festive rib...
When marking off several measurements of the same size, it's best to make yourself a guide. We call this a story pol...
Here is a helpful tip if you are thinking of staining some cedar shingles. To protect new shingles, apply a penetra...
A chisel is one of the most useful tools in the workshop, but it's important to know how to use it. For example, aft...
If avoiding frustration and preserving your holiday spirit are at the top of the wish list this holiday season, learn...
If you have an old house with holes in the plaster, here's a quick way to patch them. Apply your base coat (or brow...
Checking your work for level and plumb is crucial. Here's how to select and use the right tool for the job. I recomm...
I just drained my water heater for the first time since it was installed back in '89. . . 24 years ago! The water cam...
Here's how to dress up an old kitchen with new cabinet doors. Use a fine-grade plywood, such as birch, for the new d...
The holiday season comes with so many traditions—cooking and baking, house decorating, caroling, and cocoa making—but...
If you're pouring a concrete foundation, how do you figure out how much concrete you'll need? There's a pretty simpl...
None of us loves the idea of little Mickeys and Minnies scurrying around our homes. Some people insist they're cute, ...
Give your carpentry work that professional look by concealing nails or screws with wooden plugs. Use a dowel bit to ...
Porcelain tile consistently ranks as a preferred flooring choice among homeowners, partly due to its beauty—the mater...
When you're renovating, save and recycle old hardwood floorboards for patching and repairing. Using a pry bar at eac...
Here's a way you can get a designer look for your painted walls. With a roller, apply an oil paint glaze over an alr...
Here's how you can tell if your house has termite damage. First, examine obvious areas of wood rot for termites. Som...
"With subtle style differences and various makes and models available, a toilet is a pretty simple machine designed t...
There are a host of reasons that homeowners choose to paint brick:• If a brick fireplace is out of sync with the deco...
Here's a tip on how to throw a curve with drywall. The trick is to use two sheets of quarter-inch drywall instead of...
You can hand-paint your own stenciled border. Use painter's tape to mark off straight edges; you'll find the tape pr...
Equal parts meditative and functional, today’s bathroom has been transformed into a spa, a place to unwind and refres...
If space is a consideration in your remodeling project, you might want to consider building a winding staircase. Yo...
Here's an easy way to improvise when you're running out of clamps around the woodworking shop. After spreading glue...
As winter approaches, many homeowners are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to use their fireplaces and wood-burni...
Aluminum siding first became popular in the wake of World War II, when this metal, which had been so crucial to the w...
Here's a unique way to use ceramic tile for a very unusual countertop. Just break up the tiles into random pieces, u...
Here's how to re-glaze those old, broken window panes. First, remove the old glazing compound with a propane torch a...
Here is the best way of joining copper pipe yourself. First, use fine sandpaper to clean the inside of the fittings ...
For our newly renovated attic, we'd wanted solid wood flooring, but that idea, it turned out, wasn't practical: The a...
This content has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Feel that...
Here are some tips on how to make a stone walkway. After marking the walkway with string, the first step is to lay ...
I've got to remove some drywall in a room so I can nail studs behind the wall for anchoring purposes. What is the bes...
While many of us would be fearful of repairing a roof or installing an electrical outlet, there are plenty of things ...
Here's how to lay out a cement block wall yourself. Mix two parts masonry cement with one part sand, and add just en...
Here's how to stop squeaks in an old house with original floors you'd rather not replace. Preservationists use an ac...
To hang heavy cabinet doors and conceal the hardware, use mortise European-style hinges. Use a 35-millimeter drill ...
Here are the steps professionals follow to apply a stucco finish. After installing a 15-pound felt moisture barrier ...
In recent years, microfiber furniture has risen in popularity with homeowners because the fabric is not only appealin...
Keep these things in mind when pouring a DIY concrete walkway. Set a level frame with one-by-four lumber. Lay plasti...
You can dress up a room by installing crown molding along the ceiling. Here are some tips to keep in mind. Always pl...
Here are some tips on how to distress wood, making new lumber look old. First, trim off machined edges with a hatche...
Here are some steps to follow when preparing new wood for painting. First, countersink any finish nails. Then fill ...
Anyone can snake wire in a wall between floors. Here's how. From a hole in the floor below, push a wire snake with ...
Here's how to get a warm, dry basement floor over a concrete slab when converting your basement into living space. L...
If your garden hose has seen better days, don’t just send it to the landfill. There are some simple, inexpensive ways...
Here's how to avoid cracking a tile surface when you need to drill a hole. Mark your point, then gently score the ti...
Here's a way to save time and energy when repairing floorboards. Instead of drilling and chiseling damaged floorboar...
Painting bricks requires some special considerations. Wet down the surface first to ensure better paint adhesion. Us...
If you have kids, you know that crayons can cause some serious damage to any paint job. Here's how to tackle tough c...
Glass block walls are a great design feature that let extra sunlight into any room in your home while still providin...
Here's how to remove old plaster when starting a remodeling project. Have professionals remove any old electrical c...
Of all the necessary evils that make up a comprehensive fall yard maintenance routine, cleaning the gutters may be th...
Although it's easy to wire a light switch, you need a basic understanding of how electricity works in the home in ord...
Because today's new houses are built to allow less air infiltration than older homes, mold growth has become a conce...
Nothing can draw the elements of a room together quite like a rug. It can make a cold room cozy and inviting, define ...
This wooden-handled hammer may look strong enough to pull any nail but because the grain of the wood is actually wea...
It's easy to replace old storm windows. Here's how. Loosen all screws and pull the old storm window away from the wi...
Here's a helpful tip you can use when you need to cut down a small tree. Make sure you wear proper safety gear and m...
Recessed lighting fixtures have become very popular these days. They have to be roughed in. Here's how to install o...
It's difficult to overstate the importance of windows in home design, not least because they have an impact on both t...
It can be easy to patch cracks in an old wood floor or grout a new wood block floor. Here's how. First, make a mixtu...
Love it or hate it, there are at least a few good reasons that homeowners choose carpeting. For one, it absorbs the s...
For a very unusual floor finish, you might want to try wood blocks. Lay out your floor the way you would any cerami...
Surprise! It's all right to install virtually any type of flooring in your basement. Although hardwood should be avoi...
A wet-dry vac is a great tool to have—and not just for cleaning up the workshop. They come in handy for those tediou...
If you've ever hung your own wallpaper, you'll know that no corner is ever perfect. Here's how to solve that problem...
Where stripping paint is concerned, there's just no easy way out. Here are some tips. Cover the floor under your wo...
Wrought iron railings, patio furniture, and gates are classics that look great with almost any home, but not when the...
Although a porcelain throne can last for at least 15 years, the seat attached to it typically does not. The average t...
When choosing wallboard, remember the difference between drywall and blueboard. Drywall panels are covered with pape...
How do I get rid of a cigarette smoke smell in my house?The smell of cigarette smoke can affect virtually every part ...
Spray paint offers a quick and easy way to transform virtually any surface. Available in countless colors and an expa...
Hot mop tar is a good way to waterproof projects like an indoor planter. Here's how it's applied. After it's heated ...
Woodgraining is an artist's technique for creating the look of fine woods like mahogany. After two coats of a base c...
Here's how to get professional results when using a caulking gun. Caulking guns aren't expensive, so don't skimp her...
Your kitchen contains more appliances than any other room in the house. When the units are in good condition, there's...
You can lay a stone patio yourself. Here's how. Prepare a base of sand or stone dust to provide good drainage in a l...
This post is sponsored by Ram Trucks. Do you have a garage in need of an overhaul? Enter here for your chance at bein...
Stop—don't panic! You, too, can unclog that drain with these easy steps for banishing the backed-up sink and toilet.
A durable finish for woodworking pieces, furniture, and flooring, varnish beautifies wood and protects it from scratc...
Here's how to properly plant a new shrub around your house. Mix one part peat moss with two parts top soil for high ...
Q: We are thinking about installing beadboard in our bathroom. How do I install it so that it looks at home in the ro...
Don't throw out that rusty garden furniture. Restoring it can be a great weekend project. Use a wire brush or sandpa...
Take the guesswork out of storing paint leftovers. Before you replace the lid, mark the level of the paint remaining...
Kitchen makeovers are among the most popular of home improvements. They can be costly—a mid-range minor kitchen remod...
This post has been brought to you by Thompson's WaterSeal. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Choose ...
This post has been brought to you by Dickies. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. A compost bin is a g...
Painting a home’s exterior, installing new siding, and putting up new gutters are just a few of the projects that req...
Do you dream of picking a crisp apple or juicy peach from a tree right in your own backyard? Planting a fruit tree ca...
If your home improvement project calls for new walls, you might want to consider metal studs. They fit together lik...
Here are a few tips on laying your own bricks. Prepare a mortar mix that is neither too firm and nor too runny. Spre...
While giving the exterior of your home a new paint job or fresh siding may not be in the budget, one affordable optio...
Here's a way to replace damaged ceramic tile. Remove the grout with a grout saw. Crack the tile with a hammer and c...
Whether you are building a new house or renovating your current home, the roof will be one of the most important choi...
Here's a tip on how to increase the life of old wooden gutters. The first step is to lay a new rubber liner along th...
Here's how to restore the missing brass hardware from an antique door. The "ghost" image of original brass hardware...
If you have an old house with dated electrical outlets, you know they weren't designed to meet the demands of today'...
Low-cost additions to any landscape, easy-to-make garden trellises can be used to introduce shade or privacy, or to s...
There are two kinds of walls: bearing walls and non-bearing walls. You can do anything you like to a non-bearing wa...
Even with regular vacuuming, carpeting accumulates a great deal of dust, dirt, and debris. When you finally decide to...
Even late into the season, the summer can seem like one prolonged fight against garden weeds. The bad news? There's n...
Low water pressure in the house can be a real annoyance—the shower subsides to a trickle, the washing machine takes e...
Americans are not bashful when it comes to expressing their love of lawns—it has been estimated that there are more t...
In his role as the "Paint Doctor" for Purdy—longtime makers of handcrafted paint brushes and roller covers—Bruce Schn...
As your garden flourishes over the summer and your springtime planting efforts are rewarded with beautiful bursts of ...
Of all homeowner responsibilities, few so clearly indicate the end of summer as closing the swimming pool. Properly d...
Fighting pests at home? The best offense is a clean, dry, and air-tight defense. The importance of sanitation cannot ...
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...
Many veteran gardeners save seeds almost compulsively. Why? Because if you harvest the seeds from your own garden, yo...
According to the U. S. Department of Energy, using a programmable thermostat can help you save about 10 percent on yo...
A fast and easy way to freshen the look of your shower is to install new shower valve trim. If your trim resembles mi...
Lawn care can be especially demanding these days, with wacky weather throwing homeowners around the country for a loo...
Available in countless varieties, bushes add depth and diversity to the landscape, whether they are fruit- or flower-...
Anyone with a garden knows that fertilizer and enriched soil can be expensive. But did you know there is a source of ...
The exterior of your home faces a ceaseless barrage of threats from the hot sun, strong winds, precipitation in all i...
Brick houses are hard to damage. Anyone familiar with The Three Little Pigs knows that. Inevitably, however, there co...
Laying sod is a great way to have a lawn without the interminable wait for seeds to germinate and grow, but don’t kid...
Outdoors, stain helps wood furniture or backyard equipment look at home in the landscape. Whether you're working on a...
Installing a new shower head is not quite as easy as changing a light bulb, but almost. [resource-list]Step 1As you b...
Gone are the days of the utilitarian shower head. Today's spigots are anything but standard. From sleek handheld unit...
Many homes have fireplaces or propane stoves inside, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying a fire pit under the sta...
Not all paintbrushes are created equal, nor are they all the right fit for every job. Use this guide to determine the best brush for your project.
It was a challenge to find a desk for my five-year-old daughter. I needed something size-appropriate that would provi...
Does your toilet waste water with every flush? Perhaps it is aesthetically outdated (hello, pastel pink bathroom)? Ma...
Quality, nutrient-rich aerated soil is the foundation of a good garden. Sure, the "no dig" gardening method has its a...
Almost three years ago, we moved from a 700-square-foot New York City apartment with a couple of ailing houseplants t...
Patio. The word itself calls to mind an image of splendid sun-drenched days spent sipping chilled drinks under the we...
The process of staining furniture is intimidating to many do-it-yourselfers, because special tools and chemicals are ...
Laminate flooring enables homeowners to get the look of wood for less, and it’s easy to install. In fact, tongue-and-...
When it comes to painting cabinets, I know there are a lot of opinions and methods out there. But after I painted my ...
As the times changed, so did my design style. When it became clear that my stairs needed an upgrade, and I was unable...
Do you feel like your home is shrinking? Are the kids growing up and accumulating more stuff? Is your teenager demand...
Painting your house yourself is a big commitment of time. Just think about it. It can take a professional crew of thr...
A tile backsplash adds color, personality, and function to a kitchen. Here’s how to install this relatively easy upgr...
Add some color and pattern to a wood or concrete floor this summer by purchasing a couple cans of paint and a stencil...
Countertops pull double duty as a visual design element and a hardworking surface. Cost depends on materials, with pr...
Kitchen makeovers remain popular as homeowners continue to invest to create a warm, stylish, comfortable, and efficie...
Summertime! The living is easy and—more often than not—the food is grilled. From burgers, dogs, and steaks to chicken...
In her new book, Black & White (and a Bit in Between), designer Celerie Kemble reviews the classic appeal of blac...
This is a tool for minimalists, for those who admire simplicity of form and function beyond all else. That's because ...
Mortise and tenon joints are the preferred style of joint for furniture and cabinetwork. It's strong, durable, and li...
The controls vary from one drill press to the next, but there are a number of elements that remain largely the same....
A good handsaw, when properly treated, is a tool that can be passed with pride from one generation to the next. Essen...
Power planers are to jack planes as portable circular saws are to handsaws. Both the planer and the circular saw are ...
Very few workshop tasks can be as satisfying as putting a wood plane through its paces. There you are, just you and, ...
Using woodworking planes whose cutters are out of adjustment is like driving a car in the wrong gear: You may be able...
Bathrooms continue to top homeowners' lists of popular rooms to remodel—and for good reason. As more Americans are ca...
The rafter square is designed to take advantage of the geometric laws of the right triangle. For example, the right t...
Muscles or electricity are required to power a saw, but the sawteeth really do the cutting, reducing the fibers of th...
The sawhorse is an indispensable piece of work-site furniture. It's part workbench, part scaffold, and now and again ...
A properly glued wood joint is very strong, but one that is glued improperly is likely to fracture given a minimum of...
Traditional plastering consists of three separate coats of plaster. The first two, called the brown and scratch coats...
Connections are made between sections of iron pipe using threaded fittings. The walls of copper pipe, however, are to...
I won't attempt here to tell you in detail how to hang wallboard or to tape joints; there are a number of book-length...
You've probably hung some 'rock over the years, either at home or helping a friend refurbish a room. So you probably...
At first, I felt a bit foolish explaining how to use a hammer. Most of us have seen children banging away with toy ma...
Despite its name, the portable circular saw (or any circular saw, for that matter) cuts only straight lines. The name...
This tool has ancient origins. Evidence suggests that Egyptian architects used plumb bob-like tools to establish vert...
On the Manhattan Brownstone project, Bob, Chris Vila, and architect Brian O’Keefe discovered an intact ceiling cornic...