Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 307)

13 Stunning Gazebo Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard Retreat
Exterior

13 Stunning Gazebo Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard Retreat

Gazebos aren’t just for poolside shade or privacy from prying neighbors. Whether for a deck or an outdoor kitchen, here are some gazebos ideas to jazz up every outdoor space.

Bob Vila and Tim Allen on Home Again
Interior

Proof That Bob Vila Still Lives in Tim Allen’s Head Rent-Free After All These Years

Tim Allen is back on TV—and Home Improvement fans will get a kick out of his new show.

What Causes Condensation on Pipes in the Summer, Solved!
Interior

Here’s Why Your Plumbing Sweats in the Summer

Are you tired of finding condensation puddling up around your plumbing pipes and fixtures this time of year? With these five solutions, you can relax and stop mopping up the water.

Woodworking Workshop Layout Design
DIY

Setting Up Shop: The Ideal Layout for Your Woodworking Workshop

Whether you're setting up a woodworking workshop for the first time or the tenth time, follow these guidelines to ensure that the design and layout of your work area actually works.

Air Conditioner AC Pipe Insulation
Interior

Replacing Air Conditioner Pipe Insulation for Maximum Energy Efficiency

If your air conditioning system's pipe insulation has degraded, you may be spending more than is necessary to adequately cool your home.

historic-paint-colors
Interior

Historic Paint Colors: New Insights and Ideas for Owners of Centuries-Old Homes

Today, the science of paint analysis is providing new insights into early decorative schemes, to the benefit of homeowners seeking historically accurate paint color ideas for centuries-old homes.

Bags of Sheep Wool
Interior

6 Things to Know About Sheep’s Wool Insulation

When it’s time to update your home’s insulation, consider what sheep’s wool has to offer.

Best Sponge Mop Options
Reviews

The Best Sponge Mops for Cleaning Your Floors

Mopping can feel like a tedious chore, but an effective mop can make the job easier. Scrub away dirt, scuffs, and stains with these practical and lightweight sponge mops.

Above-Ground Swimming Pool Planning
Exterior

Planning Guide: Above-Ground Swimming Pools

An above-ground swimming pool is a great addition to any backyard, but don’t overlook these essentials before taking the plunge!

How to Seal Concrete with Quikrete Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealer
DIY

The Right Way to Seal Concrete

After you complete a concrete job, don't neglect the single most important step to ensure that it lasts a lifetime: sealing. With a high-quality sealant—and this helpful guide—you can waterproof and protect your new concrete surfaces for years to come.

Jakabare.com-Admiral-bathroom-pictures-white-Cast-iron-bathtubs
Interior

The Pros and Cons of Free-Standing Bathtubs

Central to many of today’s spa-inspired baths are freestanding tubs, which have replaced the Jacuzzi as America's new favorite way to enjoy a relaxing soak.

Homemade Carpet Cleaner
Interior

How To: Make Your Own Carpet Cleaner

Whether caused by foot traffic or just long-term wear and tear, dingy carpet can really bring down the appearance of an entire room. Get your carpeted spaces looking as good as new by using this homemade solution to get rid of stains and lingering dirt.

Vole vs. Mole: How to Tell Which Pest is Tunneling Through Your Yard and Garden
Lawn & Garden

Vole vs. Mole: How to Tell Which Pest is Tunneling Through Your Yard and Garden

Both moles and voles can burrow through a backyard, laying waste to carefully tended gardens and lawns—but that’s where their similarities end. Read on for a rundown of vole vs. mole characteristics and how to tell these two pesky animals apart.

Best Waterproof Tape
Reviews

The Best Waterproof Tape to Use Around Your Home

Keep a roll of waterproof tape available to quickly fix leaks, create nonslip surfaces outdoors, and clearly mark obstacles, like the mailbox or garage door. 

Best Hose Clamps Options
Reviews

The Best Hose Clamps to Secure Pipes and Hoses

It’s time to clamp down on those pesky leaks before they cause bigger issues. This list of the best hose clamps will help.

How to Build a Door - Screen Door from The DIY Dreamer
Interior

Weekend Projects: 5 Designs for a DIY Door

Transforming a basic set of door plans into a grand entrance—be it to the house or to the closet—takes less effort than you might imagine. Come right in and check out these inspiring do-it-yourself constructions.

10 Times Boiling Water Can Help Around the House
Interior

10 Times Boiling Water Can Help Around the House

Water is everywhere around us, and in most of the United States it's so safe and plentiful that we often take it for granted as we use it to drink, cook, clean, bathe, and play. But no matter how you use tap water at home, you may be surprised to learn that you can unlock even more uses for water just by boiling it. Indeed, boiling water can be used all over the house and garden. Be careful, though: Boiling water can burn the skin, so use it cautiously. Wear closed-toe shoes, appropriate clothing, and gloves to protect yourself from hot water that may splash and sting. Now, here's a look at some of the most ingenious ways to use boiling water at home.

10 Reasons Why I Should Have Never Bought That Fixer-Upper!
Real Estate

10 Reasons Why I Should Have Never Bought That Fixer-Upper!

Who doesn’t harbor fantasies of transforming a seen-better-days abode into a showplace? Whether hoping to live in the resulting residence, use it as a rental property, or flip it for profit, it’s natural to think: “I’m pretty handy, so how tough could it be?” Ask Andy Kogan, a real estate professional in Kansas City, Kansas, and he’ll tell you: Pretty tough! "It was fun at first, then fun with problems, and finally it was just problems,” says Kogan, who bought a 1957 two-bedroom ranch for $115,000 that he hoped to fix up and turn over quickly. While the kitchen and bathroom remodels were fairly simple, other issues kept cropping up. The job came in $15,000 over budget—and Kogan reaped a mere $500 when the house finally sold. What went wrong? Start clicking!

family looking out large thermal window
Exterior

The One Drawback of Thermal Pane Windows You Probably Didn’t See Coming

Thermal pane windows enhance a home’s insulating envelope, reducing utility bills while boosting comfort. Sometimes, however, one of these windows inexplicably shatters.

These Cabinet Customizations are Totally Worth It, According to Pro Organizers
Interior

These Cabinet Customizations are Totally Worth It, According to Pro Organizers

Ensure every cooking utensil and pantry item has its own space by following these tips and tricks from professional organizers.