Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 320)

Should You Kill House Centipedes? Solved!
Interior

Solved! Should You Really Kill House Centipedes?

Learn why you may wish to peacefully coexist with these fast-moving insects—and what to do if you can’t bear sharing quarters with creepy crawlies.

The Little-Known Benefits of Pipe Insulation
Exterior

The Little-Known Benefits of Pipe Insulation

Properly insulating your plumbing pipes has benefits beyond keeping the pipes from freezing. Read on to find out how else pipe insulation can improve your home's efficiency and safety.

Accentlandscapesinc-retailing-wall
Lawn & Garden

Repairing a Retaining Wall

Read expert tips on how to repair a retaining wall—a landscaping wall that can be used to retain earth after an excavation.

Managing Snow on the Roof: How Much Can a Roof Hold?
Exterior

How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?

Unusual amounts of snow lead to many things—stalled cars, snowball fights, and airport closings. They also lead to many homeowner concerns over the roof's ability to hold the weight. Find out what you can do to identify or prevent problems.

Heating a Room with High Ceilings - Warmboard Parquet Wood Floor
Interior

The Best Way to Heat a Home with High Ceilings

Don't get left in the cold when you step into a lofty room! Upgrading to radiant floor heating will keep any size space cozy and comfortable.

DIY Industrial Shelves - Step 1
DIY

How To: Test for Lead Paint

Used in most homes before being banned in the late 1970s, lead paint still exists undetected in many places. Before digging into any renovations on an old home, run this important test to protect your health.

10 Things a Burglar Doesn’t Want You to Know
Exterior

10 Things a Burglar Doesn’t Want You to Know

Victims of burglaries suffer some $4.7 billion in property losses a year, according to the latest FBI statistics. You may already be protecting yourself with a deadbolt lock on your front door and a high-tech alarm system, but to go the extra mile in security, think like a thief! Here’s crucial information the bad guys wish we wouldn’t share.

7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why
Interior

7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why

Choosing paint shades for your bedroom is an extremely important task. Not only does color contribute the overall design of the room, it also affects your mood and emotions. Ensure your bedroom is a space of rest and relaxation by steering clear of these seven paint colors – all of which may prevent you from catching some much-needed shut-eye.

18 Paint Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2018
Interior

18 Paint Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2018

When it comes to predicting the most popular paint colors of 2018, industry experts are seeing red—and blue, and black, and gold. Strong, saturated shades are poised to dominate interior design schemes in the New Year. "People today have a growing sense of adventure and it's making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes," reports Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "We are craving colors that remind us of bright folklore and expeditions across continents." If your own style leans more towards softer shades, don't despair: A sprinkling of creamy neutrals has also made its way into the mix. Whether you're planning a complete color overhaul in your home, or simply looking to refresh a single room, consider these 18 inspirational hues.

10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops
Interior

10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops

Perhaps the most important work surface in the home, the kitchen countertop is built to withstand food preparation, regular cleaning, pesky stains, and more. But despite their durability, countertops can suffer from costly damage whether they're made of laminate, marble, granite, or any other material. Here are 10 common ways homeowners unintentionally ruin their countertops, with tips on how to keep yours in tip-top shape for years to come.

All You Need to Know About Window Seats
Interior

All You Need to Know About Window Seats

Create a comfy zone that lets you stay warm while gazing at the outside world.

6 Types of Pool Decking + How to Design With Them
Exterior

All You Need to Know About Pool Decking

Stay safe, comfortable—and within your budget—by picking the perfect surface to surround your swimming pool.

All You Need to Know About Retaining Walls
Exterior

All You Need to Know About Retaining Walls

With this primer and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you can incorporate a retaining wall into your landscaping—and, with it, both visual interest and necessary support for a sloped yard.

How to Clean a Shag Rug
DIY

How To: Clean a Shag Rug

High pile is back in style! So keep yours fresh with these simple steps.

How to Polish Concrete - Living
Interior

What Would Bob Do? Polishing a Concrete Floor

Sleek, shiny, and easy to maintain, polished concrete is a great flooring choice, particularly for modern interiors. If you'd like to create this look in your own home, here are the basics on the polishing process.

Zoned Heating Diagram
Interior

Control Temperatures and Save Energy with Zoned Heating Systems

A zoned heating system allows greater control over heat distribution in the house. You can turn up the heat just where you need it, just when you need it—resulting in significant savings on your utility bills. Need some convincing? Read on to learn more about the benefits of zoned heating.

green painted kitchen floor
Interior

How To: Paint a Wood Floor

All You Need to Know About Exposed Ceiling Beams
Design

All You Need to Know About Exposed Ceiling Beams

Big, bare, and beautiful, these architectural elements demand attention. Find out if exposed beams can make a striking statement in your new home construction or renovation project.

All You Need to Know About Plywood Flooring
Interior

All You Need to Know About Plywood Floors

Get the facts and then go on to gorgeous DIY results with this inexpensive alternative to hardwood.

All You Need to Know About De-icing Systems
Exterior

All You Need to Know About De-icing Systems

Blistered paint, damage to your ceilings, roof, and walls, and structural issues—these are just some of the potentially disastrous effects of ice dams. Learn how to take action now, before you get caught by surprise.