Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 333)

Solved! The Right Wainscoting Height
Interior

Solved! The Right Height for Wainscoting

There’s an art to getting this architectural feature in perfect proportion with the rest of the room. Follow this advice and your wainscoting will stand out for all the right reasons.

Quartz Vs Quartzite: Understanding Countertop Options
Interior

What’s the Difference? Quartz vs. Quartzite

Understand the key discrepancies between these two often mixed-up materials to make an informed choice for your new countertop.

All You Need to Know About Tuckpointing
Exterior

All You Need to Know About Tuckpointing

Do you want to upgrade the appearance of an interior or exterior brick structure? Get the lowdown on tuckpoining, and learn some tips for proper installation.

How to Dye Carpet
DIY

How To: Dye Carpet

Give your plush a fresh, clean, stain-free reboot with the guidance here. But keep in mind, it will be permanent, so be sure you can commit before you proceed.

How to Detect a Gas Leak
Interior

4 Important Tools for Detecting a Gas Leak

Homeowners and professionals alike can benefit from this collection of tools that help with pinpointing the source of a gas leak in the home.

Removing Popcorn Ceiling
DIY

Replace Dated Popcorn Ceilings with This New Texture

Removing a popcorn ceiling can be messy and time-consuming, but the right techniques and tools can help you make quick work of this otherwise tedious task.

White quartz countertop in a modern kitchen.
Interior

All You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops

Wondering whether this fashionable material is perfect for your kitchen or bathroom project? Get all of your research done right here.

All You Need to Know About German Smear
Exterior

All You Need to Know About German Smear

Are you looking for a way to update your home’s dated bricks without painting over them? Check out one of today’s hottest design trends: German smear.

Limewashed Brick 101
Exterior

All You Need to Know About Limewashed Brick

This white coating promises to refresh worn-down brick exteriors and protect them from the elements—but it's not for every homeowner. Think your home could use an update? Consider the pros and cons of this DIY treatment, and follow the easy steps outlined here.

All You Need to Know About Door Casing
Interior

All You Need to Know About Doorway Casing

As few as three pieces of trim can greatly improve a room's style and sense of architecture. Before you set out to dress up any interior door or doorway, get the lowdown on buying and installing the decorative casing.

crawl space with water and falling insulation batts
Interior

Top Tips for Insulating Crawl Space

Read expert recommendations on insulating crawl space to bring this often understood area of many American homes into the 21st century.

12 Good Reasons to Move to a College Town
Real Estate

12 Good Reasons to Move to a College Town

College towns are't just for students, faculty, and college sports fanatics. In fact, these educational enclaves attract many residents who have no affiliation with the school. Just what is it that lures nonstudents to college towns? Read on to learn about some of the enticing benefits of living in the shadow of a college or university.

The Pros and Cons of Finishing Your Unfinished Basement
Interior

The Pros and Cons of Finishing Your Unfinished Basement

Transforming your basement from unfinished to finished is not a no-brainer. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether to turn your utilitarian basement into a more comfortable living space.

How to Cut Granite
DIY

How To: Cut Granite

Follow these steps to size a granite slab or tiles to a perfect fit for your new countertop or backsplash.

How to Remove Paint from Trim and Molding - Quick-Release Contour Scraper
DIY

How To: Remove Paint from Trim and Molding

Use this handy guide—and an even handier tool—to restore the clean lines of wood trim that has been gunked up by layers of paint jobs from decades past.

How to Unshrink Clothing
DIY

How To: Unshrink Clothes

Undo the damage of dryer mishaps with these simple steps to stretch your favorite garments back to their original size.

20 Surprising Things You Can’t Recycle
DIY

20 Surprising Things You Can’t Recycle

The “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra popularized during the environmental movement of the 1970s has never been more relevant. Nevertheless, there's confusion about what can and can't be recycled. Rules and regulations vary by region, but here are 20 items that should never wind up in your household's recycling bin.

How to Rust Metal (on Purpose!)
DIY

How To: Rust Metal

Lend a centuries-old look to metal accents in under an hour with this rusting tutorial.

10 Ways You’re Killing Your Curb Appeal
Exterior

10 Ways You’re Killing Your Curb Appeal

Never underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Not only does your home exterior give a first impression to guests, it can also influence real estate transactions by attracting potential buyers. Unfortunately, though, some common eyesores can leave your facade looking worn for wear. Check out these 10 mistakes that are killing your home’s curb appeal, and learn how to banish the blemishes for a picture-perfect landscape.

how long does it take for concrete to dry
DIY

Solved! This is How Long It Takes Concrete to “Dry”

Find out how long your concrete project will take from start to finish, and the steps you can follow to ensure a beautiful result.