Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 334)

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.

15 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Exterior

15 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

Want to do your part to help slow the impact of climate change? Check out these small and simple changes you and your family can make in your home and everyday activities to ensure a large and lasting difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Best Tool Backpack Options
Reviews

The Best Tool Backpacks for On-the-Go Jobs

Take your tools with you wherever you go with one of these easy-to-carry tool backpacks.

10 Questions to Always Ask at an Open House
Real Estate

10 Questions to Always Ask at an Open House

Attending an open house? Make the most of your visit by asking the right questions.

How to Dispose of Paint: Oil-based, Latex, and Spray Paints
DIY

How To: Dispose of Paint

Improper disposal of household paint cans is bad for the environment, potentially dangerous for sanitation workers, and—in some localities—subject to fines. Here's how to do it safely.

Wasps in House
Lawn & Garden

Solved! What to Do About Wasps

They’re the stuff of nightmares for many of us, but when it’s time for a war against wasps, here’s how to keep the upper hand.

How to Clean Linoleum Floors - Kitchen Flooring
Interior

How To: Clean Linoleum Floors

Ensure that your durable linoleum flooring looks and wears well for decades to come with this complete guide to proper cleaning and maintenance.

Vinyl Clapboard Siding
Exterior

Vinyl Siding vs. Fiber Cement: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right siding material for your home is a decision that's based on many factors, from good looks to cost. But as you're weighing the options, don't ignore important considerations like durability and ease of maintenance. You want good looks that last!

How to Repair Stucco
Exterior

What Would Bob Do? Repairing Cracked Stucco

If you have a small crack in your exterior stucco, you can patch it pretty easily—and you definitely should, or you may be in for more extensive repairs down the line.

How to fix a sticking door
Interior

What Would Bob Do? Repairing a Door That Sticks

Wood doors can be sticky, but the repair doesn't need to be. If your doors have been a little temperamental lately, try one of these fixes to get them opening freely again.

11 Vintage Houses That Came from a Catalog
Design

11 Vintage Houses That Came from a Catalog

In the early 20th century, a handful of companies, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., sold tens of thousands of mail-order homes. Available in a variety of styles and at a range of price points, these “kit houses” would arrive via railroad boxcar as precut and fitted materials, which the owner or a local contractor would assemble into a new house. Sears ceased production of their catalog homes in 1940, but many still stand today. Check out these 12 mail-order houses that have not only survived, but look very much like they did in the heyday of the kit home.

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace—and Extend Patio Season
DIY

So, You Want to… Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Before you put any marshmallows on a stick, read this to determine if a DIY hearth is a project you’re prepared to take on.

5 Ways to Make Worn-Out Concrete Look Great
DIY

5 Simple Fixes for Worn Concrete

Concrete surfaces are built to last, but sometimes you need to intervene to make sure they stay as good-looking as they are hardworking. Read on to learn how to tackle five common superficial concrete flaws—and which products are best for each repair.

Fixing a Squeaky Floor
Interior

How To: Fix a Squeaky Floor

Any handy homeowner can silence all squeaks and creaks that occur beneath the subfloor using one of these three easy techniques.

How to Build a Fireplace - Masonry
Interior

Planning Guide: Fireplaces

Fireplaces not only add exceptional ambiance to a home, they can provide valuable, cost-efficient heat as well. If you're not lucky enough to have a fireplace in your house, you can certainly have one installed—but first review the options.

Pole used to prop sagging closet rod.
DIY

How To: Fix a Sagging Closet Pole

If your closet rods are straining under the weight of the clothes they need to carry, give them a lift—and a break—with this clever how-to.