Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 55)

Person inserts a soil test probe into a hole in a grassy yard.
Lawn & Garden

How to Test Soil pH

Give your plants the very best chance of survival by growing them in suitable soil.

Person wearing yellow gloves cleans the joints of the floor tiles with a brush and powder.
DIY

8 Ways to Clean Stained Grout

Using common household products, some elbow grease, and these time-tested tested tips, you’ll get the space between your tiles clean again no matter how soiled it is.  

A teal chair and two small white metal tables are placed in a concrete basement room.
Basements

14 Unfinished Basement Ideas You Can DIY in a Weekend

Can't afford a full basement renovation, but still want to be able to use the space comfortably? These DIY updates can make a big difference.

Overhead view of a man setting a wax ring around the toilet pipe opening on a tile floor.
Bathrooms

How to Replace the Wax Ring on a Toilet

Is water puddling around the base of your toilet? Here’s how to replace a failing wax ring.

A suburban blue home with a tree planted in front of the front windows to provide shade.
Lawn & Garden

7 Landscaping Strategies That Can Lower Your Home’s Energy Costs Year-Round

There are plenty of things you can do indoors to reduce your bills, but these smart landscaping tips can help you save even more.

A yellow two-story home features manicured landscaping and a clean exterior.
Curb Appeal

13 Outdoor Upgrades That Make Your Home More Valuable

Thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen or backyard deck? These and other exterior home improvements can pay off big time.

All 10 of the best ceiling fans installed and in use during testing.
Reviews

The Best Ceiling Fans to Keep Your Home Breezy Without Cranking the AC, Tested

A good ceiling fan can help cool a home while lowering energy costs. We tested today's top-selling models to find out which ones blew the competition away.

A group of the best electric mowers in a lawn before testing.
Reviews

The Best Electric Mowers, Tested

After putting dozens of corded and battery-powered lawn mowers through our hands-on tests, we awarded the top performers.

The Best Screw Extractor Options
Reviews

We Tested The Best Screw Extractors to Remove Stripped Fasteners, See Our Top Picks

Don’t let a stripped screw or bolt slow you down—remove that obstacle quickly and cleanly with one of these top screw extractors.

A white wall with bubbling paint.
DIY

What Causes Paint Bubbling on a Wall—and How You Can Fix It 

Using the wrong painting tools, temperature issues, poor prep: All are possible causes of bubbling paint on the walls. Learn what you can do to prevent this problem before your next paint DIY.

A bee pollinating a purple ornamental flower.
Lawn & Garden

The Number One Thing You Can Do to Help Protect Native Bees Where You Live, According to New Research

As bee populations continue to decline in the United States, scientists recommend rethinking a common practice for many homeowners.

The Best Staple Gun Options
Reviews

See Our Test Results: The Best Staple Guns for Various Projects

We’ve tested and tacked down a group of the top staple guns on the market for home and professional use.

The best drain snake option sitting on a counter next to a plunger with a sink in the background
Reviews

The Best Drain Snakes for Clogged Showers, Bathtubs, and Sinks

Banish blockages in sinks, tubs, showers, and more with the right drain snake for the task.

A water heater from the best water heater brands mounted on a laundry room wall
Reviews

The Best Water Heater Brands

If it’s time to replace a busted water heater or simply upgrade to something more efficient and energy conscious, this guide on the best water heater brands will help you figure out what to look for.

Two arm chairs by large window.
Architecture

20 Ways to Make Your New House Look Old

Do you live in a 1980s ranch, but wish it were a quirky Victorian? These DIY updates will make your cookie-cutter home look like it's been here for decades.

The Best Moth Repellents Options
Reviews

The Best Moth Repellents for Clothes, Furniture, and More

Banish destructive moths from the closet or pantry—and keep them from coming back—with the best moth repellents.

Close up view of a table saw blade next to a pair of safety glasses.
DIY

How to Use a Table Saw

Learn proper crosscutting and ripping techniques to ensure safe, efficient, satisfying work with this popular power tool.

Young girl wearing winter hat and her mom wearing winter hat smiling and enjoying time together on the decorated patio.
Deck, Patio & Porch

The Share of New Homes With This Sought-After Outdoor Feature Continues to Climb

And now is an ideal time to add one to your property.

View from inside a garage of the driveway and the rainstorm outside.
Exterior

Can You Run a Generator in the Rain?

Rain and running water can damage an exposed portable generator. Find out how to protect yourself and the generator during stormy weather.

Bags of commercial vermiculite and perlite on a table with a pot and some succulents.
Lawn & Garden

Vermiculite vs. Perlite: Which is Best for Your Potted Plants?

Can these two soil amendments help your plants grow better?