Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

A raccoon climbs a green roof.
Lawn & Garden

How to Get Rid of Raccoons

There’s no one foolproof way to get raccoons to leave your property. Taking one or more of these humane measures, however, should keep the masked bandits at bay.

Purple Crap Myrtle tree on a sunny day.
Lawn & Garden

13 Drought-Tolerant Trees to Consider Planting in Your Yard

Is drought leaving your landscape high and dry? Try planting trees that add beauty and character even in dry conditions.

Water sprinklers irrigate the lawns of several bungalow homes.
Lawn & Garden

How to Install an Underground Sprinkler System

Caring for the lawn and garden is significantly easier with an automated sprinkler system. Find out how to install a sprinkler system for a lush lawn and yard.

Best freestanding hammocks group 3
Reviews

We Used Freestanding Hammocks for More Than 500 Hours—These Are the 7 Best

Freestanding hammocks offer the perfect mix of comfort, durability, and ease of use—whether you want to create a solo backyard retreat or a cozy spot for two.

Architect talking to a woman about remodeling her kitchen and showing her the blueprints.
Interior

Spots to Save—and Splurge—in Your Kitchen Remodel

Experts weigh in on the best investments for your new kitchen.

Rolux warehouse behind the scenes 1
Reviews

I Found the Perfect Lawn Mower to Cut Classic, Golf-Course Stripes

If golf greens inspire your lawn care routine, this new walk-behind reel mower will be a dream come true.

Woman nails the front of a birdhouse onto the rest of the structure.
DIY

How to Build a Birdhouse

Easy and inexpensive to make, a birdhouse can be a great woodworking project to undertake with the kids—and a boon for the avian population in your neighborhood.

A dry basement after cleaning up leaking walls.
Interior

Waterproofing Basement Walls: The Dos and Don’ts

Troubleshoot the causes and find the solutions to wet basement walls—and the sooner, the better, to maintain the integrity of your home.

Wayfair Way Day Deals 2025
Reviews

 Sale Extended: This $709 Patio Set Is Down to $499 Right Now at Wayfair During Way Day

Wayfair’s three-day Way Day sale is packed with patio deals–like Adirondack chairs for more than 50% off!

Mosquitoes hovering outdoors.
Lawn & Garden

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes—and Keep Them From Coming Back

No one wants pesky mosquitoes lurking on their lawn. When you need to know how to get rid of mosquitoes, the following guide can help remove them from your yard for good.

Woman watching wild deer in her backyard through a window.
Lawn & Garden

Love ‘em or Leave ‘em: What to Do When You Find Wildlife in Your Yard

Follow this expert advice when potentially problematic critters appear.

Mrs. Myers Must Haves
Reviews

Mrs. Meyer’s Spring Scents Made My House Smell Like a Garden

I spent a week with Mrs. Meyer’s seasonal scents and found a few new favorites. These limited-edition cleaners do more than smell good—they make spring cleaning downright enjoyable.

A white house with pillars has a front door painted with BEHR Adirondack Blue paint. The door is surrounded by plants.
Exterior

What Is the Best Paint for Front Doors?

Painting a front door is an inexpensive, easy way to improve your home's curb appeal. Here's what to know about selecting the right kind of paint—and the right paint sheen—for your exterior doors.

Construction in front of house
Real Estate

Homeowners Are Panic-Buying This Home Addition—And It Costs at Least $20,000

More in today's news digest: the housing market stalls, starter homes reach an eye-popping price, and more.

Colorful flowers planted in dirt, a trowel stuck in alongside.
DIY

Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for May

On our list of priorities for this month: Tidying the garage, opening the pool, and making sure our patio area is bug-free and ready for entertaining.

7 different bottles of deck cleaner lined up on a wooden deck
Reviews

After Hours of Hands-on Testing, Here Are Our Best Deck Cleaners of 2025

An outdoor deck is a hub of summer activities, but when it gets dirty, it’s an eyesore. I put the top deck cleaners through their paces to see which ones really powered through dirt and grime—read on for the results of my hands-on tests so you can buy the best product and get that deck ready for fun.

How to revive a winter-weary lawn
Lawn & Garden

Dormant, Not Dead: 7 Ways to Bring a Tired and Weary Lawn Back From the Brink 

Winter can be harsh, but grass is resilient. These steps and pro tips will have your grass looking greener in no time.

how to move a hot tub
Lawn & Garden

How to Move a Hot Tub

Hot tubs can be relaxing, but moving one across the yard (or across town) is anything but. Here’s how to get a Jacuzzi from Point A to Point B.

A hand holding a cloth to wipe a wooden countertop
Interior

Countertop Care 101

When general clean-up fails to keep your countertop shipshape, consider these material-specific solutions.

A professional landscaper mows a beautiful lawn.
Lawn & Garden

The 18 Best Things You Can Do for Your Lawn

A healthy lawn needs ample water, sun, nutrients, and air to thrive—and the way in which you fertilize, seed, and mow your grass can make all the difference.