“Sump pumps are optimal with areas with standing water or where water can enter the structure,” says Vinny Lobdell, founder and past president of the Healthway family of brands and Intellipure Inc. Our top pick, the Ridgid 1 HP Stainless Steel Dual Suction Sump Pump, delivers plenty of power while still being quiet. The durable construction means that it can protect your basement from flooding for years without early wear and breakdown....

We researched the best woodworking clamps available online, evaluating ease of use, quality, sturdiness, and overall value. Our top choice, the BESSEY Clutch Style Bar Clamp with Composite Plastic Handle, stands out for its ergonomic design, versatility, and durability. Here are the best woodworking clamps. A versatile bar clamp like this 36-inch model from BESSEY easily clamps material together. This version offers strength and durability, with strong powder-coated cast-iron jaws tipped with non-marring pads, a nickel-plated bar, and an improved comfort-grip handle....

We researched the best adjustable beds on the market, evaluating ease of assembly and use, sturdiness, extra features, and overall value. Our best overall pick is the Purple Ascent Adjustable Base, which is easy to assemble, features zero gravity presets, and is relatively affordable. Here are the best adjustable beds. Flip through the preset modes, and you’ll find a zero gravity setting, which the company claims to leave you feeling weightless....

Saltman explains that the beauty of these types of storage units is that they come in several styles, meaning there’s a fit for every design, need, and budget. “[They] can have open shelving, drawers, or even cabinets.” The final result makes items easy to store, access, and style. “Using an étagère can add functionality to your bathroom where it didn’t exist previously and allows you to keep frequently used items, like toilet paper and clean towels, easily accessible," she explains....

Bagpodz Reusable Shopping Bags are our best overall pick because they’re available in a pack of five or 10, they can hold up to 50 pounds of groceries, and they come in a zippered pouch that can clip to your cart or keys. Here, our picks for the best reusable grocery bags, backed by our research and testing. The Bagpodz Reusable Shopping Bags are our top pick because they’re constructed with a durable, eco-friendly nylon....

You expect a bit of bug irritation in the outdoors. After all, you’re on their turf. But inside your own doors, you wouldn’t be alone if you wanted a bit of reprieve from their annoying zips and zags, and not to mention the itchy bites and bumps that often accompany the pests. We tested Aspectek’s Powerful 20W Electronic Indoor Insect Killer to see if the ultraviolet lights had the captivating capacity to draw the flying bugs in for their final flight....

Here are the best Dyson vacuums on sale right now. With up to 60 minutes of quiet-run time and three different cleaning modes, this vacuum is made with pet owners in mind. The deep bristles penetrate your carpets to get rid of lingering pet hair, while the included mini motorized tool makes cleaning your pet’s favorite napping spots on the sofa a breeze. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive features intelligent LCD technology that quickly adapts to your floors and captures even the peskiest of dust particles....

You can consider the rule of thumb: if the plant blooms in spring, it is best to divide the perennial after blooming; otherwise, divide the perennial as it emerges, in early spring. However, it would be best to research each species you might wish to divide, as there are some exceptions to this rule. That’s where this article comes in handy. Reasons for Dividing Not all perennial plants need to be divided there are some that you should not attempt to divide because you will only harm the plant in attempting the operation....

Overview Color Family: Mostly warm with a couple of cool and neutral picksComplementary Colors: Grays, violets, and blues to name a fewPairs Well With: Crisp white, metallic finishesMood: Glamorous and elegantWhere to Use: Walls Here are six good paint colors that can live large and beautiful in your tiny powder room. Determine how much paint you need with The Spruce’s Paint Calculator.

Find a Place For the Laundry Room Where do you want to place the laundry room? With some homes, a dedicated space has already been created for this purpose. In most cases, it makes sense to place the laundry room here since the difficult and expensive job of installing water, drainage, gas, and electrical connections is complete. Homes that have a basement offer another opportunity for carving out an area for the laundry room....

Hydraulic Cement Uses Hydraulic cement can be used above of below grade, however. It is extremely useful used in: Swimming poolsDrainage systemsFoundationsElevator pitsBasement wallsManholesSealing around concrete and masonry structuresMarine applicationsChimneysCisterns and fountains How to Apply Hydraulic Cement Hydraulic cement should be applied to surfaces that have been cleaned, free of oil, dirt, grease or any other contaminant that will affect the bonding with the permanent structure. These are the steps for a successful application:...

Etsy’s 5 Biggest Trends for Outdoor Decor “With warmer weather on the horizon, shoppers are eager to update their outdoor spaces to help them fully enjoy every moment soaking up the sun this summer," Johnson said via email. Some of the popular outdoor trends she’s seeing on Etsy include: And now is the time to shop Etsy for these items. The company launched its first ever Outdoor Sales Event, which is ongoing through May 24....

When Halloween fanatics and TikTok content creators, @loud.emma and her partner, discovered the towering skeleton they immediately knew the kind of potential the larger-than-life piece had to captivate the TikTok world. Halloween enthusiasts agreed. The spooky skeleton quickly won over the decor world, selling out almost immediately, with a price tag of $299, and resale prices on eBay reaching $1,575. The sought-after skeleton stands 12 feet tall, six feet wide, and features glowing, beady battery-operated LCD eyes that we’re pretty sure can see straight through to your soul....

For years I tried to do it the cheap way, getting big mason jars and a low-price set of plastic containers that felt like they might break if I opened them too quickly. But the mishmash of items I had going on in my cabinets was making storage difficult. Nothing fit together. Mason jars don’t stack on top of each other, and the square and rectangular plastic containers I’d purchased didn’t fit well alongside the jars, or really even each other....

Homeowners laying their own tile don’t have this advantage. They need to get up to speed within the confines of a single project. But a few simple tips for laying out tile in a bathroom will let you see beautiful, professional results: as close as possible to the look of an established tile pro rather than that of a fledgling do-it-yourselfer. Avoid or Minimize Tiles That Are Less Than Half-Size Skinny tiles that are cut to half-size or less call attention to themselves since the eye is naturally drawn toward things that are out of the norm....

It’s Mentally Overwhelming A maximalist home is a busy home. “Having such an accumulation of objects, colors, textures, and patterns is not good for your peace of mind,” designer Anaïs Chaumien said in an email. “Neutral colors, clean lines, and space are what help your mind calm down. With this kind of decor, it’s just the contrary.” Additionally, Chaumien added, “Decluttering your space is like decluttering your mind. And keeping only what brings you joy, as Marie Kondo says, should be a guideline....

Here are a few ways to take advantage of a chest of drawers, as is or refurbished, around your home. In a Bedroom Chests of drawers typically store folded clothing in a bedroom. But there are more ways to use dressers, whether it’s in a primary bedroom, guest room, or a child’s sleeping space. Use a low chest of drawers as a bedside table. Put a bureau in a large closet to better organize your accessories and clothing....