Designers report growing interest in quartzite, granite, soapstone and porcelain, but quartz remains available and no nationwide phaseout is confirmed.
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Buyer Education
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What’s Downshifting? The Trend That’s Helping Homeowners Do More With Less
Downshifting focuses on reducing home-related spending, clutter and work. It does not require moving, and savings depend on each household’s costs.
Build A Contractor Shortlist With Safety Grades And Public Records
A proposed contractor-vetting tool would grade license, insurance and public-record signals. Its accuracy and homeowner demand have not been tested.
We Tested Ryobi’s $129 Pressure Washer — Here’s What It Can (And Can’t) Do
A Family Handyman test found Ryobi’s 700-psi power cleaner removed flour from a screen, but it lacks the force of a full-size pressure washer.
That Stamp On Lumber Tells You More Than The Price Tag
A lumber stamp identifies its grade, species, mill, grading agency and moisture condition—details that can affect framing strength and code compliance.
4 Harbor Freight Products That Are Better Alternatives To Popular Amazon Finds
Hunker compares four Harbor Freight tools with popular Amazon alternatives, weighing prices, ratings, warranties and available testing.
Best Dyson Cordless Vacuums in 2026: Top Picks & Rankings
My ranked picks of the best Dyson cordless vacuums for 2026, from the Gen5detect to the budget-friendly V8, with clear tradeoffs and who each model suits.
Best Roborock Robot Vacuums for Large Homes (2026) — Guide 9
I compare 10 Roborock robot vacuums for large homes, from budget self-empty models to 36,000Pa flagships, and break down which fits your floor plan and budget.
Best Roborock Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors (2026) — Guide 2
I compared 9 Roborock robot vacuums for hardwood floors, ranking them by suction, mop design, anti-tangle brushes, and dock features. See which model fits your home.
Current Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates in the U.S. are rising, driven by economic signals and market conditions, impacting homebuyers and refinancing plans.