The Best Boneless Couch: We Tested 4 Budget-Friendly Options

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EMILY WAY FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

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Ovios Boneless Couch

999.0052% OFF$479 at Ovios

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Pros:

• Affordable
• No assembly required
• Not too low to the ground
• A combination of springs and foam offers support
• Several configurations, colors, sizes and materials to choose from
• No off-gassing smell
• Back cushions have built-in support that keeps them in place
• Sits directly on the floor, so toys and dirt won't accumulate underneath

Cons:

• Back cushions are not as fluffy as our tester desired
• The backrest is low, which some may not like
• Boxes arrived in two separate shipments, on two separate days
• May be too firm for some

“I was pleasantly surprised by the 104-inch Ovios Boneless Couch,” says Shopping Editor Emily Way. “While the armrests aren’t configurable, its modular design can be arranged as an L-shaped sectional, straight sofa or bed-like lounge.”

The couch, made with foam, springs and plush gray fabric, arrived in two separate shipments. Unboxing required cutting open two tightly wrapped plastic cylinders that quickly expanded, so we recommend clearing plenty of space first.

Given that this is a boneless couch that costs less than a quarter of Way’s favorite Albany Park sofa, her expectations were initially low. However, she was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality.

Assembly took just a few minutes and involved connecting the two sections with Velcro straps and adding the cushions. The seat cushions expanded within 24 hours, while the back cushions needed extra fluffing because they’re filled with shredded memory foam. There were no off-gassing odors during unboxing and setup.

Despite its boneless design, tester Way found the sofa firm and supportive thanks to its springs, though she still wishes the back cushions were a tad fuller. “My favorite unexpected perk? The two-piece design eliminates motion transfer, making it great for co-napping,” she says.

“Overall, after testing, I recommend the Ovios as an affordable pick for a basement, playroom, guest room or first apartment,” Way says. “Though I’d likely still invest in a higher-end sofa like the Kova Pit for a main living space.”

PAUL RANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Best Low-Profile

Rove Lab Boneless Couch

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Pros:

• Soft performance fabric; spills bead up and wipe away easily
• No noticeable off-gassing smell
• Comfortable for lounging and napping
• Foam immediately returns to shape upon opening
• Ideal arm and back height for reclining
• Includes two accent pillows
• Pet hair does not cling to fabric
• Simple two-piece assembly

Cons:

• Foam may not fully fill out some areas
• Fabric may require steaming to remove creases
• Our tester noticed a large gap between the two seat sections

We tested the Rove Lab M1 Loveseat in its lightest shade of soft, suede-like performance fabric. The light upholstery is hydrophobic, so spills bead on the surface rather than soaking in. The performance fabric is a standout. Despite several spills, no stains remained, and liquids wiped away easily.

The loveseat arrived in two boxes and expanded gradually after unboxing. While it didn’t spring open dramatically, it took several days to fully expand. Even after nearly two months, some creases remained around the arms, though they smoothed easily with a steamer. The foam otherwise expanded evenly, quickly bounced back after use and showed no sagging or lasting indentations. There was also no off-gassing smell.

Setup was simple: Just zip the two sections together. However, the pieces aren’t connected at the top, so there’s a noticeable gap through which remotes and other small items can slip when the pieces aren’t fully pushed together.

“The loveseat is exceptionally comfortable,” says tester Paul Rankin. Its slightly firm, mattress-like foam provides plenty of support for sitting, lounging and napping.

Just note that this one has a very low profile. So, while it may not offer the most in back and neck support, it may be an ideal choice for a small apartment, den, office or playroom.

The Rove Lab sofa is a comfy, durable choice for lounging, naps and small spaces, but its low profile makes it better suited as a secondary sofa—or the main couch in a super compact space.

PAUL RANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Best Budget

Kingyes Boneless Couch

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Pros:

• Expanded fully in about 20 minutes
• No lingering creases or misshapen areas
• Soft faux-fur upholstery
• Spills bead up and wipe away easily
• No sagging after more than a month
• Taller profile than some other boneless couches; resembles a traditional sofa
• Excellent value for the price

Cons:

• Light beige fabric may require frequent cleaning
• Feels less stable with three people
• Foam sinks more under heavier loads

If you can get past the hilarious brand name, this 107-inch L-shaped boneless couch from Amazon is a steal. We tested the fine-stripe beige upholstery.

The sofa expanded quickly (within about 20 minutes), and the foam filled out evenly with no lingering creases or odors. A dark smudge on the fabric wiped away easily, too.

“For such a budget-friendly sofa, the overall size and shape are impressive,” says tester Rankin. The taller back and arms give it a more traditional profile, while the soft memory-foam-like cushioning feels supportive without being too firm. After more than a month, there were no lasting impressions or sagging. “It fits naturally in the living room without looking especially small or out of place,” Rankin adds.

The soft upholstery is comfortable against bare skin, and spills bead on the surface and wipe away easily.

The 107-inch L-shape comfortably seats two or three, though it feels more stable with one or two people. With three adults, the foam compresses noticeably.

For the wallet-friendly price, this pick from Amazon delivers impressive size, comfort and easy-clean upholstery. It’s best for one or two people who want a lounging space without the price or bulk of a traditional sofa.

MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Best for Kids

Nugget Play Couch

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Pros:

• Foam is soft for play, yet firm enough to support and keep its shape
• Casing is fully removable and washable
• Zipper ends tuck and hide away into fabric
• Multiple fun color options
• Greenguard Gold Certified
• CertiPUR-US-certified foam
• 2-year limited warranty

Cons:

• Pricey
• Waterproof liner sold separately

If you have young kids at home, you’re probably no stranger to the Nugget Couch, AKA the original play couch. Made entirely from CertiPUR-US-certified foam, it’s the perfect small, bouncy sofa for kids to jump on. Plus, its foldable, fully modular design allows for countless play configurations, from the base for playhouses and forts to little slides and climbable inclines.

It’s available in a range of fun, bright colors, and the casing is fully removable and washable. You can even buy separate cases to swap out colors on wash day. You can also buy a liner set made from non-toxic, waterproof material to protect your Nugget’s foam. While the purchase of a Nugget Couch comes with a complete case set, it does not include a liner.

We’ve had The Nugget in our home for a few years now, and my toddler adores it. It lives up in her playroom, where she bounces on it, lies on it and reads on it daily. I have it positioned next to her bookshelves as the perfect little piece of furniture for her reading nook. We bought it as a gift for her when she was one, and it’s seen years of play and still looks firm and intact. There are also no stains, rips or pilling. I would, without a doubt, spend my own money on this time and time again. It has been a worthwhile investment in her space, plus my husband and I love lying on it during reading time too.

Every Nugget couch is Greenguard Gold-certified and passes California’s TB-117 and has no flame-retardant chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about your kiddos playing or lying on questionable materials. Additionally, each Nugget comes with a limited two-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects.

Editor’s Note: Little ones (ages 1+) should be supervised when using this product, and it is not intended for sleep. Please see the brand’s Safe and Proper Use Manual for more info.

Others We Tested

• Albany Park Kova Pit: The Kova Pit often appears in searches for the “best boneless couch.” But Shopping Editor Emily Way has tested the Kova Pit in her own home for years, and while she loves the ultra-comfy sectional, “It definitely has a frame,” she says.

What to Look for When Buying a Boneless Couch

We spoke to Natalia Bassova, licensed real estate broker and owner of Resort Real Estate Inc. As an Accredited Staging Professional who has been staging and selling homes for more than 20 years, Bassova has used boneless couches to stage and photograph rooms. She pays attention to how they look when you walk in and how a piece holds up as guests come and go.

When searching for a boneless couch, here are three things she recommends keeping an eye out for:

• Quality of foam: The quality of foam will affect the sofa’s ability to spring back after being depressed. “That’s the whole product. Squeeze down on the seat of the couch with force. Watch to see how quickly it bounces back. If it doesn’t bounce back, then you’ll have a saggy, ugly couch within a year,” Bassova says.
• Size: “Can you really get it into the house? People often overlook this detail,” Bassova says. “Take measurements of each doorway and the smallest width of the passageway.” Make sure the couch can either be broken into modules or compressed enough to fit through the passageway.
• Washability: Many boneless couches, especially those designed for kids, have removable, washable covers. And if they don’t have washable covers, Bassova says it’s worth checking whether you can choose a performance fabric that resists staining. “In the mountains, our furniture gets hit by wet gear, melting snow and guest after guest,” she says. “There’s nothing better than having a cover that you can simply zip off and toss in the washer. It may cost a bit more, but in the long run, it is worth it.”

How We Found the Best Boneless Couches

We’ve been testing couches and modular sectionals for years, and our editors record every step of the ordering, shipping and assembling process. From there, we test these couches tirelessly, using them as workstations, for hosting, as midday napping spots and—of course—for movie nights.

When we spotted the boneless couch trend earlier this year, we knew we’d have to send a few home with our editors to see what they’re actually like. Our editors had a handful of sofas-in-a-box shipped to their homes, where they unboxed, puffed up and tested each one. Often, they were pleasantly surprised by the comfort of these foam couches.

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FAQ

Who makes the best boneless couch?

Rove Lab and Ovios are widely rated as top choices and are among our top picks for boneless couches. Both use high-density modular foam and performed well in our comfort testing.

Are boneless couches a good buy?

Yes, if you want a soft, lightweight, affordable sofa that’s easy to move. They’re especially well-suited for small apartments, dorms, home offices and media rooms. The trade-offs are a lower seat height, less back support and a shorter lifespan than traditional sofas.

What is the downside to a boneless couch?

The biggest drawbacks are limited back and neck support and a shorter lifespan compared with framed sofas.

How long do boneless couches last?

Most boneless couches last around 5 years, compared with 10 or more years for a well-made framed sofa.

Why You Should Trust Us

We tested every boneless couch on this list to see how it performed in our shopping editors’ and product testers’ own homes.

We ordered the boxed sofas, had them delivered, unboxed and moved them ourselves, and then used them in our homes for months. Each sofa tester recorded and shared extensive notes about their experience, evaluating factors including cost, ordering and delivery, ease of setup, quality and comfort. Some of our editors even went as far as intentionally spilling on their sofas to test the performance of the fabrics.

This also isn’t our team’s first foray into furniture testing. We’ve evaluated a variety of other furniture categories, including sectional sofas, reading chairs, bed frames, coffee tables and boxed mattresses.

We also spoke with Natalia Bassova, a licensed real estate broker and owner of Resort Real Estate Inc. As an Accredited Staging Professional who has been staging and selling homes for more than 20 years, she provided valuable real-world, long-term insight into how boneless couches have performed over the years.

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How To Make Your Google Search ‘Verbatim’ and Get Exact Results

You know the feeling. You head to the internet to Google something- a common curiosity you stumbled across, a tech question, or advice about treating a cold- and think you’ll get your answer almost immediately. But when your search comes back, it’s clogged with irrelevant AI slop and other information that seems hardly related to your initial query.

Some sites are starting to let you filter this out. LinkedIn recently introduced a “Feels like AI slop” button you can use to report posts and Pinterest allows you to turn off some of the AI results. But is there a way to do that on a major search engine? The answer is yes— with a little tweaking, you can get it to return better search results.

You just have to know how to utilize Google Verbatim.

What Is Google Verbatim?

According to Alex Barrientos at Gadget Review, once you’ve made your initial search and deemed the results useless, you can refine it. In its default setting, he explains, Google “corrects spelling, swaps synonyms, personalizes based on your history, and sometimes makes entire words optional—like asking for ‘vinyl records’ but getting results about ‘pictures of albums’ instead.” If you switch to the Verbatim Mode, it “shuts down this helpful chaos, returning only pages containing your exact words in the exact order you typed them.”

How Do I Use It?

As you’re looking at your search results, you should see the heading “Tools” to the far right of your screen (at least on a desktop). The second option on that menu is “All Results” and if you hover over it you can see the options “All Results” and “Verbatim.” Click verbatim and your search results should refresh and be a much better sampling of answers to your initial query.

Barrientos says that there’s no one button you can push to force Google to default to Verbatim Mode every time, but he does propose a solution so that you don’t have to click for it every search: a custom browser. If you feel tech-savvy enough to go for it, he suggests that you “create a custom search engine in your browser settings. Add a new engine called “Google Verbatim” with the URL https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&oq=%s&tbs=li:1. Set a keyword like ‘gv’ if you want.” “That tbs=li:1 parameter forces Verbatim mode automatically,” explains Barrientos.

Source

The One Google Search Setting That Removes 90% of Useless Results, Gadget Review, 2025.

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Roundabout Turn Signals Explained: What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Do

Traffic circles have been in the United States for more than a century, while modern roundabouts began appearing in the country in the early 1990s. However, many drivers today still don’t know the basic rules when it comes to entering and exiting them.

Is a driver supposed to signal before entering? Should drivers keep the left blinker on until they exit? Should they only signal when exiting? While roundabout rules can vary by state, basic driving principles are consistent. Understanding them can make an unfamiliar roundabout much easier to handle.

Learn how to use proper roundabout signaling, including when drivers should use their turn signal and more.

When Should Drivers Signal in a Roundabout?

In most instances, drivers should use the right turn signal before exiting. Many states instruct drivers to signal right after passing the exit immediately before the one they plan to take.

Drivers shouldn’t assume they need to keep the left turn signal on simply because they’re continuing around the roundabout. Signaling requirements vary by state, and a left signal may also be required when changing lanes in a multilane roundabout where permitted.

Drivers should follow their state’s driver handbook or online Department of Transportation guidance for specific signaling requirements.

Who Has the Right of Way in a Roundabout?

Another roundabout rule that can be confusing is which vehicle has the right-of-way. Vehicles already in the roundabout have priority, and approaching drivers should slow down and yield until there’s a safe opening. Coming to a complete stop is unnecessary if the roundabout is clear. Drivers should also watch carefully for pedestrians at designated crossings, particularly when entering and exiting.

Switching Lanes in a Roundabout, Explained

When using a multilane roundabout, drivers should choose the appropriate lane before entering and follow posted directions and pavement markings. The right lane commonly serves right turns and through traffic, while the left lane may serve through traffic and left-turn movements. Drivers should always follow the signs and pavement markings at the specific roundabout.

Drivers should stay in their designated lane or path and shouldn’t cut across traffic to reach an exit. They also shouldn’t stop inside the roundabout to let another vehicle enter, drive across the center island, or reverse if they miss their intended exit. Drivers should give large trucks extra room because they may need both lanes or use the roundabout’s truck apron.

Roundabouts don’t need to be scary for drivers. By understanding the rules, they can be just another routine part of the road.

Sources

Federal Highway Administration, “Roundabouts”

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• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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What to Do If Your License Plate Accidentally Says Something NSFW

There’s likely a vanity plate you’ve seen online or in person that you will always remember. Maybe it was funny, witty, obscene, an obscure reference, or something else. Most of the time it’s probably safe to assume that it was intentional. However, that might not always be the case.

Randomly assigned license plates can resemble words or phrases their owners never requested, as was the case for a Florida woman who made headlines when she received a standard-issued plate reading “SQZ A55.”

So, what happens if you receive a license plate you don’t feel comfortable displaying? Learn what options drivers have and how states screen for inappropriate combinations.

What To Do If You Receive a License Plate You Don’t Like

While the federal government is responsible for vehicle standards, license plate numbering fall under state jurisdiction. Therefore, your options will depend on the state you live in.

Most drivers aren’t stuck with their assigned plate. All states have a process to replace standard-issued plates due to damage, loss or theft, or sometimes even if the owners find them embarrassing or offensive.

Qualification requirements will vary by state. The first step will involve contacting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, or the equivalent state agency that handles vehicle registration. You may be able to order a replacement online, or you may be required to do an in-person appointment.

You may be able to get a replacement plate for free, or, depending on your state, you may be required to pay a replacement fee. Whether the agency will waive the fee because it contains an inappropriate message is at the discretion of the person approving the request.

It is illegal to alter, cover, deface, or modify an existing plate. License plates are critical for public safety, as they are used by law enforcement for vehicle identification, toll collection, and parking enforcement and for identifying stolen vehicles.

How are License Plate Combinations Screened

Issues of vulgar license plates, especially non-vanity plates, are quite rare. Most states have safeguards to prevent certain offensive or inappropriate combinations from appearing. That includes references to profanity, sexually explicit language, hate speech, criminal affiliation or representation, and characters that could mislead law enforcement.

Automated filters are in place to catch these, sometimes in addition to human review by the person approving the request at the DMV or equivalent government agency. New combinations continue to be added to the banned list as language and slang change.

Don’t assume another state’s license plate laws and regulations will be the same in yours. Every state creates its own numbering system and review process, so the rules, replacement options, and even the letter combinations that appear on standard plates can differ.

When in doubt, contact your local DMV. Just be prepared to wait in a long line, of course.

Sources

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “License Plates & Registration”
  American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, “License Plates”
  CBS Miami, “Squeeze what? A Florida woman is the talk of her town with a racy license plate she got in the mail“

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I Experienced the Plumbing Disaster Nobody Sees Coming: My Pipes Completely Crumbled

Welcome to Domestic Disasters, where we take a look at some of your worst mess-ups and grossest finds. We take them to the experts to find out how big of a problem they are and how expensive they are to fix.

Last year, Lori and her husband, Dirk, were on a Paris vacation when her brother called to tell them that he had found sewage backed up in their basement. “Fortunately, I paid for my cellphone to work in France, so that was a good thing,” she said with a laugh. Unfortunately, that was end of the good news. It turned out that Lori’s pipes, which were made from cast iron, had rusted and collapsed. All of them needed to be replaced, which required removing most of the concrete from the basement, as well as digging up the the yard.

What They Tried

The first plumber never showed up. By the time the second one came, Lori was home from vacation. Assuming there was a blockage, he forced water through the pipes to try to blast it out. But that didn’t work. The third company opted to examine the pipes with a scope, but soon discovered it was too dark to see anything, so they began digging them up.

“We knew it was bad when you could hear the workers using expletives and saying things like, ‘Take a photo of this, so-and-so will never believe it,’” said Dirk. “When you hear that, you know it’s never going to be a good outcome.”

A couple months and $20,000 later, Lori and Dirk had shiny new PVC pipes underground and a new concrete floor in the basement. Life was almost back to normal, except for, of course, their savings account, which is still recovering — along with Lori’s shade garden, which was ripped up by the excavator.

Clearly, this fix was not DIY-able, so Lori and Dirk made the right call by leaving it to the pros. But, did the pros approach the problem the right way? And could Lori and Dirk have seen this coming, and taken steps to prevent it?

A Pro Weighs In On What Went Wrong

Until the arrival of PVC in the mid-1970s, cast iron was the common choice for house wastewater pipes. But the problem with that material is that, over five or eight decades, sulphuric acid from wastewater eats away the metal from the inside, while acidic soil corrodes it from the outside. Eventually, a quarter-inch thick pipe becomes hollowed out like a soda can.

“The day that something disturbs it or the last of the wall lets go, it doesn’t crack, it collapses,” says Mark Kay, editor of SepticTankHub. “Saying it ‘crumbled’ isn’t just the homeowner being dramatic, it’s the textbook definition.”

While failure of cast iron pipes is universal, pipes in houses with septic tanks, like Lori and Dirk’s, are especially prone to premature failure, since the effluent in the tank provides a particularly hydrogen-sulfide rich environment.

Did the Homeowners Get it Right?

Yes, once the failure happened. “Replacing the whole run, not just fixing the section that failed, was the right move,” says Kay. “And a week to move out was right, not overkill, since sewage in a living space can lead to health problems.”

However, they could have saved themselves some money and hassles by getting their pipes inspected long before the failure. A few hundred dollar inspection in the the years leading up to it could have caught the impending collapse while it was still repairable, or at least allowed them the luxury of getting competitive bids and timing the pipe replacement to minimize disruption to their lives.

Did the Pros Get it Right?

Yes, and no. The first plumber assumed there was a blockage and forced water through the pipes to try to clear it. But, especially on a home with cast-iron pipes, the correct first step should have been to inspect the line, usually with a camera, to determine the true cause of the problem, says Joseph Wade of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

“From there, the plumber can recommend the least disruptive repair that will actually solve the problem,” says Wade.

In this case, full replacement was the only option. But sometimes, if the issue is diagnosed sooner, less-invasive repairs might be possible, like trenchless pipe lining.

The Panic Meter

We rank Domestic Disasters on a four-point scale.

• Do It Yourself: The easiest issues to fix. You can handle it all on your own.
• Phone a Friend: This issue might require a little outside assistance.
• Call a Pro: This situation warrants professional assistance.
• SOS: Problems that are so dangerous, you’re directly at risk of injury or worse.

The solution to a corroded cast iron pipe disaster is always to call in a pro, and the more quickly that happens the better, so it doesn’t become an SOS.

“Sewage backups can damage walls, flooring, insulation, personal belongings and even parts of the home’s structure if left unchecked,” says Wade. “Had there been earlier warning signs, and had a plumber been called sooner, there may have been a better chance to limit the extent of the damage.”

The Cost Differential

An early catch is key to mitigating costs. With cast iron pipes, even if everything is working fine, call in a pro to inspect them with a sewer camera. It’ll run between $100 and $500, and some plumbers will apply that cost toward any needed repair work.

“If the camera finds scale, but sound walls, professional descaling/hydro jetting costs $200 to $800, and buys the pipe years,” says Kay.

Bigger problems, caught early enough, can sometimes be fixed with a spot repair ($1,000 to $4,000), or trenchless lining ($80 to $250 per foot).

However, if the pipes are too far gone, as they were in Lori and Dirk’s house, they will have to be excavated and replaced, which typically costs between $4,000 and $25,000 for the pipes, plus potentially thousands more for sewage and mold remediation.

Typically, a standard homeowners insurance policy won’t cover any of this, as was the case for Lori and Dirk. However, there are often add-on endorsements available for service line and water backup coverage, for a combined $30 to $100 a year.

“For what’s it worth, this family’s $20,000 under-slab demolition, yard excavation to the septic tank and new pipe and concrete is right in the honest middle of the range,” says Kay. “Painful, but they probably weren’t gouged.”

How to Prevent Crumbling Cast Iron Pipes

Virtually every home in the country built before the mid-1970s has cast iron sewage pipe, which means this is an extremely common disaster in older houses.

“Because cast iron typically has a useful life of between 50 and 100 years, we’re hitting a sweet spot right now, with millions of homes from the 1920s through the early ’70s hitting critical decay,” says plumber and disaster response expert Alfred Pintor.

But while cast iron pipes are bound to deteriorate, “the good news is that this is one of the most preventable $20,000 disasters in all things homeownership,” says Kay. “The pipe tells you years ahead, and a $300 inspection gets the timeline in your hands.”

If you have cast iron pipes in your home, here are the keys to preventing a disaster.

• Have a professional camera inspection done every few years, even if everything is still working fine. And if you are buying an older home, Kay recommends requesting a sewer scope, which isn’t typically included in home inspections.
• Call in a pro if you see warning signs, like multiple drains backing up, recurring clogs, gurgling toilets, muddy spots in the yard or a sewage smell in the basement.
• If your cast iron is still in good shape, get it professionally descaled every two to three years, by someone who specifically works on old cast iron (otherwise, the wrong pressure can damage old pipes).
• Don’t use chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes. Instead, try enzyme cleaners or a snake. If backups persist, that’s likely a sign of a larger problem.
• If you have a septic tank, pump it every three to five years.
• Purchase insurance endorsements for sewer service line and water backup coverage.
• If you’ll be away for a vacation, turn off the main water and install a leak sensor ($30 to $60) next to the lowest drain in the house.
• Know your disadvantages: coastal humidity, salt, acidic soil, a high water table and nearby mature trees all decrease the life expectancy of cast iron.
• Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Never flush wipes, even if they are labeled “flushable.”
• If you experience a backup, shut off the house water immediately, to prevent more from entering the sewage system.
• Always get two or three bids for repairs, including one from a trenchless specialist.

“But if you own a home built before 1975, please don’t panic, just scope that line,” says Pintor. “Drain lines don’t fail without decades of warnings.”

And if you do have a newer home, regular pipe inspections are still a good idea. “Obviously newer homes with PVC drains won’t rust out, but never say never with any home,” says Pintor. “Tree roots, shifting soil and improper installation can destroy plastic drain lines just the same.”

What the Homeowner Learned

Lori said her biggest takeaway from the ordeal was to always be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to homeownership. “A house is big, and there’s a lot of things that can go wrong,” she said.

For her, that preparation now includes having a better understanding of what’s covered by her homeowners policy. “That was eye-opening for me,” she said. “I was really frustrated that they were’t going to pay for any of this.”

But even more importantly, “Make sure you have an emergency fund, because unfortunately something like this can happen when you least expect it,” she said. “I mean, $20,000, that’s a lot!”

About the Experts

• Mark Kay is the founder and editor of SepticTankHub, a free, data-driven directory that helps homeowners find and compare verified septic and wastewater professionals in the US. He also writes the site’s homeowner’s guides on septic plumbing, sewer line problems and maintenance to avoid expensive backups.
• Alfred Pintor is a home maintenance expert and founder of Copper Collar Services, a veteran-owned plumbing, sanitation and disaster response company servicing the Southern California region.
• Joseph Wade is VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, which operates in more than 300 locations across North America.

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Do you have a Domestic Disaster experience you’d like featured on Family Handyman? Email us your experience at fhmfranchises@tmbi.com.

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Retractable Car Door Handles Look Cool — But Are They Actually Safe?

Retractable car door handles are a sleek, modern car design feature that many vehicle lovers have come to enjoy. Because they usually sit flush with the bodywork and only pop out when needed, they give cars a clean and futuristic look. While many people think of Tesla first, retractable car door handles also appear on vehicles like the Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Range Rover Velar.

However, these handles have recently come under scrutiny. China’s recent decision to ban certain retractable door handles has raised questions about whether these designs prioritize styling over safety, and if the United States or other countries could do the same.

Learn what China is banning, what safety concerns experts have raised, and what it means for U.S. drivers.

Why Is China Banning Retractable Car Door Handles?

China recently became the first country to prohibit electronic-only hidden door handles on new passenger vehicles. Starting in 2027, new models sold must include mechanical door releases that work from both the inside and outside, even if the vehicle loses electrical power.

Not every retractable handle is banned, and automakers can continue using flush-mounted designs as long as they include a reliable mechanical backup that works during an emergency.

The rule is designed to address safety concerns about emergency access if electronically controlled door handles stop working after a crash. Some experts have also raised concerns that ice or freezing temperatures can interfere with certain flush-mounted handle designs.

Long before retractable handles became common, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said stronger door retention systems had “significantly improved door performance,” while noting that occupants “continue to be ejected through doors.”

Should U.S. Drivers Be Concerned About Retractable Car Door Handles?

Despite China’s decision and recent safety discussions about retractable car door handles, there is no evidence that they pose an immediate danger in normal driving. Concerns remain about emergency situations involving a loss of electrical power after a crash. Many vehicles include hidden mechanical releases, but their location and operation vary by manufacturer.

Read your owner’s manual to identify your vehicle’s manual door release before an emergency occurs. Also, check whether the exterior handles still work after a complete loss of electrical power, and how emergency responders or bystanders can access the vehicle if they don’t.

Automakers will continue refining these designs with additional safeguards, whether through manufacturer improvements or future regulations. It’s still too early to know whether China’s decision will encourage automakers and regulators in other countries to adopt similar requirements. Knowing how your vehicle’s emergency door release works can help prepare you for an unexpected situation.

Sources

• Associated Press, “China Will Ban Hidden Door Handles on Cars Starting in 2027.”
• Code of Federal Regulations, “Standard No. 206; Door locks and door retention components.”
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Door Locks and Door Retention Components”

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Tyler Smith’s Backyard Movie Night Build Is an Upgrade You’ll Want to Steal

If you haven’t checked it out yet, Build and Grill with Tyler Smith is the DIY and cooking show of the summer. Each week, Smith takes on a DIY project in the backyard and then cooks a delicious dinner for his family that utilizes the new build. Episode five spotlights the perfect backyard movie night build.

The Project

By this point in the series, Smith has built out the outdoor kitchen of a home cook’s dream. With the pizza oven and fire pit from episodes one and three and the prep station, raised garden bed and table from episodes two and four, all that’s left is to add some elite entertainment. To that end, Smith tackles an outdoor projector screen project. This first event after the project may be dinner and a movie, but the setup is perfect for hosting watch parties of all kinds, and Smith now has the means to cook whatever meal best complements the screening.

The Meal

While a pool party or a grilling holiday might call for hot dogs, Smith’s outdoor movie night features smash burgers, wings, and enchilada dip — exactly the kind of spread that’s perfect for a watch party. It’s also a fitting cap to the series thus far; Smith has cooked pizza, chicken and ribs with all the barbecue fixings, surf ‘n turf and gyros so far, but this is the first time since the series started that Smith has grilled burgers for an episode. It just goes to show that if you plan out your space right, you can cook all kinds of fancy items while also showing some love to the time-tested classics.

How Can I Join in the Fun?

“Build and Grill with Tyler Smith” airs on At Home with Family Handyman Saturday evenings at 8 PM EST. Carve out the time and make it a family event. Between the DIY projects and the delicious dinners, this show is sure to appeal to the foodies and builders in your family alike. Plus, watching it as a family is a surefire way to get everyone on board with a fun project.

At Home with Family Handyman is currently available on Samsung TV Plus, XUMO, The Roku Channel, LG Channels, Plex, fuboTV, and Sling Freestream. You can also stream At Home with Family Handyman for free through the Family Handyman app on iOS, Apple TV, Android, AndroidTV, FireTV and Roku devices.

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