
Yards
Find creative ideas and practical tips for transforming your yard, with guides on landscaping, maintenance, and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.
How to Turn on a Sprinkler System in Spring
Are you tired of paying a sprinkler company or landscape contractor to turn the water to your sprinkler system back on each spring? This relatively simple job is well within the abilities of a DIYer, and all it takes is a little background knowledge to save a lot of money. Here’s how to handle turning on a sprinkler system yourself.
Spring Home and Lawn Maintenance: Tips for a Beautiful Property
These home and lawn maintenance tasks will take spring cleaning to a new level and keep your property looking as good as new.
6 Best Leaf Blowers (2024 Guide)
Even if you don’t live in an area where fallen leaves are common, a blower can help you keep your yard free of other debris. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best leaf blowers to help you find the model best suited for your home.
Best Pole Saws
Pole saws make pruning trees, bushes, and other plants simple and accessible. Find the best pole saw for your yard with our expert reviews.
Best Patio Heaters
Purchase a heater to enjoy your patio or other outdoor living space year round. Our review goes over the best patio heaters on the market.
Types of Landscaping Rocks and How to Use Them
With so many choices, selecting the right landscape rocks for your home can be difficult. We walk you though the options in this guide.
The 5 Best Inflatable Pools (2024 Review)
An inflatable pool is an alternative to an above-ground or in-ground pool. In this review, the This Old House Team researched the best inflatable pools on Amazon.
The 5 Best Beach Chairs (2024 Review)
When you’re not building sand castles or swimming in the ocean, relax in a beach chair. In this review, the This Old House Team researched the five best beach chairs on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
The 7 Best Log Splitters (2024 Review)
A log splitter is a useful tool for anyone with a fireplace. Our buying guide and pros and cons chart can help you pick the best log splitter for your home.
Best Yard Games
Level-up your outdoor shindigs this spring and summer by adding one of our favorite, family-friendly picks for the best yard game.
The 5 Best Playscapes and Swing Sets (2024 Review)
Playsets allow your children to enjoy the outdoors while swinging, sliding, climbing, and playing. Keep reading to learn about our picks for the best playscapes on Amazon.
7 Best Invisible Fences (2024 Guide)
In this review, we analyze and compare the best invisible fences on Amazon, discuss what to look for when buying, and answer common buyer questions.
Best String Trimmers
We researched and reviewed the best string trimmers available on the market today, including easy-to-use and budget options.
The 5 Best Fire Pit Tables (2024 Review)
Combining the practicality of a table with the magic of a fire, a fire pit table makes for a perfect backyard addition. Find the best one with our top recommendations.
How To Install a Little Free Library
Host Kevin O’Connor and contractor Tom Silva install Brookside Elementary School’s new little free library with the help of some students.
Fall Yard and Home Maintenance Checklist: 12 Simple Items
As fall begins, there are a few maintenance tasks around the house. Here are 12 ways to prepare your yard and home for the cooler season.
How Much Does Mulch Cost?
Are you planning on refreshing your flowerbeds with a new layer of mulch? Or have you added a new raised bed full of veggies that need some moisture retention? Read on to discover everything from figuring out the volume and how much you can expect to pay to calculating how much mulch you’ll need.
How to Repair an Outdoor Pizza Oven in Simple to Follow Steps
An outdoor pizza oven is fun for the whole family — until it's damaged. Here's how to repair a brick-and-stone pizza oven.
Planning for a Pergola: What to Know Before You Install One
This versatile open-air structure can define an outdoor room, provide light shade, and add privacy while enhancing the look of your home. Here’s what to consider when adding one
The Ultimate Summer Maintenance Checklist
The summer months have arrived, meaning certain areas of your home may need some tending. Here are some maintenance tasks to pay attention to this season.
How To Care for Ornamental Grass
Wondering how to care for ornamental grasses? This guide covers expert care tips, how to find the right type for your climate, and more.
How To Make Your Fence Wildlife-Friendly
Learn how to create fencing that meets all your privacy and safety needs while protecting the local flora and fauna.
Before and After: Creating an Outdoor Relaxation Zone
See how this couple transformed their neglected backyard into an inviting destination with designated activity areas and low-maintenance finishes.
How to Build a Pergola
Bring shade and style to any backyard with a pergola kit. Here’s how to assemble it.
How to Build a Stone Birdbath With Simple to Follow Steps
A stone birdbath can add a touch of elegance and wildlife to your outdoor space. Find out how to build one here.
Build It | How to Build a Beehive
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor craft a bee-friendly backyard feature from basic building materials.
Our 7 Best Chicken Coop Picks (2024)
Our review gives you all of the information you need to purchase the best chicken coop for your yard, including a guide to consider important buying factors.
Spring Checklist: Prep Your Home for Warm Weather
Get your home, lawn, and garden ready for the milder, wetter days on the way
How to Install a Shipping Container Pool
House One editor and DIY expert Jenn Largesse takes her backyard project to new heights with a container pool installation.
How To Build a Wooden Garden Hose Holder for Your Home
Follow along as DIY expert Jenn Largesse shares how you can build a functional garden hose box out of cedar. with a built-in reel.
How to Get Rid of Birds on Your Property
Harming or trapping most wild birds is illegal, so we’ll show you how to get rid of birds on your property by using harmless, non-chemical deterrents and repellents.
The 4 Best Wood Pellets (2023 Review)
Wood pellets are made from hardwoods, such as maple and hickory, to enhance the flavor of lamb, brisket, or other meat. In this review, the This Old House Team researched the four best wood pellets on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.