Yards
Summer Checklist: Small Projects that Pay Off
Warm weather has finally arrived! It’s time to head outside and give your house and landscape some TLC.
Smart Home: A Brainier Backyard
As smart tech aimed at outdoor living evolves, the range of tasks it can handle—from lighting the patio to freeing you from the grill to robo-mowing the grass—is more impressive than ever.
Design Ideas for Hot Tub Decks
Your hot tub deserves that extra special touch for its surroundings. Find some design ideas to make your hot tub deck more relaxing.
10 Creative Outdoor Bar Ideas for a Vivacious Backyard
Entertain and impress your guests at your next backyard party with these creative ideas you can use for the perfect outdoor bar.
Outdoor Rooms Roundup
Looking to eke a little more living out of your backyard patch of green? As the past year has made clear, outdoor spaces are vital to our well-being—and they can double our dining, entertaining, and hangout space. Here’s how three couples created a bit of paradise in their own backyards.
How to Create a Dog-Friendly Yard
Your yard is your happy place, and you want it to be your pet’s, too. Here’s how to protect your landscaping while giving her an ideal romping ground.
Pro Tips to Get Your House Ready for Warmer Weather
Spring is here, so it’s time to prime the house and garden for the warm-weather months ahead. Read on for tips on how to get everything ready for the summer.
The Best Tools You Can Use To Collect Autumn Leaves
From leaf blowers to vacuums, our guide covers all the different kinds of products and technology to tackle this annual chore.
The Ultimate Guide to Burning Leaves
Leaf burning can be an effective way to tackle your fall cleanup. Here are a few tips for burning leaves safely.
Best Smokers (2024 Guide)
In this round-up and comprehensive buying guide, we take a look at some of the best smokers on the market.
How To Clean a Grill
Learn the best techniques for removing grease, burnt-on food, and rust for safe, delicious meals every time you grill.
How To Drain a Hot Tub
Hot tubs are meant for relaxation, but there’s one aspect of owning one that may be stressing you out: draining the water to clean the tub. Read our guide to learn how to drain your hot tub.
How To Winterize a Pool
Learn how to winterize a pool with our comprehensive guide. Get expert tips and step-by-step instructions to protect your pool during the colder months.
How Dry Wells Work: A Guide to Managing Stormwater
Are you having trouble managing stormwater? Dry wells can be a great solution. Here's everything you need to know about them.
How to Build a Prefab Stone Wall
Choosing a prefab stone wall can save you both money and time. Watch how skilled technicians make and install them.
Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Mulch
Mulch is a an often overlooked but useful garden tool. Use our guide to navigate the options and find the best topdressing for your plant bed.
How To Replace or Raise a Sprinkler Head
Sprinkler heads can be delicate, but you can get your sprinkler system back in top shape with these DIY tips.
Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Any Type of Yard
Landscaping expert Jenn Nawada explains how ground cover plants are a creative alternative to rocks and mulch, and then tells us about some of her favorite varieties.
Accessories You Need if You Love to Grill
Love to grill? Host a Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or fun seasonal bash to remember with gadgets that will enhance your grill skills. Read on to see our guide to grilling accessories.
How To Build a Firepit From a Kit
Want to spruce up your backyard? This Old House expert mason Mark McCullough shows us how to build a firepit with a kit and some simple tools.
How To Fix a Leaky Hose Spigot
This Old House plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, explains some common failure points in hose spigots and how to repair them.
Best Chemical Sprayers (2024 Guide)
The best chemical sprayers in 2024 are the Chapin Backpack Sprayer, Scotts Lithium-Ion Sprayer, and the D.B. Smith 1-Gallon Sprayer.
How To Design an Outdoor Kitchen
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada discusses the common elements she includes in outdoor kitchen designs.
How to Build a Pallet Wood Shed
A pallet wood shed is an easy way to keep wood and other lawn equipment dry and accessible. Follow these steps to build one yourself.
Everything You Need To Know To Install Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is a low-maintenance option compared to live grass. Our guide explains how to install artificial turf yourself.
Create Your Best Yard Yet With Creative Outdoor Enhancements
Getting ahead of yard work is the difference between enjoyment and drudgery. Read this guide to learn how to create your ideal yard.
8 Backyard Tiki Bar Ideas
Looking for more ways to entertain outdoors? Read these ideas for creating a backyard tiki bar to enjoy during warmer months.
Creating a Better Yard: A Comprehensive Guide
From assessing and designing to planting and building, here's your complete guide to creating a better yard for your home.
Plan the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
There are some important factors to consider when planning your outdoor kitchen.
How to Build a Simple Dry Well in 16 Easy to Follow Steps
Ask This Old House expert mason Mark McCullough builds a dry well for a homeowner with unresolved drainage issues in his backyard.
How to Plant Hardier Foundation Plantings
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada helps a homeowner replace and improve foundation plantings that have been crushed by snow piles
5 Weekend Projects To Get Your Yard Ready for Summer
These DIY projects can help you gear up for a summer of outdoor barbeques, s’mores around the bonfire, and kicking back with friends.