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Patio How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our patio step-by-step tips & ideas.

How to Repair Aluminum Patio Chairs

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How to Repair Aluminum Patio Chairs

Extend the life of your sling patio chairs with these tips.
How to Install an Urban Bluestone Patio
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How to Install an Urban Bluestone Patio

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner install a bluestone patio in an urban backyard.
Repair an Uneven Bluestone Patio
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How to Repair an Uneven Bluestone Patio

Learn how to reset heaved stones with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook
How to Build a Round Patio with a Fire Pit, Video
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How to Build a Round Patio with a Fire Pit

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook builds beautiful circular patio that features a chill-chasing fire pit
Fixing a brick patio
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How to Repair a Brick Patio

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook repairs a sunken brick patio.
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How to Install a Natural Stone Patio with Fire Pit

Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada installs a bluestone patio with a reclaimed granite fire pit
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How to Make Mason Jar Patio Lights

These charming lanterns brighten an evening barbecue spread, and they're a cinch to make from supplies you can pick up at the home center.
Wood Patio Furniture, Outdoor

How to Care for Wood Patio Furniture

Even though outdoor furniture is typically made of resilient hardwoods or naturally rot-resistant softwoods, it’s not immune to the elements. Here’s how to keep your deck or patio set in top form
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How to Build a DIY Deck Lounger

House One editor and DIY expert Jenn Largesse shows how to build a weatherproof lounge chair from composite deck boards.
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How to Extend a Patio

If you’re looking to extend an outdoor patio but don’t know where to start, watch as mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner expand her concrete patio area while creating a modern look.
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Build It | Cooler Bench

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build an outdoor bench that doubles as a cooler using cedar and copper.
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How to Build an Umbrella Stand Side Table

This Old House DIY Expert and House One Editor Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to make a simple outdoor side table that holds an umbrella and has a hideaway to keep drinks cool.
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How to Build a Stunning Wooden Pergola

Pergolas add shade and beauty to your backyard patio's design. Read on to learn how to build a DIY pergola in your yard.
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How to Make Leaf-Shaped Pavers

Create a one-of-a-kind garden path by making sand molds with oversize leaves—like the rhubarb here—and casting the shapes in concrete
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How to Install a Metal Railing

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough installs a custom metal railing using anchoring cement
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Create a Rock-Garden Patio

Get this look! Learn how adding a rock garden and fire pit can give your yard a lift
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Create a Provence-Inspired Patio

South-of-France flair meets casual West Coast style in this open-air dining room that’s equal parts elegant and easygoing
A DIY Stone Patio with a stone table, chairs, and plants on top of it.

DIY Pathways and Patios: A Comprehensive Guide

Update your patio, build a new walkway, or install a fire pit to ensure your yard is perfect for summer.
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How to Build a Catio

Use basic cedar lumber to create a screened-in patio space that gives cats a breath of fresh air while keeping them close to home
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How to Install Fiesta String Lights

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner install fiesta string lights to get the party started in Texas
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Vintage Screen-Door Charm on a Budget

Add wood stock details to a simple door for a handsome upgrade
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14 Design Ideas for Pleasant Patios

Now's the time to fling open those doors and transform even a simple patio
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4 Outdoor Lighting Upgrades for Summer Entertaining

Brighten your outdoor space with lights and laughter
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How to Weatherproof Furniture

Save money by prepping furniture with these weather-guarding hacks
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Create a French Country Patio

Say oui! to a summer spent outdoors with salvage-style furniture and colorful vintage touches
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How to Upgrade a Concrete Urban Patio

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook transforms an old, ugly city slab into an urban oasis
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How to Install a Sliding Glass Door

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to open up a wall for a large glass slider
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With Deck and Patio, a Backyard Fully Built for Family

Forget grass: For this young family, a handsome wood deck that steps down to a brick patio comprises the ideal chilling, cooking, playing, and entertaining space
How to Build a Brick Patio
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How to Build a Brick Patio

Lay a beautiful brick patio with the help of This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook
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Building Blocks for a Perfect Patio

The experts at This Old House give pointers on picking the right surface to suit your patio's function, its surroundings, and your budget
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How to Install Pavers

Whether you do it yourself or hire someone for the job, here's what has to happen
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How to Renew Concrete Surfaces

Renewing a worn concrete surface can be done without a jackhammer or bulldozer
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How to Build a Small Deck

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to build a simple entry-level deck.