Yard How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our yard step-by-step tips & ideas.
Build It | How to Build a Beehive
In this Build It video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor craft a bee-friendly backyard feature from basic building materials.
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.
How to Frame a Shed
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor and mason Mark McCullough how to frame walls while rebuilding Mark’s chicken coop shed.
How to Wire a Shed for Electricity
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps Mason Mark McCullough wire his chicken barn for lights and power.
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.
How To Find Property Lines
The legal boundaries of a plot of land are one of the most important things for a homeowner to know, but they’re often overlooked—until those property lines come into question, that is. Read this guide to figure out how to easily find your property lines.
How to Clean a Grill
Cooking over open flames may be a chef’s delight, but now it’s time to clean your grill. Read on to learn how to properly clean and maintain your gas or charcoal 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
When summer days start to fade away, it’s time to start prepping your pool for the cooler months. Read this guide to learn the steps for winterizing in-ground and above-ground pools.
How To Replace or Raise a Sprinkler Head
This Old House Landscape Contractor Jenn Nawada offers some advice on how to adjust sunken sprinkler heads.
How to Build a Pallet Wood Shed
Need a place to store firewood in your yard? A pallet wood shed is an easy way to keep wood dry and accessible. Here are the steps you need to follow to build one yourself.
How To Install Artificial Turf
Installing artificial turf in your yard will give you a low-maintenance solution to live grass that dramatically increases your home’s curb appeal. Read these steps to understand how the process works, what tools you need, and the directions to install it yourself.
How to Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada shares DIY Smarts tips when she travels to Orlando to upgrade an irrigation system.
How to Build a Swing Set
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva travels to Colorado to help a couple build a DIY swing set for their young son.
How to Design a Yard in Phases
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada returns to her home state of Florida to help a homeowner design a tropical landscape for his backyard.
How to Make a Rolling Grill Cart
This wheeled cooking companion will stand ready to assist the master of the backyard barbecue. Read on to see the steps for building a rolling grill cart.
How to Winterize Your Grill and Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
Whether you've got a charcoal kettle on wheels or a gas grill built into an outdoor kitchen, here's how to store your grill during the off-season.
Outdoor Party Starter Kit
A few handy must-haves for your end-of-summer bash
Now Trending: Most Popular Outdoor Projects
It's peak DIY season and TOH fans are getting things done this summer! Here are YOUR picks for top yard and garden upgrades
Build It | Fire Pit Cover
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva works with host Kevin O’Connor to build a cover that can turn a store bought fire pit into a table when not in use.
How to Install a Natural Gas Grill
Ask This Old House heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a natural gas line to fire up his backyard barbecue grill
How to Create a Desert Landscape
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada heads to Phoenix to recreate the desert in a homeowner’s front yard
5 Steps to a Sweet Shed
From "she-sheds" to man caves, sheds have gone from humble storage units to social-media darlings. Love the idea, but feeling daunted? Here’s how to get an outstanding outbuilding of your own
How to Rebuild a Hose Spigot
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey repairs a leaky hose spigot
How to Install a Fence Gate
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner install a new gate to fence in her pet dog
How to Build a Fire Pit with Roger Cook
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook creates a cozy cold-weather oasis.
Tips for Maintaining a Snow Blower
Is your snow thrower ready to go? Check off the items on the following list
How to Help Prevent Melanoma While Working Outside
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates the importance of sunscreen on the job site
How to Install a Water Feature that Reuses Rainwater
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada installs a water feature that collects and reuses rainwater.
How to Harvest Honey from a Beehive
Landscaper Roger Cook and a professional beekeeper harvest honey, talk about hive health and show you how to maintain and grow your hive.
How to Set Up a Beehive
Ask This Old House’s Roger Cook takes you through everything you need to plan and install a beehive in your backyard or a field near your home.
7 Giant Yard Games You Can DIY
You'll be like an ant with a Cheetoh if you make these oversized yard games! Get ready for a summer of fun with these DIY yard game projects.