Yards
Find creative ideas and practical tips for transforming your yard, with guides on landscaping, maintenance, and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.
How to Build a Backyard Swing Set
In this guide, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to properly build a child's swing set for your backyard.
How To Design a Yard in Phases
In this guide, This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains how you can redesign your yard by breaking it up into phases.
Enhance Your Outdoor Space
In this interactive video, TOH 2018 Idea House builder Jeff Sweenor talks about upgrades that can enhance your outdoor space now—and increase ROI later.
Choose the Right Rake: Shopping Guide
The right rake can make the world of a difference in your fall yard. Read our handy guide to find the right rake for your yard’s needs.
How To Make a Rolling Grill Cart
Read our guide to see the steps for building a rolling grill cart. This fun, summer project will be the perfect addition for your backyard barbeques.
How To Prep Your Grill for Winter
Whether you have a charcoal grill or a built-in outdoor gas grill, here's how to prep it for storage during the winter.
Best Fire Pit Accessories
A fire pit can be more than just a lump of burning logs if you include tools that let you roast, warm, cook, and even put on a sparkling show. Here are a few of our favorite must-have accessories, designed to turn a plain pit into a party paradise
How to Plant Edible Foundation Plants
A homeowner selects foundation plantings that include edible varieties for both people and wildlife.
How to Remove Overgrown Foundation Shrubs
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner remove foundation shrubs that have overtaken the front of her house
Build It | Fire Pit Cover
This Old House contractor Tom Silva shows how to build a cover that can turn a store-bought fire pit into a table when not in use.
How to Install an Outdoor Faucet for Hot or Cold Water
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner add an outdoor faucet with both hot and cold water.
What Is It? | Black Circle with Electrical Cord
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows a black circle with an electrical cord- but What Is It?
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
Adirondack Chair Shopping Guide
A few quick picks (all made of wood) if you're looking to add some outdoor seating this summer
Testing Battery-Powered Yard Tools
Are you tired of outdated tools? Check out the wide range of battery-powered tools in our informative guide.
10 Cedar Projects That Will Enhance Your Outdoor Space
You can create your very own outdoor sanctuary by building decks or furniture with cedar. Read our guide for more rustic ideas.
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.
Fire Pit Kits Shopping Guide
Learn how to make a fire pit of your own, packed conveniently into a handy kit.
Five Steps to the Create the Perfect Shed for Your Home
Whether you're looking for a full guesthouse or just a place to store your outdoor tools, here are five considerations to help you create the perfect shed.
How To Rebuild a Hose Spigot
In this guide, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to repair a leaky hose spigot.
How to Install a Fence Gate in Your Yard
Ask This Old House landscape contractor, Roger Cook, helps a homeowner install a new gate to fence in her pet dog.
How To Revitalize a Lawn
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares some DIY Smarts as he tends to a lawn that was seeded in the summer and is not doing well.
Tips for Maintaining a Snow Blower for the Winter Months
Is your snow blower ready to go this winter? Check off the tasks on our list to keep your snow blower working when you need it most.
12 Chemical-Free Ways To Deal With Winter Ice Effectively
Stop slips, trips, and falls without damaging your home and the environment with dangerous chemicals. Here are our best natural deicing tips.
How To Help Prevent Melanoma While Working Outside
In this guide, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains the importance of using sunscreen on the job site to prevent melanoma.
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.
All About Fire Pits
From lightweight metal bowls that set up anywhere to fixed masonry wells that are a gather-round feature on a patio or a patch of grass, fire pits extend the outdoor-living season in style. Here’s how to choose one for your own space.
Idea House 2017 | Outdoor Living Reveal
The TOH Beach House features multiple spaces for outdoor living, each with its own distinct look and all easily accessed from inside. With plenty of colorful, coastal-inspired furnishings and accessories, we’ve created unique spaces from the front porch to the backyard, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and dining. Let’s take a stroll
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: A 12 Step Guide to Beekeeping
In this guide, This Old House’s Roger Cook takes you through everything you need to plan and install a beehive in your backyard.
A Steeply Sloped Yard Becomes a Hillside Oasis
Terraced areas and added plantings that go with the flow in a welcoming family retreat
42 Ideas for the Perfect Outdoor Space
It’s time to throw open your doors and enjoy life alfresco. Turn even the simplest patio, porch, or deck into an inviting open-air retreat
