Yards
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 Grow Grasses on the Prairie
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada partners with an ecologist in Cheyenne, Wyoming to learn about different types of prairie grasses and how to care for them
Back-Saving Snow Removal Tools
Even if you own a snow thrower, there are still times when manual means provide the best (and safest) way to clear the white stuff. Here, three of the latest products that make snow removal less of a chore
How to Repair a Cracked Stucco Retaining Wall
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough travels to San Diego to repair a crack in a concrete retaining wall with a stucco finish
How to Replace a Concrete Walkway
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a concrete walkway with brick pavers.
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.
Best Outdoor Gifts
Fit for backyard shindigs, camping, hiking, tailgating, and beyond—these are our picks for the best outdoor gifts.
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.
2018 Idea House | Outdoor Gathering Spaces
Packed with comfortable furnishings and custom features, The TOH 2018 Idea House was built for "staycation" living, and this courtyard is definitely going to be the prime activity zone. Take a tour, here.
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
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.
Repurpose a Microwave Cart for Your Labor Day Cookout
You don't need a full-blown outdoor kitchen to host a killer cookout. This handy helper will reduce trips inside so you can be part of the fun, too!
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
Outdoor Party Starter Kit
A few handy must-haves for your end-of-summer bash
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
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 Bring Hot Water Outside
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner add an outdoor faucet with both hot and cold water
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
Street-Side Gardens: Inspirational, Lawnless Front Yards
Where space is tight and lawn’s a yawn, street-side gardens are growing lush with specimen trees, showy shrubs, bold foliage, and riotous blooms. Check out the curbside plant life here—it might just inspire a front-yard makeover of your own
Testing Battery-Powered Yard Tools
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and landscape designer Jenn Nawada test out a variety of battery-operated yard tools
10 Cedar Projects to Enhance Your Outdoor Space
From dream-worthy decking to stylish lounge furniture, we’ve rounded up ways to create your very own outdoor sanctuary with this versatile and sustainable species
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.
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 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.