Decks & Patios

With this quick and easy project you can transform any area in your garden with these attractive and easy-to-make decking squares. Use them on a concrete patio, as an attractive feature next to a...

You can hang windows to create the illusion of a wall around the outside of your patio. It will create a form of wall décor without actual walls and it will provide windows for your patio...

Staining is done on cured concrete and is easy enough for any homeowner to do it themselves. If the concrete was previously treated with muriatic acid or has been acid-etched , its not possible to...

For some of us there is something almost magical that happens when daylight is overtaken by night in the theme park. There are no doubt several factors that come together to create this feeling,...

This article will outline the main steps for making curved concrete steps. It is a good idea to read my article" How to Make Your Own Patios Easily, Without Mixing." These same...

An outdoor patio heater can turn your patio into an extension of your living space and stretch your patio season from summer into fall and winter. Patio heaters have become important pieces of...

Building a deck can be straightforward when the wall it is attached to is straight. What do you do if you want to attach the deck a bay shaped wall? Here’s how to build a deck attached to a bay wall.

Taking the time to resurface a concrete pool deck will instantly bring a renewed and enhanced sense of beauty to your backyard and the costs for resurfacing are far less than the costs of...

In this article I will outline the steps for easily making your own patio slabs. With the following method you will not need any mixers or do any hand mixing nor will you need a concrete truck....

If you are looking to repair concrete, then epoxy injection might be your best bet. It is important to know that even though concrete epoxy repair will fill a hole or repair a crack, it might not...

If there is space underneath a deck that is at least 10 inches high, there is still enough room to create storage. In many cases, you won’t be able to reach deep inside the space underneath. One...

This article will outline the main steps to making your second story deck act as a roof for a patio or paver area underneath, and at the same time still serve as a nice carpeted outdoor living...

In Mexican resorts, the thatched shad structure, or Palapa has been raised to a literally high art. Some palapas can be as high as 30 feet, with thatch lashed to steel support structures.

If heat has gotten to you, you may consider the option of paying for a pool to be installed in your backyard. Although the thought of a pool makes you daydream of pool parties, and cooling off in...

Solar patio lights have low impact on the environment but add a sense of warmth and light to the outdoor patio area. Installation does not require wiring or electrical work. Simply position the...

A patio paver installation in your yard is a great way to create a living space in the outdoors. Do it yourselfers can use patio pavers for a great patio with minimal effort. With just a few...

A dado is a rectangular groove cut into a board. The groove is cut to receive another board to make a dado joint. Mark the face of your board with two lines ¾ in apart to mark the position...

Some people may think that pigeons are harmless birds, but the truth is they can be very dirty and carry diseases. Some people call them flying rats. They are very messy when they perch on your...

Saving money and resources are an important part of many shopping decisions. Every day many people purchase items to enhance their home and garden for outdoor activities. There are several patio...

You get a call to install a deck and you don't know where to begin. I'll show you how to measure an area for a deck installation. There are tricks to figuring out the total square footage and...

Oh how ugly that rusty, stained concrete can be. For an easy solution use H&C concrete stain, available at Sherwin Williams and some home supply stores. I have used it on patios and pool...

If you have ever lived in an apartment on the first floor that is located next to water of any kind, you have probably had the great pleasure of waking up in the morning to duck poo all over your...

Flagstone patios are beautiful, durable additions to your landscape. Although they can last forever, they aren’t entirely maintenance free. In this article you’ll learn how to maintain a flagstone...

Landscaping your yard creates a relaxing atmosphere. The use of colorful lights brightens up the lawn, and provides aesthetic appeal. People use landscape lighting to brighten up their sidewalks...

With the advent of the 'staycation' more and more people are investing in making their homes a comfortable and pleasant place to spend time. Decks add both functional beauty and value to homes and...

Building wood walkways or Decks can be a challenging experience for even a seasoned professional! The method I've used here is probably the easiest way to build a very elaborate structure that...

There are many different options which you need to consider when you are looking to purchase a patio heater. It is important to think about what your family’s needs are and how much your budget...

Just because you live in a condo or apartment doesn’t mean you have to be deprived of a garden. Garden planters, pots and containers open up a lively new world – create a relaxing area for...

If you have a wooden deck or patio then you will want to weatherproof the wood so that it will last longer and stay safe in the outside elements. This article will give you step by step...

I've always liked the look of red brick pavers (it evokes that Tuscan feel), and have wanted a patio in our back yard for eons. But we had a major problem in our patio design: the spot for the...

Fall is approaching with all it's beautiful colors. It is time to start thinking about how you will decorate your porch this coming season while enhancing your homes curb appeal.

If you are going to build a deck that is over 5 feet off the ground, hangs over a steep slope, or both, then using the batterboard method to mark the footing locations will probably be difficult...

Make an extension of an existing patio or create a new one.

Have you ever wanted to know a simple way of making a patio area for your grill? Well, this should be the easiest way to do it.

You have a ledger for your deck up and now you are preparing to build footers. Your plan calls them out but how do you transfer the plan to the actual ground? Here’s how to locate and mark deck...

After you have finished framing the deck, you can install deck boards. This is where your deck will start to look complete. Here's how to lay decking.

After you have added beams to your deck, you can begin to frame the deck. Here's how.

Looking for detailed instructions on how to install a posts for a deck? Here's how with pictures.

Have you ever wanted to site out on your deck or patio to relax, but were chased away by the hot sun? Do you wish you had more shade? Here is a cost effective solution - "Shade...

Lets face it, regular concrete gets dirty. Because the concrete is exposed and porous, it will absorb anything in its capillaries and pits. Dirt, leaves, moss, mildew, pollen, paint, rubber,...

Do you want instructions on building a deck yourself? Too many articles on deck building has too many words causing your head to hurt? Do you just want an overview? Here it is.

After you have installed the support posts on the footings, the next steps will show you how to install beams for a deck.

A lean-to is a simple structure that you can build and requires very little specialized knowledge. It is basically poles in the ground, some framing, and a roof. All you really need are basic...

A pool area is not complete without a good looking wooden umbrella to lounge under during the hot summer days. Choosing the best umbrella for a pool can be hard if you aren’t sure what you are...

As the summer sun begins to heat up your porch, a nice shaded area becomes very appealing. Porch awnings are the usual solution for such a dilemma. Unfortunately the current economy may not allow...

Sometimes the best outdoor umbrella stands are not the best looking ones. The heavier stands and rolling stands just don’t look as appealing as some of the other outdoor umbrella stands. Some...

We've all seen (and admired!) patios made from individual bricks or concrete pavers. I'm just finishing my latest one and would like to share a few tips and tricks that will help make the job a...

You will learn what decking materials are available and what the pros and cons are for a more informed decision.

The right patio will not only bring value to a backyard it can also give you additional living space.

Concrete has long been the basic foundation for many industrial and domestic projects.