Special Outdoor Projects

The mere thought of bats brings up scary images of flying vampires, monsters, and rabies. The truth is, bats are beneficial in controlling mosquito and other insect populations and are welcome at...

A jungle gym is defined as being a structure on which children can climb on, resulting in activity and enjoyment. Today, a jungle gym can include monkey bars, a swing, rope ladders, a fort and a...

Window flower box treatments are an easy way to add a splash of color to your home and help improve curb appeal. They're also perfect for anyone who wants a garden but are too busy for large-scale...

Cedar sheds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storage, shelter or as a garden shed. They are normally framed from treated or yellow pine lumber and covered, inside and outside, with...

One of the disadvantages of garage doors these days--especially vinyl garage doors--is that they look unsightly as the central presence in the house's curb appeal. Building a wood arbor over your...

Treillage, the art of training climbing plants onto frames, has been a garden pastime since the 12th century. The key to a trellis is geometric regularity. Take advantage of trellises to force a...

Composting has become popular with homeowners as an ecologically sound way to use yard waste and improve poor soil. Properly called a bin, a compost box is less unsightly than old-fashioned...

The focal point of any yard or garden is not the flowers. Usually the focal point becomes anything additional such as a retaining wall, pond, walkway or gazebo. Gazebos serve a dual role when...

Treated wood comes in several grades depending on its intended use. Pressure-treated wood is placed in a vacuum chamber, submerged in preservative, and then the vacuum is released. This causes the...

Clotheslines were a common sight in backyards everywhere in years past, but in recent years most families have enjoyed the convenience of electric or gas dryers and eschewed the clothesline. With...

When building a chicken run or coop, pressure-treated lumber lasts much longer than wood that is untreated. But could it be harmful to your flock?

An arbor or pergola provides a lovely focal point for a yard or a garden and can be used to grow ornamental vines, fruits and vegetables or to provide a shaded sitting area. Many types of wood are...

A shed is a small, simply constructed building that is designed mainly for storage of items such as lawn and garden equipment, holiday decorations and sporting equipment. Having your own shed...

A do-it-yourself shed framing kit removes much of the design work required in building a shed, mini barn or workshop. Containing everything you need to build a strong, sturdy frame for your...

When putting together a project made from wood that will be exposed to the elements you should consider all options carefully before making a decision on what materials to use. Both pressure...

A backyard shed enables you to store items such as gardening tools, a lawnmower, bicycle gear and helmet, containers, planters and empty boxes. It does not have to be very large; a shed that...

Many homeowners have a need for outside storage. A small building, placed in a yard, can fulfill that need by providing a place for gardening tools and equipment, and other items that need to be...

Building your own driveway gate is a way to maintain privacy on your property, as well as create a safe yard area for pets or children. A gated driveway can be built for a relatively cheap price,...

The key to a long-lasting, sturdy structure of any type is a good foundation. A storage shed is no exception, but many people that build their own shed underestimate its importance, or don't know...

When building a chicken coop, the primary factors to consider are ensuring each chicken has an appropriate amount of space and that the coop itself is well ventilated and safe from predators. If...

This article will explain how to Build a Log Footbridge over a small creek. ~~ Please DO NOT do this on land that you do not own or have not obtained written permission from the owners before you...

Land clearing can be a difficult task. Once you've bought a plot of land, it is often necessary to clear the land before you can begin any building. In some cases, clearing land can be simple...

Run-in sheds derive their name from their design. Covered on three sides and the top, the run-in shed is open in the front. Farms with animals have them to provide quick shelter from the elements,...

Wind power is a good addition to a solar power system as a back up on cloudy days or during nighttime hours. You can build your own home wind power system after collecting the necessary...

Sometimes the standard shed you buy at Lowes or Home Depot won't fit the space you have available. Building a custom shed really isn't that hard, you just have to take some time to plan it out.

If you have a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace, you know how enjoyable a blazing fire can be. You may also be frustrated by trying to keep your wood pile neat, organized and well-ventilated. A...

Many families find themselves running out of storage space or wanting a place for backyard tools. Because of this, sheds are one of the most common projects that do-it-yourself homeowners decide...

One way to dress up the backyard is to build a grapevine arbor. Similar to a trellis and sometimes referred to as the same, a grapevine arbor speaks peace after a long day at the office. If you...

Treated lumber will create a durable structure that is resistant to weather, rotting and insects. Decks, porches, swing sets, sheds and picnic tables are routinely constructed of treated lumber....

The key to success in many projects is preparation, and building a set of concrete steps is no exception. Preparation in this case involves the proper construction of a mold, or form, in which the...

The addition of an attached carport will allow you to enter and exit your vehicles from your home while being protected from the weather. It will also provide shade and protection for your...

A 2x4 shed is built from 2-by-4-inch lumber and does not utilize larger lumber cuts such as 2x6s. These sheds are useful for the storage of yard and lawn equipment and can ease the crowding in a...

Building a trellis for your garden is a great way to spruce up the look of your garden while also saving a ton of space. A trellis can be many different sizes and shapes, and that will ultimately...

A hexagon bench around a tree provides shaded seating while protecting your tree from damage. Due to compaction and erosion, soil is washed away from tree roots, leaving them vulnerable to scrapes...

A lean-to is an open structure that is dependent on another structure for support. It consists of two independent supports, such as poles, and a sloped roof. The roof is attached to the exterior...

There's virtually nothing better than seeing your children and their friends playing, laughing and enjoying life in your own backyard. That's made all the easier with the right swing set to help...

Making your own PVC greenhouse will save you money over purchasing an expensive, pre-built product. The frame is made from PVC pipe, an inexpensive material available at home improvement stores....

A good backyard swing set can be an open door to a lot of great memories. For many of us, the backyard swing set was where we played, skinned our knees and cemented lifelong friendships. We may be...

Grapes grow on vines, so to grow them you must have a grape arbor. Since they can live for many years, the arbor should be sturdy and substantial. Here are instructions for a simple 4 foot by 8...

A greenhouse can be a self-contained structure with apparatus for climate control and irrigation. These structures tend to be expensive, ranging anywhere from several hundred to several thousand...

A greenhouse is an enclosed environment designed to grow plants. A greenhouse allows plants to grow unaffected by external factors such as rainfall and adverse weather conditions. You can make an...

One way to save money today is hang out our clothes. Not only does it save us money, but our clothes smell so fresh and clean.

When you're building a storage shed, one of the main elements of the building will be the walls. By building the wall elements on the ground, and then placing them into position on the foundation...

Versatile and hardy animals, goats require little in terms of housing. A three-sided goat shed provides protection from drafts and rain, the two major causes of serious goat illnesses such as...

Growing grapes or trailing flowers is so rewarding when they can be trained to grow up and over a garden arbor. The options are limitless and arbors can be quite decorative when you start looking...

Planter boxes placed on the deck provide an opportunity to experience nature while relaxing or entertaining your guests. Filled with fragrant blooms, they provide scent and well as beauty. A box...

Ever dreamed of having a greenhouse to start seeds in spring or extend your growing season in fall? If you're a do-it-yourself type, you can build a small, cheap greenhouse with materials that are...

A raised planting bed is a great solution for rocky areas or poor soil. In addition, raised beds have a longer growing season, the soil warms faster and freezers later than the surface soil. A...

Cozy fires are a hallmark of winter but regardless of the delight they offer, there's nothing pleasurable about retrieving armfuls of logs when the temperature is zero and you're in the mood to...

There are few projects that a homeowner can complete that bring more satisfaction than building a shed. Whether you are planning to use your shed to store tools, wood or both, you will gain many...