Special Outdoor Projects

Raising chickens is becoming more common in residential areas. Rearing chickens is one way to save money at the grocery, and to ensure that you are consuming fresh, organic eggs. It also gives you...

A metal corn crib is a round, wire structure used to hold ears of feed corn. Unlike a silo, which has solid sides, the corn crib is made of woven metal mesh to allow air to flow through the cobs....

A metal carport can be a quick and easy solution for getting your car or recreational vehicle out of the weather. You can complete a typical metal carport installation over the weekend if you have...

Backyard fire pits are a popular way to spend a relaxing evening at home. They can be store-bought or they can be recycled from common materials around the house--even the metal tub from a washing...

Garden sheds that are placed in the back of a yard may need to be moved or relocated when another landscape project needs to use the space where the shed was located. Moving a garden shed involves...

Wooden fencing traditionally has been chosen for its aesthetic appeal, compared with the use of metal fencing for commercial properties. But metal fencing has become a popular choice for...

Many people believe that a great way to improve the back yard of a property is to add a homemade barbecue fire pit. While many specialty stores sell kits that allow for the setup of a backyard...

Bird lovers often enjoy placing bluebird houses on their property to encourage these birds. A problem for bluebirds can be predators that kill the young in the nest. If your bluebird house is...

If your back yard has some open space, you can build a propane fire pit. Before you assemble the fire pit, create your own fire pit burner. This can be assembled with some technical proficiency,...

Leaky roofs are the leading cause of grief among mobile home owners. But you don't have to live with roof problems if your metal roof is adequately coated and sealed. Roofs that receive regular...

Enjoying a cookout with 100 of your closest friends is easy with the help of a massive 100-gallon drum grill. With a grill this size you can cook everything from hot dogs to an entire spitted pig....

For people who love taking their boat out on the lake, taking a dog along can enhance the ride. But if the dog is too old to jump onto the boat from land, this can cause a problem. The solution is...

Whether a chainsaw has a gasoline engine or an electric motor, all use the same chain and bar assembly to cut wood. A chain is comprised of cutting teeth that are mounted on the chain. The chain...

Rain chains are widely used in Japan as an attractive alternative to downspouts. They're frequently made from a series of cup-shaped, decorative metal cones, but a simple chain is as effective at...

Squirrels are fun to watch but they can be very destructive. Damage to your bird feeders, bird houses and other garden ornaments can be costly and frustrating. If you have a feeder, bird house or...

Metal storage sheds are a great option for homeowners who need extra space. These sheds can be used to store garden tools, lawnmowers and any other miscellaneous equipment. You can find metal shed...

There is nothing quite as relaxing as spending an afternoon swaying in a hammock, napping or reading a book. Although the traditional way to hang a hammock is between two trees, ensuring stability...

Storage sheds can be used as a place to keep your garden tools or as an extension of the storage in your home. You can build your own simple shed using pole barn construction or purchase a kit for...

A backyard shed is a necessity if you're short on storage space in your home or if you do not have a garage. You can make your own shed from wood, metal, or concrete, or you can purchase ready to...

Preserving meat and fish using heat and smoke has been done for thousands of years. While modern food-preservation methods give us better options, making your own smokehouse is a quick and easy...

There are a variety of barn siding options available. Many older barns have wood siding, but newer barns have metal, vinyl or plywood siding. These products are applied vertically or horizontally....

Fire pits add an elegance and yet a primal charm to an outdoor landscape. These pits should be located well away from outdoor structures and homes. Some fire pits may be dug into the ground,...

A hammock chair stand can be a very costly purchase. Some of the wood and rustic looking stands can cost over $500. The metal stands can be found for under $100 but lack the tropical feel that...

I have great memories of playing on outdoor swing sets as a child. I loved big swings that allowed me to swing high as I felt the wind rush against my face. The swings were the highest in demand...

A gazebo is a freestanding outdoor shade structure on a platform, usually 6- or 8-sided, with low walls around the base, large, open sides and a pointed, conical roof. Gazebos provide shade and...

Sand casting, also called sand-molded casting, is a popular industrial process used by foundries to manufacture different parts for machines and instruments using different metals. Foundries...

A metal shed is an affordable way to add additional space to your home. Metal shed kits are easy to put up. You can easily erect one in a day's time---and you can usually do most of the work by...

A garden swing adds a pleasant touch to your yard, and you can build your own using a metal grate, chains and hooks. Plant some herbs and flowers in the area, and the aromas will blend together as...

Metal pipes, used in all capacities, can be hard to clean. However, using the right process and tools, they can shine like new. The process can be completed by nearly anyone.

Metal roofing has become vastly popular with the advancement of coating the metal with various colors. At one time used primarily for industrial buildings, metal roofing is now becoming a...

Pole buildings are large structures that are constructed of metal siding and roof panels connected to a frame. These structures are especially popular in the Midwest states. Pole buildings have...

Pole barns are barns built from treated poles that are anchored into the ground with cement and sometimes rocks. Boards and metal are used for the sides as well as screws to attach the metal. It...

Fresh organic compost helps your garden produce more healthy vegetables while maintaining an earth-friendle, organic lifestyle. Using a rotary compost tumbler that you build yourself can provide...

The beauty of a water heater solar panel system is that it does not have an electric bill. It can be used to transfer heat to the inside of a hothouse (a heated green house) or to heat water for...

Waterproofing a metal shed roof or any metal roof for that matter should not be done the moment the roof is installed. During the manufacturing process the metal roof has multiple applications of...

A jerky smoker is any container that allows you to make a slow smoky fire in a pit with a chimney. Inside, you can smoke strips of meat for several hours until they are dried. This variation of a...

Installing landscape timber is a straightforward process that does not require a high level of skill. If you have the right tools and materials, you can successfully complete the task. This...

Street signs can be used to decorate the inside of your home or mark a long driveway. Stealing street signs is illegal, but you can make your own street sign out of old sheet metal and reflective...

Shining, polishing and removing rust are just three of the many great things for which a buffing wheel can be used. Unlike a di-grinder, which also removes rust but scrapes the steel it rotates...

You've bought or created the perfect outdoor lamp. Now you want to install it above the ground on a post. Pre-fabricated lamp posts are available, but can be expensive. You can make your own post,...

A metal pole barn can be one of the most useful structures you'll ever use. Farmers and ranchers store hay under the roof of a pole barn, and RV enthusiasts park their motor homes and campers...

Painting an outdoor metal light isn't difficult. It just takes time and patience, and a little elbow grease. Pick a day that is sunny, not too windy and not humid or damp. The weather and the type...

Utility trailers can be used for a variety of tasks and are every landscaper's best friend. If you are a do-it-yourselfer who wants to spend an afternoon working with metal and save a few dollars,...

Riding a motorcycle is a fun and leisurely pastime that can be passed down from generation to generation. Whether you are an off road rider or a street biker, you at some point will need to haul...

If you want to add an outdoor lighting without spending a lot of money, you can make an oil lantern. An oil lantern can add beauty to your outdoor room. If you have a pergola or an outdoor gazebo,...

Metal or steel roofs are popular because they're very durable and practically maintenance free. However, they are costly--and installing one can be a chore. A professional installation will be...

Some potting benches do not need much room, while other potting benches are large enough to hold everything you might need. Potting benches are for the serious gardener--the one who likes the...

Outdoor metal fire pits are a perfect addition to any backyard. Fire pits are a great place for quiet conversations and relaxation after a busy day. They also help extend the outdoor season by...

The first thing you need to do is decide whether you want a brick or metal BBQ pit. Each one has different benefits. A brick BBQ pit is a little more aesthetically pleasing, and some people feel...

Some plants require full sunlight, while others need partial or full shade. Full-grown trees are a natural shade element for landscaping and can be used as a canopy for some plants. There may be...