The National Wildlife Federation administers the Backyard Wildlife Habitat program, which is designed to encourage home owners to create landscapes friendly to both wildlife and the environment....
Pay attention while you work and follow safety precautions, and when your deck is built you can enjoy it - without the nicks and bruises.
Make life simpler by choosing a birdbath made of a lightweight material or one with a removable basin or a drain hole. And, remember, the more often you clean a birdbath, the easier cleaning it...
When cool weather rolls around, it's time to put away the pool toys and drain the swimming pool. Here are directions for emptying both aboveground and sunken pools.
After you have your deck plans laid out on paper, your first construction step is to attach the ledger board to the house. The ledger board is a piece of dimensional lumber (usually a 2-by-10 or...
Joist hangers, metal fasteners that attach joists to ledger boards, are inexpensive and can save you time when you're building your deck.
After the ledger board and joist hangers are installed you can begin to lay the footing for the posts.
After the footing has been set in place you can add the support posts for the deck frame.
After you set the posts in place, you are ready to install the beam. The beam runs parallel to the ledger board to hold the joists in place.
Railing is mandatory on all decks over 2 feet high and recommended for all decks as a safety feature. After the deck boards and steps are installed you can finish your deck with the railing.
You don't have to necessarily rely on contractors or other "professionals" to build a trusty set of deck steps. By reading/following these rules, you'll find that the steps can be built either...
Love the beautiful color of wood on your deck? Then preserve it by finishing and waterproofing.
A clean deck - besides being a more inviting place for your barbecue - will probably last longer because cleaning helps kill fungus, which may shorten the life of your deck.
Staining your deck will keep it looking good - it will restore its natural oils and protect it from ultraviolet rays and water damage. Here are a few steps to help protect your deck from extreme...
A balled-and-burlapped (also known as 'B-and-B') tree or shrub comes with a burlap-wrapped clump of soil around its roots. Many evergreens are traditionally sold this way.
Installing a new curb-mounted mailbox can be handy for you and the mail carrier - and add a little style to your home.
A garden is not merely an extension of your house; it is a separate entity all in itself. When planning the location of your garden, stand with your back to the house and apply the rules of the...
A clothesline will save you money, conserve energy and give your laundry that fresh, outdoor aroma.
A simple swing set requires minimal assembly, but you have to do it in the right order.
Marble isn't as tough as you may think; it's a comparatively soft stone that is easily scratched and marred. Chances are you paid a lot for it, so keep it clean and take good care of it. To keep...
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Upgrade any yard with eHow’s tips on landscaping and outdoor building projects. Learn how to install a deck, put in a pool, paint a fence or even pave a walkway. Got a green thumb? Get tips on planting trees, shrubs and flower beds. Deck repair on your weekend docket? Find advice on pressure washing, replacing damaged boards and staining a deck. If you’d rather leave your project to a pro, eHow has tips on choosing a landscape architect, too.
