Landscaping & Outdoor Building

Building your own picnic table not only saves you money, it is a practical project. You can use the picnic table to eat or as a common meeting place. Most picnic tables seat at least six people....

Painting your wooden patio is similar to painting a deck. The preparation is the the most important step in the process and if not done well, the paint will not last. There are many different...

There are many reasons to build a wood fence --aesthetics, privacy, durability and cost. Fences are great for keeping people out while keeping children and dogs in. With a wood fence, it is...

Whether you need a build a wooden gate fence gate for a privacy fence or picket fence or even for an agricultural fence, you can build your own with minimal carpentry skills. Simple planning and...

Fences can add privacy and help increase the value of your home. There are many types of fencing material and posts are generally required to help provide a structurally sound fence. The number of...

Blocking a stack of fire wood can be the cause of some frustration. Oftentimes, the end pieces fall out, causing half the stack to go with it. Stacking firewood outdoors or under a porch can be...

Teak patio furniture can be a wonderful alternative to the usual plastic or metal pieces that most people have in their yards. Grown in India, Thailand and Indonesia, teak wood is durable and...

Wood, especially pine or maple, typically contains sap. When building with wood, it is imperative that the wood has been properly dried to avoid oozing sap. When it has not been properly dried,...

A good deck stain is not just a cosmetic product. It must extend the life of the wood by protecting it from weather as well as from abrasion. Your major priority in choosing the stain is its...

Patio tables are a necessity for outdoor living. They provide a place to eat, to play games, to socialize, or just unwind after a long day at work. If properly chosen and cared for, a store-bought...

Urban gardens are a green escape from steel and concrete grays. Too often, however, these gardens are surrounded by the very walls urbanites seek to escape. One way to conceal brick, mortar and...

Framing a building with wood or steel is no easy task, and usually takes a team of talented and skilled laborers to get the job done with precision and quality. Whether fastening a steel door...

Carpenter bees can be destructive insects that tunnel into wood so the queen can lay her eggs. Each year carpenter bees will return to the same holes they were born in to tunnel deeper. As a...

A wood basket weave fence is an aesthetically pleasing fence typically used for privacy as they will block the property from view. The degree of privacy can be varied by changing the height of the...

Wood patio furniture is an optimal choice for decorating your outdoor space to accommodate friends and family. Because wood resists water damage if treated properly, it's a better choice than...

Capable of reducing entire trees to sawdust, wood chippers are invaluable tools in agriculture, landscaping and forestry. And because of their application in a variety of settings, wood chipper...

To get the most out of your wood stove or fireplace, proper storage of firewood is essential. Keeping a few tips in mind, you can ensure you have plenty of good-quality wood to last all season...

Gazebos add a stylish landscape element to backyards or public areas. Traditional gazebos have a romantic air but are functional as well. They provide built-in seating options and protect the...

Plantation shutters are an interior style shutter designed with larger panels in order to cover more surface area than other types of shutters. When you look into buying plantation shutters, you...

Window boxes filled with cascading flowers can add beauty to your home. Wooden boxes are more attractive than the PVC and plastic counterparts. However, wood has an inherent flaw---it rots. ...

You can bring a bright flower, vegetable or herb garden to your window by building a simple window planter. Design the planter, calculate the materials needed, cut up the wood, predrill the holes,...

The new deck is done---the railings are in place, and you are ready to set up the chairs, tables and grill. There's only one problem: You need to remove the marks, grade stamps and other spots on...

Wooden fences are beautiful accents to any yard or farm, and are popular because of their natural elegance and variety. Yet before choosing wood over other fencing materials, such as metal or...

A lattice trellis is one of the simplest trellis designs. The classic grid-like pattern and simplicity are perfect as a support structure for ornamental climbing plants. They are remarkably easy...

Box steps are fully covered stairs that lead you up to the deck surface. If you're building them at your home, you can customize them: you can place them around an entire patio or at just a...

When it comes to installing fences, homeowners have many choices. The bottom line--cost--is a key factor to consider when it is time to decide whether to purchase a wood or a chain-link fence.

Painting your deck will provide a new look for your outdoor retreat. Paint also protects the wood of your deck from moisture so that it will last longer and you will be safer while using the deck....

Cedar split rail fencing is an inexpensive type of fence that's simple to install. It's a great border fence that won't block the view around your yard. A cedar split rail fence can be put in...

During bitter cold winter days and nights and especially during blizzards, winter birds need a helping hand. Putting out birdseed is always a good thing to do, but offering them shelter is often...

Staining a deck is the perfect way to beautify the wood and protect it from sun and weather damage. However, speedy application, poor stain product, or applying it to dirty or wet wood can cause...

According to Jeff Beneke, author of "The Fence Bible," a functional horse fence must be "strong and visible" so the horses will not collide into the fence when they are startled.

When building a deck or stairway using pressure-treated lumber, unsightly writing from the factory or warehouse may ruin an otherwise beautiful finished product. A host of options may present...

For years, master gardeners and scientists have said not to use wood chips for mulch because they are too acidic or rob the soil of too many nutrients. Recently, though, scientists have changed...

Window awnings are excellent for keeping energy and heat bills low as well as adding aesthetic value to your home. They block wind and keep sunlight from penetrating glass. A DIY wood window...

Firewood burned in a wood stove needs to be air dried for six to eight months after it is cut from a growing tree. Thinning thick dense wooded areas increases the health and vitality of that stand...

A pergola is a large version of an arbor. Growing heavy climbers like wisteria and roses is more practical on pergolas, which can carry heavier loads than lighter trellises. Choose a site for the...

Building or repairing a new deck or patio can be a thrilling project, but it also takes a significant amount of time and effort to make it just right. It's important to the success of the project...

Constant exposure to moisture and heat causes wood deck boards to crack. The wood gets wet, soaks up the water, expands and then drys out, contracting and shrinking, causing cracks in the surface...

Outdoor wooden decks can become worn and damaged over time. Improper care of an outdoor deck can cause it to rot, crack or splinter and become unsafe for use. By knowing how to repair your deck...

Concrete is a strong material that is often used for walkways. It is generally a permanent fixture because it is durable and long lasting. For a number of reasons that range from general wear and...

Firewood must be dry to split and burn properly, and you must be prepared for a strenuous workout. If you are splitting a lot of wood in one stretch, take breaks as you tire, and drink plenty of...

If you are particularly adept at woodworking and carpentry, consider building a chaise lounge chair from wood. There are a variety of chaise lounge chair styles, but to begin, follow the basic...

Since cedar wood is naturally resistant to water rot and insect damage it is a popular wood that is used in many exterior situations. The aromatic quality of the wood limits its interior use.

Cold frames are usually built in the spring to house and protect young plants as they begin their growth in the new season. These frames have a glass or clear plastic top that pops open on hot,...

When it comes to fencing your yard, choosing a vinyl fence should be at the top of the list. Vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a durable fencing product that is beautifying many...

Treated lumber is infused with chemicals to prevent infestation from insects or fungi, and to prevent rotting and weather damage. It is more durable than untreated wood and is typically used for...

Wood decks are sometimes simple to construct yourself but you are left with the staining portion. Staining may seem like an easy task, but you need to consider the proper steps so you complete the...

For storing and aging firewood, a shed is an excellent choice. Set atop a stone foundation it will be sturdy structure capable of lasting for decades. Your choice of wooden flooring in your shed...

The mandevilla is a glossy-leaved tropical vine that is loved for its large, trumpet-like flowers of red, white, pink or yellow. Often used as a summer annual, a popular use is to allow it to...

Fence posts are often treated during the manufacturing process to protect against rotting and insect damage. If further treatment is needed, there are a variety of products available to extend the...