Outdoors

Whether you are planting flowers in the garden, adding a water feature to the yard or just need to mow the grass, Family Handyman covers all your outdoor needs.

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How to Build 4 Different Styles of Path Lights

Bollard posts are short, stout posts used around buildings or as roadway dividers. They resemble tree trunks, which are also known as “boles.” This idea presented design possibilities for both woodworking and lighting, which combine in these decorative path lights.

How to Build Custom Composite Benches

Here's how to build maintenance-free seating out of framing lumber and composite decking.


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How to Easily Clean an Outdoor Rug

Your outdoor rug should be cleaned just like an indoor rug or carpet. Here’s how to do it.


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How To Clean Outdoor Cushions

Keep your outdoor cushions feeling fresh with these smart and easy cleaning methods.


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How to Build a Deck That will Last as Long as Your House

Composite decking, treated wood and special building techniques add up to a durable, low-maintenance deck.

How to Clean Trex Decking

You probably love your Trex decking because it's durable and low-maintenance. But you still have to clean it occasionally to...


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How to Pressure Wash a Deck

Deck seen too many summers? Give it a new lease on life. We'll teach you about power washing your deck...

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How To Clean and Maintain All Kinds of Patio Furniture

Whether your patio furniture is made of metal, wood or plastic, keep it in top form with these tips for...


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Create a Backyard Oasis

With these DIY projects, it's easy to turn a bland outdoor space into an extension of your home you'll never...


8 Outdoor Projects You Can Do Yourself

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and your backyard beckons! To help you make the best of the...


5 Outdoor Tables You Can Make

Good-quality outdoor furniture can be expensive and it can be tough to find just the right piece. If you've had...


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10 Common Things a Homeowner Can Be Fined For

Here's a look at things that can lead to sometimes hefty fines, depending on local laws and covenants, along with...


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How to Install a Paver Patio Base

Let plastic paver patio base panels take the place of the gravel base to eliminate tons of labor.

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Pouring Concrete Patio: A First Timer’s Guide

Poured concrete makes a terrific backyard patio and it's easier to succeed than you might think. Here's how to get...


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How To Install Composite Decking Using Clips

If you're looking for a clean look on your deck surface with no visible screws, consider using deck clips.


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How to Buy a Shade Sail

A shade sail is an easy (and affordable) way to shade your patio or deck and add a pop of...


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How to Choose Composite Decking

Simplify shopping for composite decking by weighing the importance of seven key issues, among them budget, sunlight, moisture, building codes...

How to Build a Gazebo

Build this airy summer hangout that features fish-scale shingles and decorative trim you make yourself.


How to Build Deck Stairs

Calculating the step dimensions, laying out stringers and building a sturdy set of deck stairs.


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How to Build a Patio Chair

The ultimate easy chair: Easy to build, easy to tote, easy to set up and store.


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5 Ways to Clean Your Charcoal Grill

Keep your charcoal grill in top form by knowing a variety of ways to clean it.


How to Apply Behr Quick Dry Oil Base Wood Finish

Refinishing your deck doesn’t have to take several days if you use a product like Behr Premium® Transparent Quick Dry...

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How to Buy Deck Lumber

10 things you need to know about how to buy the good stuff


How to Revive a Deck

Strip and refinish your deck to make the wood look like new.


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How to Calculate Trex Decking Cost for Your Project

Estimate Trex decking cost and decking cost per square foot. Compare Trex vs pressure-treated wood decks. Learn factors that increase...


How to Build an A-Frame Picnic Table

Learn how to make a picnic table you can build in a day.


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How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio

The ultimate solution for a hopeless slab


How to Select the Best Trex Decking Colors for Your Outdoor Space

Here are some tips and tricks on choosing the Trex decking colors that will best complement your home.