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 and Where to Store Outdoor Patio Cushions

Learning how to store outdoor patio cushions significantly enhances your outdoor space without adding a lot of time to your...


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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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10 Things To Do To Prepare Your Deck or Patio For Fall

You've been enjoying your deck or patio throughout the summer, but now the weather's changing. Here are 10 tips to...

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If You See This Pattern on Your Porch, This Is What It Means

This peculiar squiggly pattern is caused by a certain type of garden pest. Learn why they do it and how...


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8 Tips and Products for Cleaning Composite Decking

If you use your deck a lot or are planning an outdoor party, you may be wondering how to clean...

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10 Best Outdoor Shades

Whether you call them outdoor blinds, shades or privacy panels, you'll love their beauty and cooling effect on your outdoor...


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7 Best Patio Trees for Shade

Here’s a list of ornamental trees in a variety of sizes to create shade for any patio.


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Our Favorite Garden and Patio Finds on Amazon For Less Than $25

These garden and patio finds from Amazon will help you fight pests, clean the grill and get your outdoor space...


Family Handyman Reader Projects: Outdoor Spaces

We asked Family Handyman readers what kinds of projects they tackled during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The results were...

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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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5 Lessons We Learned While Building a Deck

When you build a deck from the ground up, you're going to learn some things. Here are some of the...


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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.


Why Composite Decking Makes Sense for Deck Rebuilds

Composite decking costs a little more than natural wood, but benefits like its sharp look, ease of maintenance, and durability...


Building a Deck: What’s Involved

A quality deck starts with a sturdy, well-built frame. These are some of the key things to keep in mind...

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...


40 Show-Stopping Home Projects You’ll Want to DIY

These stunning projects may look a little intimidating, but they are actually easy to DIY with our step-by-step plans. Which...


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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...


10 Best Outdoor Fire Pit Seating Ideas

A cozy fire pit is useless without the right seating. Create a relaxing outdoor oasis with help from these creative...


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Can You Stain Pressure-Treated Wood?

Just because you used pressure-treated lumber doesn't mean your outdoor project has to stay green. Not only can you can...


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Are You Ready for a Built-In Grill?

If grilling is your passion and favorite pastime, do you think you're ready for a built-in grill? Here are some...


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Outdoor Kitchen: What To Know Before You Build One

Outdoor kitchens make the perfect focal point for outdoor living spaces. If you're planning on building one, here's what you...


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10 Tips To Help You Renovate Your Yard on a Budget

If your backyard needs a renovation but your budget won't support big spending, check out these 10 pro tips for...


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7 Deck Paint and Stain Color Ideas

Create the deck of your dreams with these paint and stain color ideas — tried and true, beautiful blue and...

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How To Choose the Best Pool Decking Option For Your Backyard

Make the most of your backyard pool by wrapping it in pool decking. Here are some of the most common...


Homeowner’s Guide To Next Generation Grills

If your looking to up your grilling game beyond a basic gas or charcoal grill, here are three new evolutions...


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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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Tips for Deck Repair and Maintenance

Here are our tips to give your deck a face-lift, not a teardown.


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Wood Deck vs Composite Deck: Which One Is Right for You?

Need help choosing deck boards? We've got you covered.


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13 Best Patio and Deck Cleaners

Get your deck or patio ready for summer with these high-performing cleaners. Using the right patio or deck cleaner makes...