Yard How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our yard step-by-step tips & ideas.
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How To Find Property Lines
The legal boundaries of a plot of land are one of the most important things for a homeowner to know, but they’re often overlooked—until those property lines come into question. Read this guide to figure out how to easily find your property lines.
How to Get Rid of Cicadas
Cicadas may not be as annoying as other bugs that sting or bite, but they can be a noisy nuisance. If these pesky critters invade your property, here are ways to minimize their presence.
How To Build, Customize, and Maintain a Utility Cover
Gas meters can be eyesores on your property, but there's an easy way to stylishly sheath them. Read about how to build, customize, and maintain a utility cover in our guide.
How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own outdoor kitchen, complete with DIY tips and tricks from the pros.
Build It | Cornhole
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor how to build a DIY cornhole board to meet regulation standards.
How to Turn on a Sprinkler System in Spring
Are you tired of paying a sprinkler company or landscape contractor to turn the water to your sprinkler system back on each spring? This relatively simple job is well within the abilities of a DIYer, and all it takes is a little background knowledge to save a lot of money. Here’s how to handle turning on a sprinkler system yourself.
Build It | How to Build a Beehive
In this Build It video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor craft a bee-friendly backyard feature from basic building materials.
How to Get Rid of Birds on Your Property
Harming or trapping most wild birds is illegal, so we’ll show you how to get rid of birds on your property by using harmless, non-chemical deterrents and repellents.
How to Frame a Shed
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor and mason Mark McCullough how to frame walls while rebuilding Mark’s chicken coop shed.
How to Wire a Shed for Electricity
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps Mason Mark McCullough wire his chicken barn for lights and power.
How to Create a Dog-Friendly Yard
Your yard is your happy place, and you want it to be your pet’s, too. Here’s how to protect your landscaping while giving her an ideal romping ground.
How To Clean a Grill
Learn the best techniques for removing grease, burnt-on food, and rust for safe, delicious meals every time you grill.
How To Drain a Hot Tub
Hot tubs are meant for relaxation, but there’s one aspect of owning one that may be stressing you out: draining the water to clean the tub. Read our guide to learn how to drain your hot tub.
How To Winterize a Pool
Learn how to winterize a pool with our comprehensive guide. Get expert tips and step-by-step instructions to protect your pool during the colder months.
How To Replace or Raise a Sprinkler Head
Sprinkler heads can be delicate, but you can get your sprinkler system back in top shape with these DIY tips.
How to Build a Pallet Wood Shed
A pallet wood shed is an easy way to keep wood and other lawn equipment dry and accessible. Follow these steps to build one yourself.
Everything You Need To Know To Install Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is a low-maintenance option compared to live grass. Our guide explains how to install artificial turf yourself.
How to Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada shares DIY Smarts tips when she travels to Orlando to upgrade an irrigation system.
How to Build a Backyard Swing Set
In this guide, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to properly build a child's swing set for your backyard.
How To Design a Yard in Phases
In this guide, This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains how you can redesign your yard by breaking it up into phases.
How to Make a Rolling Grill Cart
Read our guide to see the steps for building a rolling grill cart. This fun, summer project will be the perfect addition for your backyard barbeques.
How to Winterize Your Grill and Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
Whether you've got a charcoal kettle on wheels or a gas grill built into an outdoor kitchen, here's how to store your grill during the off-season.
Build It | Fire Pit Cover
This Old House contractor Tom Silva shows how to build a cover that can turn a store-bought fire pit into a table when not in use.
How to Install a Natural Gas Grill
Ask This Old House heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a natural gas line to fire up his backyard barbecue grill
How to Create a Desert Landscape
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada heads to Phoenix to recreate the desert in a homeowner’s front yard
5 Steps to a Sweet Shed
From "she-sheds" to man caves, sheds have gone from humble storage units to social-media darlings. Love the idea, but feeling daunted? Here’s how to get an outstanding outbuilding of your own
How to Rebuild a Hose Spigot
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey repairs a leaky hose spigot
How to Install a Fence Gate
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner install a new gate to fence in her pet dog
Tips for Maintaining a Snow Blower
Is your snow thrower ready to go? Check off the items on the following list
How To Help Prevent Melanoma While Working Outside
In this guide, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains the importance of using sunscreen on the job site to prevent melanoma.
How to Install a Water Feature that Reuses Rainwater
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada installs a water feature that collects and reuses rainwater.
How to Harvest Honey from a Beehive
Landscaper Roger Cook and a professional beekeeper harvest honey, talk about hive health and show you how to maintain and grow your hive.
How To Set Up a Beehive: A 12 Step Guide to Beekeeping
In this guide, This Old House’s Roger Cook takes you through everything you need to plan and install a beehive in your backyard.