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.
Two Cicadas on a tree branch.

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.
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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.
A woman standing in front of an outdoor kitchen with a grill and sink. A dog stands in front of her.

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.
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Build It | Cornhole

General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor how to build a DIY cornhole board to meet regulation standards.
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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.
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Build It | How to Build a Beehive

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor craft a bee-friendly backyard feature from basic building materials.
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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.
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How To Frame a Shed

General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to frame a shed while rebuilding a chicken coop in this step-by-step video and guide.
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How To Wire a Shed for Electricity

Learn how to wire a shed for electricity from master electrician Heath Eastman by following our detailed step-by-step guide.
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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.
Hot tub that needs to be drained.

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.
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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.
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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.
A man rolling artificial grass out onto a lawn.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How To Prep Your Grill for Winter

Whether you have a charcoal grill or a built-in outdoor gas grill, here's how to prep it for storage during the winter.
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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.
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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
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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.
A shed sitting next to a pool.

Five Steps to the Create the Perfect Shed for Your Home

Whether you're looking for a full guesthouse or just a place to store your outdoor tools, here are five considerations to help you create the perfect shed.
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How To Rebuild a Hose Spigot

In this guide, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to repair a leaky hose spigot.
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How to Install a Fence Gate in Your Yard

Ask This Old House landscape contractor, Roger Cook, helps a homeowner install a new gate to fence in her pet dog.
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Tips for Maintaining a Snow Blower for the Winter Months

Is your snow blower ready to go this winter? Check off the tasks on our list to keep your snow blower working when you need it most.
Two men discussing ways to protect the body from melanoma while working outside.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.