Outdoor Building
Whether you're building decks or fences, installing a pool, or fixing a driveway, our guides and expert tips will help you get your outdoor projects done right.
Explore Outdoors
![installing a mailbox](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/dG9-5y-puhlvpzxDKWszia6QBBc=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1367916065-6aae9a095909443ab5cb57dff1b4992f.jpg)
How to Securely Install a Mailbox
![Garden Office in Shed](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/Qm5nVtJzbzjkNidQ_hq7Dc8tjuQ=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GardenOfficeinShed-7174fe89fe9547fb882e7c5f60f18ac3.jpg)
How to Insulate a Shed
![Blowing out the sprinkler line](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/epzultm-qIhnpbTs7lSb56Wg97M=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-blow-out-sprinklers-for-winter-2481-step-05-c239657ebb0d4e86b6f6f6350966f243.jpg)
How to Blow Out Sprinklers for Winter
![Digging a french drain in yard](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/UjpzEEmsmnNRdJUtebNiw5mF5c8=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shovel-sticks-out-in-ground-on-a-personal-plot-1178770815-0ae554cff80a4fd39dd700f2d044edbb.jpg)
What Is a French Drain?
![Contemporary Suburban Home](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/gm4JuQzCoYVRLeT9pd3Gh3FRL58=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/contemporary-suburban-home-523335622-d819cd7b493e48f69348a7cb5a903475.jpg)
Veneer Stone vs. Natural Stone: Which to Buy and Install?
![Lawn sprinkler spraying water on grass](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/Xwls3cmOM1Kyezq5CJl-LeuNsxk=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/start-sprinkler-system-after-winterizing-2718904-hero-d2b1fae4d51346fa9abe0bc5c3bfc8b2.jpg)
How to Turn a Lawn Sprinkler System Back on in the Spring
![Lawn irrigation valve box exposed showing pipe and valve with wires](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/Wl1tcjPdbrP2pHSaTQzktwBrcw0=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/replacing-a-sprinkler-valve-2718921-hero-fdef643478bb47699997a48ac9bf9e28.jpg)
How to Replace a Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler Valve
![Outdoor faucet covered with snow during winter](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/hY_MAdgTJa-wdPKnfBnaBTF_bXE=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/winterize-outside-faucets-2718702-hero-f317dc68dd9a42509c6caff910a94e2f.jpg)
How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets
![Outdoor spigot with tan knob on brick wall next to white gutter and plants](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/O_zwNByGFe1ikMwJ3FcOK0Gnwzg=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/prevent-an-outside-faucet-from-freezing-4125741-Hero-04e5b8fb19a44cfb8fcf649307b2407f.jpg)
How to Prevent Outdoor Spigots From Freezing
![Nail hammered to concrete through wooden plank](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/DPy6s5RSn5cA7mhr7gna_yN4BiU=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-nail-into-concrete-by-hand-3573191-hero-4137b9c211ea43eca4c2318e416c8002.jpg)
How to Drive Nails Into Concrete by Hand
![breaking up concrete with a sledgehammer](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/jhBAQ2K2XE5Aynej9Bu-fZWh1C4=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-break-up-concrete-by-hand-1822001-01-0fefba8ea6c94d88b599bc581dcd6463.jpg)
How to Break up Concrete by Hand
![Lawn irrigation sprinkler spraying water across various lawn plants, pathway lamp and sidewalk](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/ZvjoyZMaBEL7kCyouMkotZFbSd4=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/irrigation-troubleshooting-bad-valve-symptoms-2718892-hero-646c7c526272488f993b491149d22f10.jpg)
How to Troubleshoot Your Lawn Irrigation System
![Pressure vacuum breaker](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/9r7ExU-1oaNSvdKTvWJx9tRRJnA=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pressure-Vacuum-Breaker-58f127fa3df78cd3fc3c18e5.jpg)
Pressure Vacuum Breaker Basics
![Lawn sprinkler spraying water on grass next to gray pathway blocks](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/1q1A3YRm6aVadnEQeW4HhJA0yBU=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strategies-for-finding-a-sprinkler-valve-2718887-hero-84aac899a0704f729c5218f4e0e88899.jpg)
How to Find Lawn Sprinkler Irrigation Valves
![pile of firewood](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/69YLvrW8UPnpioswY26Xjaq_3A0=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/firewood-cord-storage-1907998-hero-9274fe8cddb546ceabddc134d5d1115d.jpg)
How Much Firewood Is in a Cord and How to Store It
![Add an Outdoor Outlet With an Existing Circuit](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/rtmhT5asM5h6-7o5DyaWthdxMzo=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-adding-an-outdoor-outlet-by-tapping-into-an-existing-circuit-1152805-hero-f5611f24199f49e684201a8500866bdd.jpg)
How to Add an Outdoor Outlet With an Existing Circuit
![Trench-digging](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/jstvhdCK1PGG2XYk52i1VuumXiM=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/builder-shovelling-gravel-on-housing-building-site-664661731-58616e125f9b586e02efc5c6.jpg)
How to Avoid Utility Lines When Digging in Your Yard
![Overhead view of a yard drain](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/Zzx6bPYtP0UxZf8J_6x_0CqfKG0=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/yard-drain-maintenance-2718905_Hero1-33f828f0c41345d1a37b0c55153a2679.jpg)
DIY Solutions to Maintain a Yard Drain and Stop Clogs
![Red water hydrant](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/-fJ_0uT_fhLO2QW12vONZpLgBPU=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/red-water-hydrant-92168594-f26f456e7ead4f0b95f789ae0ed174a3.jpg)
How to Repair a Frost-Free Yard Hydrant
![Close-Up Shot of a Variable Flow Freezeless Yard Hydrant for Irrigation Outdoors in a Xeriscaped Yard in the Rocky Mountains in the Summer](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/i10FmGV4VkrpHjIXo5Tnx99sL2M=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-install-yard-water-hydrant-2718917-hero-0c2e802f083f42de8f3c9a97082abecf.jpg)
Yard Hydrant Installation Instructions & Tips
![Lawn sprinkler spraying water on grass in between sidewalks](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/-qCF1GRMS1_RxxZuUR2WGHYREYw=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sprinkler-repair-tips-5092025-hero-69ffb4fa096042ba92c626dcf4852198.jpg)
How to Repair a Sprinkler System: 7 Ways
![Close-up of plastering wet cement on the wall](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/fBXk0DNjVcKY_kn8VqRw16cFbzg=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-939232484-5b452c1146e0fb0037a8d48b.jpg)
How to Resurface Concrete
![Sharpened Axe](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/UTOo6BDXe_6YrDsiF7LUIYB4UJE=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SharpenedAxe-4e9399ddea894d3e85a2479c7e3e5682.jpg)
How to Sharpen an Axe
![Hydrant and pipe of water supply with natural bokeh background.](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/85tCne_aRPyZqXin7TcjwtXdvi4=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hydrant-and-pipe-of-water-supply-with-natural-bokeh-background--908182794-f064240cb0064b72affd62c448931269.jpg)
How to Replace a Frost-Free Hydrant
![diy string light pole in backyard](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/hsy-slNe-qi0hvrlnYh0_KO0u08=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1077944802-f328e37b3e594d42bbb153adf364e2c8.jpg)
How to Make DIY String Light Poles for a Brighter Outdoor Space
![carport at entrance of home](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/ULXH9n6m-4wI2FFa0gvhLmFKt2M=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pop_carport_11-5d7fae21579649df85cae48679e867a0.jpg)
How to Build a Carport: What You Should Expect
![chickens in a coop](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/DWfdALNN12-zYSkPZcI8WsB3PUI=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/free-chicken-coop-plans-1357113-1-2159dd3c547a43988396287568d6083a.jpg)
13 Free DIY Chicken Coop Plans
![Tiny House](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/2KTkpD9fQ4KzyXsP6CEoH9-GSC0=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TinyHouse2-a0324877a2534632ad4213c16785337f.jpg)
Turning Your Shed Into a Tiny House? Here's What to Know
![beige outdoor shed](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/C1iCO-oZeZspMxLO8slpI3LvwVk=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-936121656-da8dc8f114184a2086319d2df20ce1bc.jpg)
How to Build and Install Shed Doors
![Propane fire pit in a backyard](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/AIjk7J48nt-lWjANNliHY8cs6KU=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1166315131-6167d383cae149c9a5eefc54fca92aa8.jpg)
How to Build a DIY Propane Fire Pit for Cozy Evenings
![DIY Wood Sandbox](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/L3zIpAkLh27S5fGH3BWwAmu9wfc=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DIYWoodSandbox-6a86523a068341a383ccaf18daff00a7.jpg)
How to Build a Simple DIY Wooden Sandbox
![Retaining Wall](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/F4E8Drn39LJ4NodCEYPjiYnPN0k=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hardscaping-multilevel-retaining-wall-182689984-5887655f3df78c2ccd105dd1.jpg)
How to Repair a Retaining Wall
![Screened in porch](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/E-4Mu9VsxRvnYwK7eScy7jjce5A=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1334027124-f7887b57ae7b47878340f1985b42179f.jpg)
How Much Does a Screened-in Porch Cost?
![Smokeless Fire Pit](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/gVid3wzIXoV3IBhitW5FycChmgE=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SmokelessFirePit-f0be86d6164c42be8e7170e1217b50b3.jpg)
How to Make a DIY Smokeless Fire Pit
![Front view of a finished DIY wooden bike stand](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/MuaqW_pHOMgT01iLI8o8M_qed5A=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/edited-1074-bffa9511da8248dd87043796dd62302f.jpg)
How to Build a DIY Bike Stand
![Outdoor kitchen countertops](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/nYdjj4w6X-tdvSlLQI819BfSEWs=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-540103412-8b60e13e15dc4e9dab87b32549f62d46.jpg)
10 Types of Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
![Outdoor DIY Sectional](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/5oiCCNUex7FYWfF4Qe4fGcR8dPI=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OutdoorDIYSectional-c587f1b2ba5f4096a848c3f9bdf8cc23.jpg)
How to Make Your Own DIY Outdoor Sectional
![Lawn Sprinkler](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/LNZChnlOU1pC7RjoQBSQ2s4iPHE=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LawnSprinkler-154a65ac9aa24fb89ed6cab98dd55cbc.jpg)
How to Make a DIY Sprinkler System
![A DIY hammock stand](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/KbpTz-eEPaimZFWQxUIBAbvo4hU=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1336242153-f35c31dd1efc482d9dc5231e5a26eb4d.jpg)
How to Build a DIY Hammock Stand That Holds 400 Pounds
![Retaining Wall Stairs](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/ZSSeKyMrwX4nBaWkBmtwmVhv5J8=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RetainingWallStairs-9e7d8a04e21d428cb1029d4eaab1df7f.jpg)
How to Build Retaining Wall Steps
![French Cleat Wall System](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/-px0qb4qNWj56ydM24msUxG2yQg=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_7089-a452591fef9949cface7f70ba24aa180.jpg)
How to Build a French Cleat Wall
![Backyard Garden Pond with Waterfall 173863536](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/Q6dJcLPN5wNqoKqdksAAAIyyqEg=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Backyard-Garden-Pond-with-Waterfall-173863536-56a4a0c85f9b58b7d0d7e490.jpg)
How to Make a Pond in 8 Easy Steps
![A person using a bull float to smooth a wet concrete slab.](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/DDG15Jd5ABoW0FGJWJ_7Z0PJcOo=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-how-to-lay-concrete-slab-5322884-Hero-2-9402fbdc10bd4792b384d8845aa04842.jpg)
How to Lay a Concrete Slab
![How to Build Porch Steps](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/olCsXehv8gVyTryLvFH6MRIzG1g=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-how-to-build-porch-steps-7483033-Hero-B-bf911d660d0f47088ad0b4e03119fc00.jpg)
How to Build Porch Steps
![white stock tank with stepping stones surrounding it](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/X6lvCx57ArV08f2QQnKy43AzpU0=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_9307-38cb60b64628437ebd184d08c67499c6.jpg)
Guide to Making a Stock Tank Pool (in 9 Steps)
![Bags of Concrete](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/NSn07NukNJKF-eUcpfQyh9OQlo4=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BagsofConcrete-cabbdddf0aaa4ed09cd584c5bb616e80.jpg)
How to Calculate How Much Concrete You Need
![Langstroth beehive with white stacked boxes between outdoor bushes](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/dafV98qhZ78PnYsocvrJEB_qgOE=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/free-bee-hive-plans-5078043-hero-82408452f3174463af5c007437604e56.jpg)
15 Free Beehive Plans
![DIY tire swing hanging from a tree branch](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/89IGjwOcOd-h0GqmVlFVWoErQxk=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-how-to-make-a-diy-tire-swing-5211752-hero-867701dacd5c4280b163ee5b2fca71a7.jpg)
How to Make a Tire Swing: DIY in 9 Easy Steps
![Barndominium](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/5n4WZiAtyFWOT60F-fD8mmd4mNU=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ConvertedBarn-Barndominium-e4e7f75eaca64a9eb5674917da3b20d6.jpg)
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndominium?
![DIY Toddler Swing](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/v0p6Jk4Ht_AeXAggUFVfBjeltcY=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/abeautifulmess-32559c34f1ad4132a7ff3ad5df3d176e-8fbd058aa2d24799b7b3f08ac7ed1523.jpg)
11 Delightful Swing Ideas for Yards of All Shapes and Sizes
![DIY bocce ball courts](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/8dEqh2oI0_Lz434AuuqVQFIIKRo=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/upscale-beautiful-bocce-ball-courts-502886126-b19af207045d4621b1f11503fa75438d.jpg)
How to Build a Bocce Ball Court for Hours of Fun in Your Own Backyard
![Concrete pouring from cement mixer.](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/TmOOa40G8TFVqFyepg6rTfCLrTM=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-best-temperature-to-pour-concrete-5196302-Hero-d5bc2c650ffd499daccac76c4d7ecba8.jpg)
The Best Temperature to Pour Concrete
![Outdoor kitchen with wood awning](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/vro1oZV7rSpaI4EcgfTGfLtG-tA=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-5144149961-3654fa217df845489aea9542a3115022.jpg)
How to Build a DIY Wood Awning
![A well-designed and colorful outdoor patio with patio furniture.](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/jKUoYkJxBF1pArp10vzPPalZmBg=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1130967685-7b564a8878d0463d99b297e9b96acec5.jpg)
How to Install Patio Pavers
![Paint Pressure Treated Wood](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/dSb1BuaCjg_Bbz63Wis5f9yRoAs=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PaintPressureTreatedWood-3d8b477d34f2434b83b8dc55eef0d9d0.jpg)
How to Paint Pressure-Treated Wood
![Planter made of pallet boxes mixed with different greens and flowers in backyard](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/nNDqumT7DPswyAPZtY4BSLttbzw=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/diy-wood-pallet-projects-5186994-hero-ead76087b4b84d75ac18ebcc138ca2a5.jpg)
How to Make a Pallet Planter and Prep It for Plants
![Tall outdoor wooden trellis with planted pots hanging and surrounding fixture](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/NpLtCHrLRAIRDxnr3i0fYy2UMro=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/diy-trellises-for-your-garden-5187165-hero-4191e6c443554642a8166879f897d8a8.jpg)
How to Make a Basic DIY Obelisk Trellis
![Raised garden bed with vegetables and herbs with chicken in front](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/2MG7cIF165kDGY59I7QeR5wnfhY=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/before-you-build-raised-beds-3016711-hero-df52d9816fd7466e8b617aa5909eae9e.jpg)
What to Know Before You Build Raised Beds for Gardening
![A person holding a level against a wall stud.](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/aKZwalZS3NBOQvc5soiU8xrS748=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-how-to-frame-a-wall-5188151-hero_5382-6300f7a4472c4117ac66cdd03812093b.jpg)
How to Frame a Wall
![Blue and gray cornhole boards in a yard](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/nz5HutWw3BNoDF2l78_Y_OtqR4c=/315x236/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/thediyplan-5cc9d5fd844e4410acf12571e86e7f67.jpg)
10 DIY Cornhole Board Plans