47 How-Tos From Ahmed Hassan

1. 31. How To Build a Water Feature

   

   29 Thumbs

   See how a big heap of assorted rocks and pebbles is transformed into a shallow pond, incorporating larger boulders, plants and a bamboo...

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

2. 32. How To Build a French Drain

   13 Thumbs

   Direct water out of a landscape with this easy-to-build drainage ditch.

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $50 to $100

   Difficulty:

   Easy

3. 33. How to Build a Wood-Burning Oven

   

   4 Thumbs

   Go beyond briquets by installing this gourmet-quality outdoor oven.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $2500 to $5000

   Difficulty:

   Hard

4. 34. How To Create a Mulched Flagstone Patio

   

   8 Thumbs

   This natural-looking patio makes a perfect party place.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

5. 35. How To Build an Outdoor Kitchen Island

   

   18 Thumbs

   This steel-and-stucco island turns the patio into a stylish entertaining space.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

6. 36. How to Plant a Hedge

   

   3 Thumbs

   Whether you have a formal or an informal garden, hedges can provide the perfect wind barrier, living fence or wildlife home in your gar...

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $250 to $500

   Difficulty:

   Easy

7. 37. How to Create a Compacted Rock Patio

   

   23 Thumbs

   Not only is this new patio a great outdoor living area, it's an easy-to-install, compacted-rock project that doesn't use even a dribble...

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $250 to $500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

8. 38. How to Create a Smokeless Fire Table

   

   1 Thumbs

   Fire pits are great for warmth and ambiance, but many homeowners complain about the smoke, smell and ashes they can generate.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

9. 39. How to Stamp and Color Concrete Steppers

   

   5 Thumbs

   Concrete doesn't have to look like a sidewalk – it's actually one of the most versatile building materials.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $10000 to $15000

   Difficulty:

   Hard

10. 40. How to Provide Drainage for the Yard

    

    13 Thumbs

    With a new drain installed, a yard is ready for anything: new sod, planting beds or, in this case, an easy-install patio.

    Time:

    Under Half Day

    Cost:

    $1 to $50

    Difficulty:

    Easy to Moderate