41 How-Tos From Yard Crashers

1. 11. How To Lay New Sod

   

   7 Thumbs

   A quick fix to a dead landscape is instant green sod. Just a few rolls make a vibrant green carpet.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

2. 12. How to Make Over a Flower Bed

   

   18 Thumbs

   Uproot messy plants and replace them with a fun variety of plants boxed in by a formal mini-hedge.

   Time:

   Under Half Day

   Cost:

   $100 to $250

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

3. 13. How to Accessorize a Patio

   

   10 Thumbs

   A few extra touches can take a new patio to another level.

   Cost:

   $0 to $0

4. 14. How to Build a Redwood Arbor

   

   7 Thumbs

   This elegantly shaped arbor does a great job of defining an entrance to a space or drawing the eye to a favorite garden feature.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $100 to $250

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

5. 15. How to Create an Outdoor Entertainment Center

   

   6 Thumbs

   A custom outdoor entertainment center is perfect for showing movies. It's like having your own private drive-in without having to get i...

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $2500 to $5000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

6. 16. How To Create a Paver Patio

   

   15 Thumbs

   This patio is easy to install — just keep it on the level.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $5000 to $10000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

7. 17. How to Build a Freestanding Arbor Swing

   

   12 Thumbs

   A freestanding arbor frame can support a store-bought swing or the custom model below.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $250 to $500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

8. 18. How to Create Sunken Walkway Planters

   

   25 Thumbs

   Half-sunken containers add height and interest to a garden bed.

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $50 to $100

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

9. 19. How to Build a Boulder Bench

   

   4 Thumbs

   Don't worry about a high wind tipping over this custom seating: Any breeze that could move this boulder-attached bench would probably d...

   Time:

   Under Half Day

   Cost:

   $100 to $250

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

10. 20. How To Create a Play Area

    

    7 Thumbs

    This new play area is padded with rubber mulch and outlined with plants. Edging keeps the rubber mulch out of the new sod.

    Time:

    Weekend

    Cost:

    $250 to $500

    Difficulty:

    Easy