41 How-Tos From Yard Crashers

1. 21. How to Build a Custom Sandbox

   

   8 Thumbs

   Kids outgrow swingsets and climbing structures over time, but this sandbox will give them years of imaginative play.

   Time:

   Under Half Day

   Cost:

   $100 to $250

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

2. 22. How to Install a Dry Creek Bed

   

   15 Thumbs

   Control the flow of rainwater across your landscape with an easy-to-install dry creek bed.

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

3. 23. How to Resurface a Pool Patio

   

   6 Thumbs

   The pros sand down an old concrete surface, resurface the area and spice things up with a fabulous new color treatment.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

4. 24. How to Build a Redwood Shade Structure

   

   8 Thumbs

   Fun in the sun is a lot more fun if there's a well-built shady area to cool off.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

5. 25. How to Create a Tree Stump Table

   

   8 Thumbs

   What to do with that unsightly tree stump? Don't spend the time, money and effort to dig it out, turn it into a functional piece of f...

   Time:

   Under Half Day

   Cost:

   $50 to $100

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

6. 26. 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

7. 27. How To Remodel a Deck

   

   5 Thumbs

   Learn how to open up a deck by removing a railing and building steps to wrap around and match the existing steps. A stain treatment giv...

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

8. 28. How To Build the Ultimate Fire Pit

   

   34 Thumbs

   This project started with an existing gas fire pit, set on the ground. Learn how to raise it up by stacking a black slate and fill it w...

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

9. 29. How To Make a Flagstone Patio

   

   17 Thumbs

   Flagstones laid on sand and filled in with decomposed granite create a firm foundation for a great entertaining space.

   Time:

   Weekend

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

10. 30. How To Build a Cabana

    

    20 Thumbs

    People pay big bucks to relax in the cabanas at Vegas resorts, so why not bring Vegas home? This cabana adds a level of casual sophisti...

    Time:

    Several Weekends

    Cost:

    $500 to $1000

    Difficulty:

    Moderate to Hard