41 How-Tos From Yard Crashers

1. 31. 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

2. 32. 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

3. 33. 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

4. 34. How to Build a Copper Water Wall

   

   34 Thumbs

   Give a landscape a Mediterranean makeover with a sophisticated copper water feature.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Hard

5. 35. 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

6. 36. 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

7. 37. 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

8. 38. 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

9. 39. How To Build a Seating Wall

   

   9 Thumbs

   Classy slate tops off this stone wall, with concealed mortar holding everything together for outdoor seating everyone can get comfortab...

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

10. 40. How to Build a Bordered Gravel Patio

    

    9 Thumbs

    This posh patio bordered with and filled with gravel is moderately challenging to build, but easy to maintain and a snap to change to a...

    Time:

    Several Weekends

    Cost:

    $1000 to $2500

    Difficulty:

    Moderate to Hard