41 How-Tos From Yard Crashers

1. 1. How to Create a Chessboard Patio

   

   16 Thumbs

   This attractive patio adds a modern look to the landscape and doubles as a game board.

   Time:

   Weekend

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

2. 2. Laying a Pebble Patio

   

   94 Thumbs

   Give an old concrete patio a complete facelift with an overlay of pebbles mixed with epoxy. The result is a patio that looks like a san...

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $100 to $250

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

3. 3. How to Create a Sugar-Kettle Fire Feature

   

   10 Thumbs

   Fire bowls don't have to be ordinary. Add height and interest to your yard by using an authentic cast-iron sugar kettle as the fire bow...

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

4. 4. How to Build a Double-Grill Island

   

   23 Thumbs

   This island functions as both a grill station and a seating area, with a built-in grill and smoker and a raised, curved bar top at the ...

   Time:

   Weekend

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

5. 5. How to Create a Mosaic Patio

   

   33 Thumbs

   Using stone, pebbles, decomposed granite and dry mortar, you can build a patio surface that's uniquely yours.

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

6. 6. How to Make a Concrete Fire Feature

   

   77 Thumbs

   Instead of throwing out an old fire pit, reuse the metal bowl. By creating a square concrete frame and filling it with gravel, you can ...

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $250 to $500

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

7. 7. 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

8. 8. How To Build a Floating Deck

   

   12 Thumbs

   A floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. Only a few inches off the ground, this platform takes a ...

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

9. 9. 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

10. 10. 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