Decks & Patios

Laying paving slabs on dry mix for beginners. I provide step-by-step instructions with my own photos for laying the concrete paving slabs on sand to make a walkway. Learn how to make a patio or garden walkway on concrete in your own back yard.

In this article, I provide useful tips on solid deck stain application and preparation to make your project easier.

Are your porch railings in need of replacement? If they are, prepare for sticker shock when getting quotes to have the work done. Save a mint and build those railings yourself.

It's time to start planning your backyard patio. This guide will help you with your outdoor patio ideas including material considerations, design layout, and fun features like firepits.

This article will show you how to build your own low-cost patio using mostly recycled wood pallets.

Quick guide for installing waterproof multi-coloured LED strip lighting around decking, lawns and gardens. Tips on laying the cables and protecting electrics from the weather.

Your patio should be a pleasant space where you can stay out of the sun. This article discusses various patio shade ideas.

I purchased the Nilfisk pressure washer to clean my decking prior to re-oiling it. Now I use it to clean all manner of other items around my garden.

Polymeric sand effectively fills and interlocks joints between paving units. Read on to determine if this paver joint sand solution is the one for your next outdoor pavement project. Learn about what a polymer is, its history, and how to use this dry joint sand stabilizer.

This simple eight-step tutorial will give you all the information you need to build your own doggy patio potty on the porch of your apartment!

A screen room provides lots of outdoor living space. Check out our project to get ideas for what you might do.

Use sails to create shade and cool a sunny conservatory. They are inexpensive, stylish and easy to install.

Tired of sweeping your porch, deck, patio or driveway? Me too! Here is what I did about it.

This article will show you how to build a sturdy deck using common tools with minimal cuts and expense. Follow along for instructions, material lists, and time- and money-saving tips and tricks.

Flat roofs with easy access are great for creating an outdoor living space. One issue that many people question me about is how to create a deck that is functional without compromising the waterproof roof surface. The best way is to construct a...

If you are dreaming of an outdoor deck to enjoy neighborhood barbeques and family gatherings, you’ve come to the right place. Start by familiarizing yourself with the different types of decking materials available today. This is the first step in making that backyard deck dream a reality!

Construction guidelines and tips for building a covered deck. While it does take some work, it is definitely doable.

If you have a brick paver patio and it is uneven or sloping, fix it yourself for a fraction of the cost. You don't have to be a professional to do a professional job.

Loose material is an easy-to-install alternative for a DIY home patio. This article contains both step-by-step instructions and some great examples for inspiration.

A simple patio design for a small backyard can transform your outdoor space. Create an outdoor room; start with a patio!

This article will explain in detail how to build a decking step-by0step. It also contains some useful tips and tricks.

Design, estimate, and build a deck. Instructions to lay out and cut stringers to build stairs. Mathematical formulas used to estimate building construction. Build steps, carpentry tricks.

Laying a flagstone paver patio is not particularly difficult, but it is hard work. This article will guide you through the process.

Is your backyard deck looking faded and dirty? Here are step-by-step directions to clean it up and get it looking new again.

Here's how I built a patio cover for my own house along with pictures I took for the permit inspector to make the approval inspection go smoothly.

Have a concrete patio but want a bigger outdoor space? These DIY steps show how to extend your concrete patio with pavers.

Clean a bare cedar deck the green way: with biodegradable liquid dish soap that is flora- and fauna-friendly—safe for kids and pets, too! Just soak, scrub with a deck brush, and rinse. Works great!

Outdoor patio covers can come in many shapes, styles, sizes, materials, and prices.  Gazebo, pergolas, awnings, and carports are all more permanent types of patio coverings and structures.  Other types are less obtrusive like for instance, a...