Outdoor Living

Building patio furniture is a great alternative to buying expensive ready-made furniture. Learn how to build a picnic table and benches, an umbrella table, and more using simple step-by-step instructions and helpful diagrams.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Sun, wind, rain, snow, rot, and below-ground frost subject wood fences to a terrific beating. Wood is vulnerable to nature's punishments, especially rotting. Learn how to repair and build a wood fence.

By Fix-It Club

Vinegar is perfect for many outdoors projects and activities. It is a great alternative to toxic chemicals for controlling weeds, pests, and disease. Learn about the role vinegar can play in the backyard and beyond.

By Christine Halvorson

Think a swimming pool is just a big hole in the ground? Think again -- there's a whole lot of technology and chemistry that goes into building and maintaining a pool. Check it out.

By Tom Harris

Americans generate more than 200 million tons of trash each year. Want to put some of it to work? Try composting. It creates a natural fertilizer and can save valuable space in that landfill.

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D. & Kristen Hall-Geisler

If you've ever thought about lighting your yard or walkway, solar is the easiest way to go -- no wires! Learn how solar yard lights gather power during the day so they light up at night.

By Marshall Brain

Whether you're out camping or in the midst of a power outage, gas lanterns are handy devices. Did you know they're radioactive? Find out how these lanterns produce light.

By Marshall Brain

There are different ways to control mosquitoes, but what if you wanted to get rid of mosquitoes for good? You would need to devise the world's best mosquito trap. Learn about how the Mosquito Magnet' works.

By Marshall Brain

Deck fireplaces are "hot" outdoor accessories! We've five tips for installing one of these fireplaces on your personal patio.

By Alia Hoyt

Chances are, even if you don't live in an area that's been going through a drought, you've probably heard about it on the news. But what can you do to help counteract the effects of a drought? Catch your own water, of course.

By Sara Elliott

Is vermicomposting an underground movement? Are people relying on little soil angels to provide the black gold they're searching for? Hey, if it doesn't work out, you can always use the worms for bait on your next fishing trip.

By Jennifer Pocock

Famous hotel pools can be impressive, they pale in comparison to some of the world's most expensive pools, which can cost millions or even billions of dollars to build.

By Bambi Turner