Outdoor Living

These top ten outdoor living tips will help you create the perfect backyard space for your family. Learn the top ten outdoor living tips at HowStuffWorks.

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

Most people spend the bulk of their home renovation time working inside. But with a little know-how, you can easily extend your living space to the outdoors, too.

By John Fuller & Mark Boyer

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

Champions of Compost. Or perhaps Masters of Mulch. Whatever title you want to bestow, one U.S. city is cleaning up -- literally -- in the category of top composter.

By Jessika Toothman

Well-designed decks are becoming preferred places to relax after work, entertain friends, and regroup with the family. Learn how to design and accessorize your own deck with the pictures and ideas in this article. Get inspired!

By Christina Nelson

Explore creative patio ideas for your outdoor spaces -- be they big or small, elaborate or modest. Find inspiration with tips, photos, and topics, such as mix and match, contrasts for special effects, disguising basic concrete, and more!

By Christina Nelson

Building a patio can be difficult and expensive. Fortunately, a sensible alternative is to pour a concrete patio section by section. Follow these easy step-by-step directions to build the patio of your dreams.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

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

A bamboo candelabra will add a tranquil, yet flattering touch to your backyard patio. We have some easy instructions so you can make one yourself.

By Dave Roos

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

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

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

Patented in 1934, this electrically-charged invention has made a big difference for modern day picnic-goers. But in recent years it's come under scrutiny, as scientists began to question its effectiveness.

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

Americans generate over 200 million tons of trash each year: Trash may be the most abundant product of our lives. Want to put some of it to work? Composting creates a natural fertilizer and saves landfill space.

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

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