Outdoor Living

Pergolas add shade, space and panache to your home. Here's what to keep in mind before selecting one.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

The comfort of the wide armrests, high back and slanted seat of the Adirondack chair have made it legendary since its invention in the early 1900s.

By Wendy Bowman

Between their survival skills and their natural intelligence, rats have been outsmarting us for centuries. But since they carry a lot of diseases, we'd really like to be rid of them. An expert tell us the best ways.

By Nathan Chandler

Get your plants out of the garden and onto your table with these simple recipes that make the most of fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

By Blythe Copeland

When you’re planning your next garden, get inspired by these classic styles.

Household pests are not only a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to your home. So which ones are the most common, and more importantly, how can you get rid of them?

By Sarah Fernandez

An influx of mosquitoes can turn your backyard into a big problem. Here’s how to take care of them.

By Blythe Copeland

Make your outdoor space a relaxing, tropical oasis no matter where you live.

By Sarah Fernandez

There's something very luxurious about standing beneath a cool shower in the hot sun. Why not add this feature to your own backyard?

By Denise Harrison

Without regular maintenance, a deck can decay, grow mold, weaken and literally fall apart. Enter the ritual of cleaning, stripping and staining that keeps your deck in tip-top shape.

By Julia Layton

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

By Alia Hoyt

In the summer, it's only fitting to invite your friends and family over for a bash on your deck. But to keep it in party-ready mode, you have to take care of it.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Hot tubs are ideal for lounging with a drink or relaxing with your partner. But there are several things you need to know before you buy.

By Terri Briseno

Once a rare luxury, the home sauna has been picking up in popularity. But it's still important to choose a sauna that fits your price range, needs and building codes.

By Julia Layton

Summertime is all about getting as much sun and fun as possible -- and what easier place to get both than your own backyard? Here are some things that could make your summer patio that much brighter this year.

By Marie Willsey

Outdoor furniture is as varied and unique as the cushions that will decorate it. There's a lot to look for, and we'll help you know what to buy!

By Sara Elliott

There's not too much you can do about what Mother Nature throws at your deck, but there's a whole lot that you can do -- that you need to do -- to protect it.

By Alison Cooper

Getting the most out of your deck means keeping it covered at least some of the time. And thankfully, you've got lots of options to choose from.

By Terri Briseno

Your deck can begin to deteriorate after just one season, but there are ways to protect your outdoor space for years to come.

By Sara Elliott

A swimming pool cover pump removes unwanted rainwater from the pool cover quickly and effectively. Learn more about the purpose of a swimming pool cover pump from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Gas and electric pool heaters are both used to warm swimming water. Learn the difference between gas and electric swimming pool heaters in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You bought an outdoor wood-burning furnace and would like to install it yourself. Learn how to install an outdoor furnace in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You can make raccoon repellant with ammonia, potent spices or naphthalene. Learn how to make homemade raccoon repellant in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You love watching butterflies in your garden and you wish you knew how to make a butterfly feeder. This article will tell you how to make a butterfly feeder.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Ensure that your home and property are free of wasps by learning to get rid of wasp nests. Learn about how to get rid of wasp nests in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors