Laying brick walkways and patios are popular DIY projects for homeowners that can be created in easy steps. When you buy new bricks, you know what you’re getting. However, when you buy a reclaimed brick, confirm you’re buying brick pavers. If in doubt, knock two bricks together. Pavers will have a bit of ring to them. Softer bricks will make more of a thud. You’ll also find a variety of colors, as well as tumbled and beveled bricks....

Here’s how to build a raised brick garden bed for a decorative and long-lasting addition to your landscape. Dave Toht Building with brick can be pleasant work, but it takes some practice before you become proficient. This handsome wall will be strong enough for a planting bed up to 2 feet high. Credit:Dave Toht Anything higher requires adouble brick wall. The completed project will be a permanent landscaping feature you could be proud of....

Don’t toss broken bricks in the trash! Use the tamper to compress the sand-and-gravel base. Tamp down the gravel and top with 1 1/2 inches of masonry sand. Credit:Rob Cardillo Establish abrick edgefirst and then place a couple of odd-shape stones into the design. Fill in with brick pieces; tamp the bricks into place with a mallet. Place Bricks Place the bricks as close together as possible. Credit:Rob Cardillo Go the classic route with simple stacks or get creative with curves and zig-zags....

Of all the useful garden structures, arbors offer modest scale and endless style variations. Joined with fencing, an arbor shapes a classic garden entry. When coupled with a swing or bench, an arbor beckons you to take a break from garden chores. Choose an arbor style that blends with the surrounding plantings and garden rooms. For durability, select an arbor crafted from pressure-treated wood, metal, or plastic. Use the materials list and instructions below to learn how to build an arbor....

Add style and support to your yard with a concrete retaining wall. you’re free to build one in just six steps. The retaining wall provides a way to release the water that builds up in the slope behind it. Credit: Rob Cardillo Expect to spend 20 to 36 hours building a 3x10-foot concrete block retaining wall. Then, chip out a recess on the next block, butter the ears, and set the block....

Kritsada Panichgul A brick garden border is an easy and inexpensive way to giveyour flowerbeda clean and polished look. Include a detailed layout of where you plan to site each plant in your flowerbed. attempt to sketch alllandscaping elementsto scale to ensure accurate measurements. Credit:Kritsada Panichgul Mark your line with spray paint, flour, or sand. As with the outer layer, push the bricks close together to prevent grass from growing in between....

refresh your mailbox, plus increase its function, with this custom building project. Every home needs a mailboxyou might as well make yours stand out! Build your own DIY mailbox station with our expert tips. Credit: Dera Burreson This model conveniently holds two mailboxes and includes a newspaper slot. Your mail carrier will thank you! How to Build a DIY Mailbox Boost the look of your home with this intermediate building project....

Make al fresco dining easier with an outdoor kitchen. This tutorial shows you two ways to build a basic outdoor cooking area. For full-scale outdoor dining? For intimate gatherings with family or a few guests? Or merely for occasional weekend get-togethers? At a minimum, an outdoor kitchen requires a structure tohouse a grill. The units illustrated here do just that, incurring little cost and effort. These designs accommodate through the installation of additional bays....

Easily create a pedestal planter using small stones and tomato cages. What Is a Gabion? (Its name comes from the Italian and Latin words for cage.) Credit: Jacob Fox Why Are Gabion Plant Stands Popular? Top it with native plants such as butterfly weed and purple coneflower. Turn each cage to create even grid openings. Credit: Jacob Fox Wrap 4-inch lengths of wire at a few intersections around the cages to secure the gabion together....

Build an outdoor table that will withstand the elements and rejuvenate your yard. Concrete furniture is popping up everywhere. What’s great about concrete outdoor furniture is that it’s entirely doable to make yourself. The key to thisDIY outdoorconcrete table is it’s built with powerhouse materials. Cedar’s natural resistance to the elements, including moisture, helps it withstand outdoor weather. We left this table base unfinished, but you canstain the woodto make it more durable....

Create a DIY paver patio for a low-maintenance outdoor space that’s durable and weather-resilient. Dig up about 6 inches of soil to make room for the base and pavers. Rake the ground level and tamp the soil down to create a firm bed. Credit: Ed Gohlich Cut the edges so that the fabric fits snugly into place. The porous material allows water to flow through (no flooding!) but will block weeds from sprouting....

Make an inspection hole to ensure your placement is not interfering with electrical, HVAC, or plumbing. Use a drywall saw to cut out a square while holding the saw at a 45-degree angle. (This will prevent the piece from falling into the wall.) Credit: Stacey Brandford Use the drywall saw to cut out drywall between studs, using a stud finder to be exact. Remove drywall and set aside. Build Box Sides Cut small sheet boardand craft board to the dimensions of the interior shelf....

In the example given, the calculation would be 152 + 62 = 16.2. You should also consider the structural integrity, ventilation,and insulation requirementsfor your doghouse. Check with local regulations to find out if you need a building permit for the doghouse. Credit: Hassan Merheb / EyeEm / Getty Images While you’re checking regulations, pay close attention to your region’s laws regarding leaving dogs outside. This will help you visualize the dimensions better while you are building....