Learn to build a simple mortared stone wall for a defined, iconic look. They exude an aura of permanence, giving even the newest landscape a sense of rootedness. But stonework also has a reputation for being expensive. Credit: Laurie Black Photography That means choosing rocks with contours that hug each other as closely as possible where they meet. confirm to check local regulations before you begin, confirming that your plans comply....

Learn how to build a shelf to maximize your room’s storage potential. The shelves are simple to make and can be finished and installed in one day. Customize the length to fit your space andfill them with decoror daily-use items. The 4-1/2x24-inch board should sit on top of the 5x24-inch piece. For reinforcement, drive nails into the joint with a nail gun. Attach Sides Attach the first 5x5-inch board onto one side of the shelf using wood glue....

A new shower can transform the look of your bathroom. It can offer more room and more privacy, helping you turn a basic bath into arelaxing retreat. However, adding a new shower can also be a lot of work. Credit: Michael Partenio Productions The shower’s opening can be closed off with a door or a curtain rod. Remove the base and cut and cement an extension to the drainpipe. The extension should be flush with the floor....

At the end of the blooming season, plan to compost annual vines after frost knocks them down. Cedar and redwood are excellent choices for minimal maintenance, and both weather beautifully. Fill with 6 inches ofgravel for drainageto prevent the wood from rotting. Credit:BHG / Sydney Saporito Cut the four 1x4 top rails (B) into 7-foot-3-inch lengths. (We beveled 2x2s in the arbor shown in the photograph. Cut the common lath (D) into 24 pieces of 3 feet each....

Miter-cut the ends of plywood spacers and point them upward. Square the ends and cut them to length. If desired, cut a decorative angle at one or both ends. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Fasten the spacers, points up, to two beam lengths with 1 1/4-inch screws. Attach the spacers at 16-inch intervals. Clamp and Screw Deck Beams Together Stack two beam pieces with the spacers sandwiched between. Credit: Dave Toht Align the ends and clamp them together....

Learn how to build a trellis with our easy step-by-step instructions. Make your own simple trellis in an afternoon, then plant your garden and watch it grow up. The possibilities for building trellises are endless. Credit:Peter Krumhardt Use rot-resistant wood for trellis construction, such as cedar or pressure-treated pine, to make yourgarden trellisdurable. Use exterior-grade stain or primer and paint to protect your wooden trellis. Painting before you assemble pieces may spare you brushwork later but may require touch-ups where screws have been inserted....

With its A-frame shape, this DIY ladder shelf provides a modernalternative to a traditional bookcase. Learn how to make this DIY A-frame ladder shelf using our step-by-step instructions below. Prepare the Wood Measure and cut the wood as specified in the cut list. Credit: Carson Downing Lightly sand the pieces to smooth rough edges. Position remaining rungs between markings using an L-square and a nailer. Glue and pin-nail the rungs between the two lengths....

Incorporate a stone DIY patio into your backyard or garden for aneasy outdoor roomaddition. Bricks, pavers, or flagstones can all create sturdy and attractive stone patio designs. Choose light-colored pavers to reflect heat or darker ones to absorb warmth for cooler evenings. Credit: Marty Baldwin Rotate the pieces until they fit together, working to create a nearly uniform space between the stones. Use the following tutorial for how to build aflagstone, brick, or paver patio....

This bench is the best of both worlds: sturdy and stunning. Using this guide, you’ll have a new favorite spot in your garden in just a few hours. With this easy step-by-step guide, you’ll have a sturdybench in your gardenfor years to come! Angle the ends of the 2 x 2s if desired along the other cuts. After cutting, check that to sand the ends and tops of the wood....

Grab a partner and some gloves to assemble this simplebut sturdycinder block bar. A backyard bar doesn’t have to be an expensive built-in feature. Take advantage of the cinder blocks' hollow shape to store glassware, towels, and shakers. Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour You’ll be ready for your next barbecue in no time. Once assembled, paint parts of your bar legs as desired with water-base paint for a finished look. These will be the two legs of your bar....

This DIY cooler cabinet makes outdoor entertaining a breeze. Note:The overall dimensions for this project are dependent on the size of the cooler. Our cooler measures 22 inches long by 13 inches wide by 11 inches tall. Credit: Adam Albright Adjust the dimensions to accommodate the size of your cooler. Build Cabinet Lid Start by building the cabinet’s lid. Lay the slats on a flat surface so that their ends are aligned....

Take a weekend to design, plan, and build an outdoor shower for your home. This home addition is also a great way for swimmers to clean off before diving in the pool. And after swimming, a quick rinse can get rid of the chlorinated water before you head inside. Credit:Rachel McGinn Use this guide to learn how to build an outdoor shower for your home. Before Getting Started The location of the shower will affect the complexity of the job....

Conquer slopes and create a beautiful yard with built-to-last landscape walls. But landscape retaining walls must be correctly constructed and maintained to do their job and stay stable. The soil constantly pushing on landscaperetaining wallsrequires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Here’s how to build yours and keep it in the best shape possible. confirm to fit the open ends of the pipe run with grate inserts to prevent clogging. Pull the landscape fabric down to cover the drainage pipe, then add a 3-inch layer of crushed rock....