Outdoor Living

Outdoor spaces are more important today than ever. If you’re ready to show off your culinary skills in your new outdoor kitchen or put in a pool for the kids, we’ve got you covered. Learn estimated project costs, easy DIYs, and helpful tips for everything from pest control to covered patios. 

Family having a party in the backyard
Photo: Trinette Reed / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Family having a party in the backyard
Photo: Trinette Reed / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
wooden walkout deck with flowers
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Feb 5, 2025
Feb 5, 2025
Deck replacement costs depend on materials, any structural damage you need to fix, and more. This guide explores how much it costs to replace or repair a deck.
Woman relaxing in a chair on porch.
Mitchell Grant
•
Feb 6, 2025
Feb 6, 2025
Old and run-down porch railings can be an eyesore and pose a risk of falling. Find out how much it costs to replace your worn out porch railings with new materials.
empty finished deck with double glass doors leading to home
Kelly Weimert
•
Feb 11, 2025
Feb 11, 2025
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
aerial view of second story deck of home
Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Under-deck drainage costs can be pricey. Your final quote will depend on labor, materials, and the size of your deck. Start budgeting with this guide.
wooden deck in backyard
Deane Biermeier
•
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
Consult a pro if your deck or porch looks worse for wear. Here are the top deck repair questions to discuss with a contractor before getting started.
outdoor entertaining on deck
Jacqueline DeMarco
•
Feb 12, 2025
Feb 12, 2025
If you’re wondering—who can I get to refinish my deck?—you’re in the right place. Learn who you can hire to refinish your deck if you aren’t up for the DIY.
Need help finding the right pro?
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
View all articles
Patio awning with solar panels
Melissa Graham  •  Mar 10, 2025
5 Questions to Ask When Installing or Replacing a Metal Awning or Patio Cover
Consider these awning questions when installing or replacing a metal awning or patio cover. The answers can determine who you hire and how long the project takes.
Large in-ground swimming pool
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Mar 10, 2025
5 Pool Opening and Closing Questions to Ask a Pro
Getting your pool ready for the season or shutting it down afterward requires a talk with a pro about these pool opening and closing questions.
backyard with large in ground pool
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Mar 10, 2025
How to Build a Pool: A Guide to Building a Pool From Start to Finish
If you're curious about building your own pool, here's all you need to know about the process—and why hiring a team of pros is often your best bet.
A house with a large garden and a swimming pool
Paige Bennett  •  Mar 10, 2025
How to Patch a Pool Liner and Just Keep Swimming
If you have a tear in your pool liner, it can lead to costly problems if you don’t repair it. Find out how to patch a pool liner in just a few simple steps.
A luxurious pool house behind a house’s swimming pool
Mariel Loveland  •  Mar 10, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Fill a Pool With Water? [2025 Data]
How much does it cost to fill a pool with water? It depends on the size of your pool and where you’re getting the water. This guide can help you budget.
A family plays by a swimming pool
Ginny Bartolone  •  Mar 10, 2025
Pool Building Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool?
What's the timeline from pool plans to pool party? Let's walk through how long it takes to build a pool depending on your design choices.
A woman doing her yoga practice in front of the pool
Lauren Bongard  •  Mar 10, 2025
How to Lower Calcium Hardness in a Pool
If your water has high calcium hardness, it's important to learn how to lower calcium hardness in your pool water to avoid corrosion that can harm your pool's plumbing.
large white house with inground pool
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Mar 10, 2025
Automatic Pool Cover Costs: A Complete Pricing Guide [2025 Data]
Find out all you need to know about electric pool cover costs so you can decide if it's the right fit for you and which type you should get.
Woman dipping toes in backyard pool
Mizuki Hisaka  •  Mar 10, 2025
How Much Does Pool Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Dive into the ins and outs of pool maintenance costs to keep your pool sparkling clean and ready for backyard fun and relaxation.
father embracing daughter while swimming in swimming pool
Dan Simms  •  Mar 10, 2025
How Much Does a Pool Pump Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Need a new pool pump to boost performance and save on energy? Use this guide to budget for your pool pump costs.
A house’s backyard with a fiberglass swimming pool
Lauren Bongard  •  Mar 7, 2025
How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Fiberglass pools are a solid choice. If you are looking into installing one at home, read this guide to learn all the ins and outs of fiberglass pool costs.
Father and son playing in the swimming pool
Rachel Hoffman  •  Mar 7, 2025
Fiberglass vs. Concrete Pools: Which Is Better for Your Backyard?
Want to build a pool but can’t decide on a fiberglass versus concrete pool? Learn the pros and cons of each so you can choose the one that’s right for you.