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.
A wooden deck overlooking the backyard
Taylor Freitas
•
Feb 3, 2025
Feb 3, 2025
Thinking about adding a deck to your home? Explore this guide to learn about the average cost to build a deck based on factors like size, material, and labor.
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.
luxury house with wooden walkout deck
Taylor Sansano
•
Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
When planning an outdoor oasis, there are many types of decks to consider. This guide explores popular materials and styles to help you pick the best one.
Back deck in residential house
Jouviane Alexandre
•
Nov 21, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
You might know about deck boards and railings, but what are the other parts of a deck? Here are the parts you should know before you build a new deck.
Deck with wooden railing
Xiao Faria daCunha
•
Dec 2, 2024
Dec 2, 2024
When is a railing required on a deck? If you’re not sure that your deck follows the law, explore these critical deck railing requirements.
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Outdoor sitting area with plunge pool
Mariel Loveland  •  Feb 7, 2025
How Much Does a Plunge Pool Cost? [2025 Data]
Thinking of adding a plunge pool to your backyard? Find out how much plunge pools cost, from materials to labor to add-on features.
A pool in the backyard of a two-story house
Rachel Hoffman  •  Feb 7, 2025
Pool Salt Calculator: Know How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool
A saltwater pool can bring you outdoor enjoyment for years to come. Learn how much salt to add to your pool to keep it working perfectly.
Luxurious pool in the garden of a private villa, hanging chair with pillows
Heather Ayer  •  Feb 7, 2025
How Much Does a Pool Heater Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Installing a pool heater ensures that your pool gets used as much as possible, but is the pool heater cost worth it? Let’s find out.
home pool closed for the winter
Mariel Loveland  •  Feb 6, 2025
What Is the Cost of Closing a Pool for the Winter? [2025 Data]
When winter nears, it’s time to close your pool. Pool closing costs are dependent on the size and type of pool—plus any add-on features.
Small pool in backyard of home
Mariel Loveland  •  Feb 6, 2025
Is a Concrete Pool Right for My Home? Here’s What You Need to Know
Concrete pools are some of the most durable on the market, but this high-end material isn’t right for everyone. Here are some pros, cons, and comparisons.
boy and girl playing in the pool
Dan Simms  •  Feb 6, 2025
How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost? [2025 Data]
Need to know what pool resurfacing costs? Use this handy guide to get an accurate estimate for your project and see what factors can affect your total.
A huge concrete patio in a contemporary house
Dan Simms  •  Feb 5, 2025
9 Types of Concrete Finishes for Patios
Installing a concrete patio and want to customize? Check out the different types of concrete finishes for patios to choose what works best for your taste.
Yard with wooden decking and artificial grass
Kate Fann  •  Feb 4, 2025
How to Add Artificial Grass to Your Deck in 15 Steps
Adding artificial grass to your deck can be a good way to protect the wood underneath the grass while providing a more comfortable walking surface. Here’s how to do it.
patio table and four chairs sit on screened in porch
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Feb 4, 2025
How Much Does a Screened-In Porch Cost? [2025 Data]
Considering adding a screened porch to your home? Discover the average cost of a screened-in porch, depending on its size, location, and more.
Slab concrete backyard patio table chairs
Rachel Hoffman  •  Feb 3, 2025
How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost? [2025 Data]
A concrete patio adds valuable outdoor living space to your home. Learn how much a concrete patio costs and which factors affect the project price.
A contemporary house with an elevated concrete patio
Dan Simms  •  Jan 31, 2025
Concrete Patio Thickness: How Thick a Concrete Patio Should Be
Before you pour your concrete, you should know how thick a concrete patio should be. The ideal thickness varies, so use this guide to get it right.
Country cottage with green landscaped backyard
Kelly Weimert  •  Jan 27, 2025
How Much Does Aboveground Pool Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
If you're ready to get rid of that pool once and for all, use this guide to learn aboveground pool removal cost based on factors like size, type, and features.