Having a patio umbrella is a fantastic way to be able to enjoy the outdoors without getting too much sun. Whether you have it over a table, shading a spot in the pool, or just sitting on the deck, a patio umbrella can make summer a much more enjoyable experience.

When you shop for a new patio set you will quickly realize it isn’t cheap. Quality outdoor furniture is costly, so you will want to get as many years out of it as time allows. If you live somewhere with harsh winters then you know the cold winter months can wreak havoc on some outdoor furniture, while others are unfazed when spring emerges.

Depending on where you live, you may find that your outdoor faucets require extra maintenance and care. Certain occasions and temperatures will require you to take extra precautions.  But do you need to cover your outside faucets in the winter?

Roundup is a herbicide meant to help kill weeds and any other invasive plant that is causing trouble in your garden. Made by the Scotts Company, it can be quite effective at cleaning up unwanted growth in your garden and yard.

For many guys out there, their garage isn’t just a garage. It’s their Man Cave, or perhaps, their project place. Many a man spends his free time in the garage, drinking a cold beer and working on his latest project. If you want to make your garage a better place to be, you need good flooring. Floor tile and epoxy layers are both popular, but which one is right for you?

Creating a relaxing outdoor space can feature anything from backyard ponds to pergolas but usually includes some comfortable patio furniture. But when your outdoor cushions don’t stay in place, your backyard retreat becomes anything but relaxing. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep outdoor cushions from sliding so you can get back to enjoying your backyard retreat.

There is something of a misconception that all mower attachments are the same. The fact of the matter is that there is a huge array of attachments that can be used with tractors, skid-steers, excavators, and wheel loaders. All of which are designed to work optimally in certain situations.

Nothing says summertime like a cookout. And at the center of any good cookout is the grill, on which numerous foods are cooked to the enjoyment of the grill master and their guests. But there are a variety of grills out there, and some are ideal for specific occasions while others are ideal for different occasions.

A barbecue just isn’t the same without some fragrant smoked meat. The smell of hickory burning in the backyard triggers all sorts of mouth watering nostalgia. If you love smoked meat, you have probably considered buying a smoker for your own backyard gatherings. Upon researching, you will find that both electric smokers and pellet smokers require electricity, and you may wonder what exactly the difference is between the two. But more importantly, which type of smoker is better?

People don’t always realize this when they’re bathing, but pools require a lot of electricity to make things work. Pools have to have that current running so that their vacuums work, so that things are heated, and so their pumps work. They tend to put a lot of stress on breakers. Sometimes, it may be too much for older breakers. That’s why you should know what size breaker you need for a typical pool pump.

Owning a riding mower comes with many perks, but it can also require routine care and maintenance. One of the most common steps to take care of on your riding mower is to regularly change the blades. However, since the machine can be quite heavy, this process is not always simple.

When leaves overtake the yard, you want your Echo leaf blower to work correctly. Most people use it to blow the leaves instead of raking them. Others use it for blowing off the driveways and carports after cutting the grass.

Pool covers are always made out to be flimsy things. In the past, that was just the way things were. Today, things are a bit different. Your pool cover can turn a pool into a fully covered sidewalk…if you get the right type. While they are not quite common, you can now buy pool covers you can walk on. The question is, which ones are the best walkable pool covers on the market?

We use them every day and typically many times a day. That also means we usually take them for granted. Then one day (and commonly with garage doors) without warning, they stop working or stop working correctly. Sometimes they won’t open. Sometimes the  garage door won’t close or close all the way. And sometimes the genie garage door light won’t turn off.

Craftsman is one of the most trusted names in the world for power tools and outdoor tools. They have developed a reputation for creating some of the best, most reliable tools out there regardless of your need.

A sprinkler system can bring up the value of your home, but more importantly, a sprinkler system makes your life easier! Since professionally installed sprinkler systems can get costly, many have turned to DIY installation kits. But before you start digging, first find out how many sprinkler heads you can use per zone. And it doesn’t hurt to understand precisely how a sprinkler system works. 

Snapdragons provide a vibrant splash of color to any garden, blooming beautifully in the spring and fall. These bright blooms come in almost every color imaginable, and when cared for properly, can last a long time.  

Whether it be a simple conversation or involving an HOA, there are several ways to approach your neighbor who has a dangerous tree. The end goal should be for your neighbor to remove the tree without straining your relationship. Each of these methods is non-combative and can be quite successful:

A healthy lawn generates curb appeal, keeps you in your neighbor’s good graces, and is something to be proud of. The best way to ensure a healthy lawn is to install a sprinkler system, but unfortunately, that means spending a fortune. With that said, how can you avoid extreme expenses with alternatives to underground sprinkler systems?

Proper lawn maintenance often requires using a variety of tools. A lawnmower on its own may not be enough to keep your yard well-manicured. For many homeowners, the usage of a tool such as a string trimmer is also necessary.

Ferns are considered some of the oldest living plants on the earth and they can be grown outdoors in your garden or indoors as houseplants. They are a leafy type of plant with leaves (fronds) that drape, adding beauty and a touch of drama to any setting. Most indoor varieties are relatively simple to grow and care for. When planted outdoors, ferns are an excellent choice for ground cover in the proper conditions.

If you own a LiftMaster garage door opener, then you will know one of the most essential features is the keypad. This keypad allows anyone with the passcode to enter and is a secure method to obtain access to your garage.

Curb appeal is crucial. But functionality is fundamental. So, how do you create a practical yet stylish outdoor space? Many people prefer white oak patio accessories. So, is white oak good for outdoor furniture or not?

Decks are a common fixture in backyards across the country. People either have one already and want to make some changes or are looking to install a new one entirely. It can even add value to the home if the construction is done properly, but do you need a permit to build a deck?

Your pool served you well this summer. Now, it’s time to take several steps to prepare it for the offseason. Winterizing your pool isn’t hard. There are a few steps to follow to get the job done right. Next year, when the scorching hot weather returns, you’ll be glad you did. 

Leveling a yard is a process that is crucial to the aesthetics of your landscaping. Leveling your yard can save you from damage and foundation repairs. How much will you pay to level a yard you may ask? Let’s take a close look at the costs of the operation.

Keeping your yard beautifully landscaped is the perfect way to not only make your home look beautiful but also to give you some much-needed privacy. Adding just the right bushes, trees, and plants can make a home unique and be an appealing target for animals like deer to grab a quick meal. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you will want to search for deer-resistant plants to keep your landscaping and yard looking fantastic, even with deer roaming the area.

Nothing is more annoying than when weeds from your neighbor’s yard spill over into your yard. This is especially true if you take pride in your yard and don’t have a problem with weeds yourself. It’s also an eyesore to look at a yard full of weeds. Understandably, you may struggle with what to do when your neighbor’s yard is full of weeds.

Asphalt driveways are quite common and with good reason. For one, they look stylish in residential settings and are quite a bit less expensive to install than a concrete driveway. It is also possible to pave an asphalt driveway as a DIY endeavor, though it is always recommended that a professional do the job.

Whether you’re installing a new garage door or just want to update your current door, you have a decision to make: should you install a belt or chain garage door opener? Both options are effective, but there are pros and cons to each.

Your compost pile should be wet, but it shouldn’t exceed 60% water. Ideally, you should maintain between 40% to 60% water content for your compost pile. The microbial organisms within your compost pile need at least some water to thrive.

When it comes to finishing and waterproofing the inside of your new or remodeled swimming pool, you have a number of different options to choose from. While standard plaster – which consists of cement, sand, and additives – is the most popular, Pebble Technology International (PTI) offers several distinct textures of pool finishes.

If you have ever gone out to mow the lawn and suddenly realized that your lawnmower wouldn’t start, then you know the pain of this situation all too well. Whether it is due to a dirty carburetor, you have a malfunctioning spark plug, not enough gas to the engine, or simply a clogged air filter, there are many reasons why this could be happening.

As a child, waking up to a snow day is a pleasant surprise. You get to stay home from school, play around in the snow, and maybe sip on some hot chocolate. As adults, the snow is not as fun since it often just stops you from getting on with your day faster.

Both soft touch holly and boxwoods are common choices for homeowners looking to liven up their landscape. For many homeowners, however, it can be quite difficult determining the difference between the two.

If you’ve ever done any planting or gardening, you’ve likely had to purchase plant pots. You might have also noticed that plant pots are extremely expensive if you want new, quality plant pots. However, plant pots are merely containers to hold a plant when you think about it. Why, then, are plant pots so costly?

When it comes to pool safety, few things are as important as making sure that you don’t end up slipping and falling into the pool. The question of how to prevent slips often involves yelling at kids to keep walking and using the right materials. That’s why travertine is a bit of a contention. Does it get slippery when wet, or is that just rumors that should be water under the bridge?

Fire pits are some of the most attractive and versatile outdoor heating options available for your backyard space. They come in wide array of sizes and styles to fit your home and unique needs. However, there are two main types of fire pits to choose from, categorized by the fuel type they burn: wood and gas (more specifically, propane gas).

Outdoor lights can make your home’s exterior look incredible. They’re also popular for holidays and great for summertime gatherings. But can outdoor lights get wet? And if not, how do you protect exterior lighting from the weather?

Over the years, technology has consistently advanced and made life more convenient in many ways. One such technological advancement is the Clicker universal wireless garage door entry system. With this keyless entry device, you and your family can have convenient, secure access to your home and garage.

Although most homeowners hire a professional to build their deck, some may choose to DIY it. Whether you are speaking with a contractor or looking for materials at a lumber store, you want to know what you’re talking about. Even if you’re well-versed in the subject, it is not uncommon to have basic deck construction questions about the design, planning, or installation process.

Endless pools or swim spas have gained quite some popularities in recent years. Naturally, homeowners begin to ask the question about pricing. How much does an endless pool cost?

Strange odors in your home can be alarming, especially if it smells like a flammable substance such as gasoline. Gasoline is a part of everyday life for the average homeowner or commuter, but you never expect your house to smell like it. So, why does your house smell like gasoline?

When you pull out the pressure washer and find out the hose is not long enough, there are different options. There are also warnings for some things that you should not do if you find yourself in this situation. You should first know the size of your hose in length and diameter.

There are different components to a lawnmower that make up its ever-changing technology. Some parts, however, remain the same and have never changed. One of those parts is the spindle which a significant part that turns the blades.

There are many types of grass, some of which grow better in certain areas. If you find yourself in the middle of choosing between, centipede grass, and St Augustine grass.

Nothing is more uncomfortable than knowing that your neighbors can watch your every move. Unfortunately, privacy is a luxury now that it costs thousands of dollars to install a fence with professional help. So, what are the best cheap ways to block a neighbor’s view?

Pool plaster is the most popular pool resurfacing option for concrete pools. Part of its success is its time-tested results as well as the wide range of different colors that it comes in. If you love customization, then you might want to know what the most popular pool paster colors are. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

A property that is built into a hillside sounds like the ideal location for a house. The views are magnificent, and there is a special character to the landscaping. Backyards that slope towards the house have to be carefully planned, though, to protect your home.

When it comes to doing home improvement, there are certain things one has to get to accomplish a project. It can be tempting to do your own work to straighten and repair your garage door. Paint, screwdrivers, and measuring tape are your typical necessary supplies, but do you need a permit to put a door in your garage? 

Moles are small furry creatures that, by tunneling underneath the soil, can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden. There’s no worse feeling than gazing upon your beautiful lawn, that you’ve been working on all summer long, and seeing it crisscrossed by unsightly mounds and tunnels. Aside from the obvious eyesore this creates, tunneling can separate roots from the soil, killing your grass and other vegetation in the process.

If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, then you may already know that smoking a hard-boiled egg is a fantastic way to infuse additional flavor into this brunch staple. Smoked eggs are a great protein-rich smoked option for vegetarians, and are an excellent way to take your deviled eggs to exotic new heights.

Summertime means a lot of different things. It means BBQing. It means spending time outdoors with friends and family. It also means keeping your yard nice and manicured, looking clean and fresh throughout the summer.

In recent years, our society has been on a march towards the “chemicals are bad” style of life. Saltwater pools’ popularity are a sign of it, really. The thing is, saltwater pools are not exactly easy to care for. That’s why people like to have chlorine pools. Though rare, you’ll hear of saltwater pool owners who want to convert their gig into chlorine. Is that even a thing?

Photographs and memes of bright sunflowers facing each other have long circulated the internet and been the subject of many chain emails. The memes suggest that when the weather is cloudy or, overcast sunflowers will turn to face one another. Sunflowers can feed off each other’s energy by facing each other, or so the belief and widely circulated memes tout. But is this true?

For many, Winter approaching means spending time with family, snuggled around a warm fire outdoors. Fire pits are becoming a popular outdoor fixture for new homes. The best part is, you can make fire bricks and a fire pit with a little skill and some tools. 

When I first started writing about home improvement, I talked about the “she-sheer she shed” commercial. Sheds have, since then, become a favorite part of my home improvement repertoire. I started to wonder what the deal with sheds are. Do they actually add value to a home, or is it more of a “meh” type of deal?

One thing no one ever tells you is that mowing the lawn has a learning curve. It’s not only learning about how to add fuel to your mower or how to turn. It’s also a matter of learning how to adjust your deck wheels and how to tell if you’re mowing properly.

Depending on where you live, a swimming pool can make summer months much more enjoyable and an excellent way to cool off. In fact, during the pandemic, pool manufacturers and installers saw a major increase in demand with everyone stuck at home. Heaters, pumps, and building materials were out of stock for months, but the demand still remains consistent.

Tropical plants aren’t naturally meant to grow indoors, and that creates some hurdles. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to grow tropical houseplants with modern grow lights and potting mixes. A few simple tricks can ensure optimal growth for your indoor tropical plants, such as: