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Yard Ideas & Inspiration

Explore inspiring yard ideas that will drastically make your home more efficient & appealing.

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The 4 Best Fire Pits (2023 Review)

Fire pits add atmosphere and warmth to your backyard. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best fire pits on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
Piedmont Fire Pit by Hampton Bay - The Home Depot SKU 302563838 Portable, metal, two-in-one design is ideal for outdoor heating or grilling.
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E1: Autumn Checklist for Your Home

Get these seasonal tips for keeping your home safe, enjoying the outdoors, and prepping for the holiday with décor.
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How to Create a Backyard Movie Theater

Who needs the mall theater or a drive-in with the weather this nice? Bring the Silver Screen to your backyard with a red-carpet-worthy movie premiere this summer.
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Designing a Multifunctional Outdoor Space

Spaces for gathering, cooking, dining, and play define this family’s backyard getaway. See how they designed a multifunctional outdoor space.
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5 Best Propane Fire Pits (2024 Guide)

Everyone loves a fire pit, but wood-burning models require a lot of work. Propane fire pits are a low-maintenance alternative. Read our review below on the best propane fire pits to learn more about Amazon's top options.
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The 9 Best Patio Heaters (2024 Review)

Purchase a heater to enjoy your patio or other outdoor living space year round. Our review goes over the best patio heaters on the market.
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Types of Landscaping Rocks and How to Use Them

Learning the best ways to use these popular landscaping rocks will lend both style and utility to your yard or garden. And with plenty of options for different types of spaces, most DIY gardeners and landscapers will be able to find something to turn their yard into an elegant escape. But knowing which stones to use for a project can be critical, and this guide aims to help.
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The 5 Best Inflatable Pools (2024 Review)

An inflatable pool is an alternative to an above-ground or in-ground pool. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best inflatable pools on Amazon.
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The 5 Best Beach Chairs (2024 Review)

When you’re not building sand castles or swimming in the ocean, relax in a beach chair. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best beach chairs on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
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The 5 Best Yard Games (2024 Review)

From croquet to badminton, yard games are an easy and affordable way to make your outdoor living space more fun during the warmer months of the year. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best yard games on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
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The 5 Best Frisbees (2024 Review)

Throwing a frisbee around is a timeless way to enjoy the outdoors with your friends or family. This review explores the best frisbees that you can find on Amazon.
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The 5 Best Playscapes and Swing Sets (2024 Review)

Playsets allow your children to enjoy the outdoors while swinging, sliding, climbing, and playing. Keep reading to learn about our picks for the best playscapes on Amazon.
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7 Best Invisible Fences (2024 Guide)

In this review, we analyze and compare the best invisible fences on Amazon, discuss what to look for when buying, and answer common buyer questions.
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The 4 Best Tents (2024 Review)

Are you looking for a tent for a weekend camping trip? Read our buyer’s guide on the best tents on Amazon to learn about four of our top recommendations.
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The 5 Best Fire Pit Tables (2024 Review)

Combining the practicality of a table with the magic of a fire, a fire pit table makes for a perfect backyard addition. Find the best one with our top recommendations.
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Before and After: Creating an Outdoor Relaxation Zone

See how this couple transformed their neglected backyard into an inviting destination with designated activity areas and low-maintenance finishes.
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The 5 Best Camp Stoves (2023 Review)

A portable camping stove means that you always have a kitchen at your disposal no matter where you are. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best camp stoves on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various retail stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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The 5 Best Trampolines (2024 Review)

Trampolines can be a fun addition to your yard. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best trampolines on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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16 Pergola Ideas to Enhance Your Backyard

Add dynamic definition to your landscape with a stylish structure sure to enhance how you enjoy your outdoor space.
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Summer Checklist: Small Projects that Pay Off

Warm weather has finally arrived! It’s time to head outside and give your house and landscape some TLC.
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Smart Home: A Brainier Backyard

As smart tech aimed at outdoor living evolves, the range of tasks it can handle—from lighting the patio to freeing you from the grill to robo-mowing the grass—is more impressive than ever.
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Ingenious Hot Tub Deck Ideas

Give your hot tub the extra special touch it needs with these great deck ideas.
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6 Fun Outdoor Bar Ideas

Entertain and impress your guests at your next backyard party with these great outdoor bar ideas.
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Outdoor Rooms Roundup

Looking to eke a little more living out of your backyard patch of green? As the past year has made clear, outdoor spaces are vital to our well-being­—and they can double our dining, entertaining, and hangout space. Here’s how three couples created a bit of paradise in their own backyards.
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Best Smokers (2024 Guide)

In this round-up and comprehensive buying guide, we take a look at some of the best smokers on the market.

Accessories You Need if You Love to Grill

Love to grill? Host a Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or fun seasonal bash to remember with gadgets that will enhance your grill skills. Read on to see our guide to grilling accessories.
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Create Your Best Yard Yet

Getting ahead of your yard work is the difference between enjoying the seasonal rituals of planting, weeding, and deadheading—and falling behind and making the whole thing feel like drudgery. Read this guide to learn what you can do to create your ideal yard.
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7 Backyard Tiki Bar Ideas

Looking for more ways to entertain outdoors? Read these ideas for creating a backyard tiki bar to enjoy during warmer months.
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Plan the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

There are some important factors to consider when planning your outdoor kitchen.
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5 Weekend Projects to Get Your Yard Ready for Summer

Summertime is upon us, which means longer days and extended weekends, outdoor barbeques, s’mores around the bonfire, relaxing with friends and family on the patio—and, did we mention the best part? Finally being able to work on projects outside!
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Best Outdoor Gifts

Fit for backyard shindigs, camping, hiking, tailgating, and beyond—these are our picks for the best outdoor gifts.
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Enhance Your Outdoor Space

In this interactive video, TOH 2018 Idea House builder Jeff Sweenor talks about upgrades that can enhance your outdoor space now—and increase ROI later.
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10 Cedar Projects to Enhance Your Outdoor Space

From dream-worthy decking to stylish lounge furniture, we’ve rounded up ways to create your very own outdoor sanctuary with this versatile and sustainable species