28 Outdoor Projects Everyone Should Know About

For many Americans, fall is when the scorching summer temperatures finally ease to allow comfortable outdoor living. For others it’s a time to start planning for outdoor projects for spring. Either way, there’s a lot you can do to make your outdoor space more inviting. (Outdoor shower, anyone?) Knowing how to get those things done is another story. Whom do you call? How much will it cost? Don’t worry. Consider this your guide to the ins and outs of 28 great projects that can make your outdoor space the best it can be, from adding a deck and an outdoor pizza oven to repainting your home’s exterior and, yes, even adding an outdoor shower.

1. Add a deck. It’s hard to enjoy your outdoor space without a proper place to kick back and relax in. If you’ve got a sloping yard or a raised home, a deck may be right for you.

Full story: See what to know about adding a deck


2. If you already have a deck, you may need to refinish it. Wood decks are great, but without proper maintenance, they can lose their appeal sooner than they should. It’s recommended that you refinish your wood deck every year or two. Here’s what to know.

Full story: See how to refinish a wood deck


3. Add a built-in grill. Ditching that grill on wheels for a proper, more permanent outdoor grilling station is a dream for many of us. Here’s what to know about how much it will cost and whom to hire for help.

Full story: See how to get a built-in outdoor grill


4. Get your own pizza oven. Imagine sitting in your backyard while a fresh pizza cooks over a wood-burning fire. Here’s how to make that dream come true.

Full story: See how to get an outdoor pizza oven


5. Splurge on an outdoor kitchen. A step up from a built-in grill or pizza oven, a full-on outdoor kitchen makes outdoor living better than indoor living.

Full story: See how to get an outdoor kitchen


6. Add an outdoor shower. What better way to enjoy your outdoor space than by taking all your clothes off?

Full story: See how to add an outdoor shower


7. Paint your home’s exterior. This is perhaps the most impactful update you can do to change your outdoor space for the better.

Full story: See how to repaint your home’s exterior


8. Make a garden fountain. Water can have a restorative mental effect. Plus, a fountain makes a great focal point in any space.

Full story: See how to make your own garden fountain


9. Add a backyard shed. Sheds are great for adding square footage to a home without doing an extensive remodel.

Full story: See how to add a backyard shed for storage or living


10. Install a green roof. Green roofs add insulation to a home, which can help cut down energy costs, and they can reduce runoff pollution. Oh, and of course, they look amazing.

Full story: See how to install a green roof


11. Upgrade your front yard. If pulling up to your home at the end of the day gives you anxiety because your yard is a mess, it’s probably time for an overhaul.

Full story: See how to upgrade your front yard for curb appeal and more


12. Get a greener driveway. No, not greener in the sense of color, but in its environmental friendliness.

Full story: See how to build a greener driveway


13. Install a new doorbell. Though it’s a small detail, a doorbell makes a big first impression. Plus, it’s a relatively low-cost, high-impact update to an exterior.

Full story: See how to get a new doorbell


14. Update your walkway and driveway. Your front driveway and walkway also make a big first impression. If yours are underwhelming, consider repairing, replacing or enhancing them.

Full story: See how to give your driveway and front walk more curb appeal


15. Reseal your asphalt driveway. Sometimes your driveway just needs a new face. In fact, asphalt driveways should be resealed every two years. The cost isn’t bad, between 10 and 25 cents per square foot, and the result can make a huge difference.

Full story: See how to reseal your asphalt driveway


16. Add a ramp. Because you never know when you or someone you know will want wheelchair access to your home.

Full story: See how to add an indoor or outdoor ramp


17. Replace or revamp your garage doors. Garage doors are another one of those things that make a big first impression, and not only for you when you arrive home — if your garage faces the street, it effects guests, neighbors and passersby as well.

Full story: See how to replace or revamp your garage doors


18. Implement a landscape lighting scheme. Just because the sun goes down shouldn’t mean you have to scurry indoors. With the proper lighting scheme, you can extend the use of your outdoor space well into the night.

Full story: See how to light your landscape for drama and function


19. Add a solar water heater. Heating water accounts for a huge chunk of our energy usage. Solar is a great way to heat water with a renewable energy source — and without doing an extensive home remodel.

Full story: See how to add a solar water heater


20. Replaster or remodel your pool. Like anything, pools don’t last forever. The expected life span of plaster on gunite pools is only 10 to 15 years. So if you purchased a home with a pool, or it’s been decades since you installed one, it’s probably ready for an update.

Full story: See how to replaster or remodel your pool


21. Put in a natural swimming pool. These pools avoid chemicals by keeping the water clean and clear through the use of plants and sand filters.

Full story: See more on natural swimming pools


22. Replace your lawn with a garden. Less water use and maintenance are just two benefits of ditching your thirsty lawn for a more native garden.

Full story: See how to replace your lawn with a garden


23. Decorate your patio. If you have a deck or patio, chances are that you won’t use it unless you’ve got a place to sit and other things that entice you to venture outside.

Full story: See 10 ways to deck out your patio


24. Hide your air conditioning unit. Eyesores in the yard might make you think twice about stepping outside to relax. That’s why hiding your air conditioner can allow you to enjoy your space more.

Full story: See 5 ways to hide that big air conditioner in your yard


25. Design a colorful flower bed. Before you begin, you’ll want to think about choosing a spot, shape and color scheme. Here’s what to do.

Full story: See how to design a colorful flower bed


26. Design the perfect front porch. If you’re thinking of adding a front porch or remodeling one, you’ll want to know the right measurements for the most function.

Full story: See key measurements to help you design the perfect front porch


27. Keep your outdoor furniture looking new. Nobody is going to sit on a cushion that’s green with mold. Here’s how to properly care for your outdoor furniture.

Full story: See how to keep your outdoor furniture looking new


28. Add a fun feature. Because sometimes all your outdoor space needs is a playful focal point.

Full story: See 10 fun features to bring your landscape to life

More: 13 Extra-Cool Things to Do With a Backyard

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