Pergola purlins provide style against weather

For a handy DIYer, a privacy screen is an easy-ish addition to a backyard patio. Why build a privacy screen? Privacy in a backyard space–even…

Here’s a MyFixitUpLife tip for installing deck boards. Install deck boards a few inches (anywhere from, say, 3 to 12 inches) past the deck framing,…

This easy-to-build Clutter Cutter is a simple, fun DIY storage solution. Perfect for sheds and garages, it quickly gets your awkward-shaped tools organized.

The Backyard Pergola: A quiet retreat tucked away from the street Our backyard hasn’t ever ranked as a favorite spot to entertain or relax. While…

Hi, I’m Lexi and I love to paint cool things. I love to paint because it is fun and all of my friends like to do it.

A pergola can be a perfect addition to a backyard to create a shady-ish spot for dining, relaxing, or even a space for kids to…

Get the kids involved with age appropriate—safe—home improvement activity. Even if they don’t thank you now, they’ll thank you later. Mark A licensed contractor, tool…

We made a mini-deck and a wood platform for our new grill. No deck, no patio? No problem. Make a grill platform. We did. Our…

Why build a cedar pergola? It’s easy to love your wood pergola when the sun is shining. But it’s extreme weather that tests a wood’s mettle.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their stories in the Real DIY Contest. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association received some very…

When Mark and I heard that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was planning to build 7 houses in 7 days in Joplin for families affected by…

When you use a tamper, you use it, ramming it like a pile driver into the ground to compact loose earth. I used the heck…

Phatso’s Bakery inspired what I call ‘Resort Whimsy’ design for the Food Network show ‘Save My Bakery.’ After talking with the owner for a while…

Guard rails on stairs need to be 36 inches (minimum) above the stair nosing and cut to the same angle of the stair’s rise and…

Today’s mission is to prep the yard, layout the post holes, dig, dig some more, and set the posts in fast-setting concrete. As we like…