Outdoor Projects
Extend your living space outdoors. From quick curb appeal wins to building a new deck, our guides help you create outdoor spaces you'll love.
Choose Your Project
Start with quick curb appeal wins or dive into a major deck build
Quick Impact
Curb Appeal
Boost your home's first impression with landscaping, paint, lighting, and small updates that make a big difference from the street.
Budget
$200 - $2,000
Timeline
1-3 weekends
Guide
25 steps
Includes
- Front door & hardware
- Landscaping & mulch
- Outdoor lighting
- House numbers & mailbox
Major Project
Deck Building
Build a beautiful outdoor living space from the ground up. Complete guide from planning and permits to finishing touches.
Budget
$5,000 - $20,000+
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Guide
46 steps
Includes
- Planning & permits
- Foundation & framing
- Decking & railings
- Stairs & finishing
Popular Curb Appeal Projects
Quick wins that make a big impact on your home's first impression
Paint Your Front Door
The fastest way to transform your home's first impression
Update House Numbers
Modern numbers make a surprising difference
Add Pathway Lights
Welcome guests and improve safety after dark
Refresh Landscaping
Trim shrubs, add mulch, and plant seasonal color
Power Wash Everything
Driveway, walkways, and siding look new again
Update Porch Lights
Swap dated fixtures for modern style
Deck Building Phases
Our 46-step guide breaks down into these major phases
Planning & Permits
Design, materials, and local requirements
Foundation
Footings, posts, and ledger board
Framing
Beams, joists, and structure
Decking & Finishing
Boards, railings, and details
Seasonal Outdoor Guide
The right projects for every time of year
Spring Cleanup
- Clean gutters after winter
- Power wash hardscapes
- Prune dormant shrubs
- Apply fresh mulch
- Check for winter damage
Summer Projects
- Build that deck or patio
- Install landscape lighting
- Plant heat-tolerant annuals
- Set up outdoor living area
- Maintain lawn watering
Fall Prep
- Aerate and overseed lawn
- Plant spring bulbs
- Clean and store furniture
- Winterize irrigation
- Add fall decorations
Winter Planning
- Plan next year's projects
- Order materials early
- Maintain evergreen interest
- Holiday lighting
- Protect plants from frost
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about outdoor projects
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Most jurisdictions require permits for decks, especially those over 30 inches high, attached to the house, or over 200 square feet. Permits ensure structural safety and protect your home's value. Building without permits can cause problems when selling. Always check with your local building department before starting.
What's the best decking material?
Pressure-treated wood is most affordable ($15-25/sq ft installed) but requires maintenance. Composite ($25-45/sq ft) is low-maintenance but can get hot. Hardwoods like Ipe ($30-50/sq ft) are beautiful and durable but expensive. Consider your climate, maintenance tolerance, and budget when choosing.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
A basic 12x12 pressure-treated deck costs $2,000-4,000 DIY or $4,000-8,000 professionally installed. Composite materials add 50-100% to costs. Factors include size, height, railings, stairs, and site conditions. Budget an extra 10-20% for unexpected issues.
What curb appeal projects have the best ROI?
Highest ROI curb appeal projects: new garage door (94% return), manufactured stone veneer (92%), wood deck addition (72%), and new entry door (69%). Simple projects like landscaping, painting, and pressure washing cost little but make homes sell faster at higher prices.
When is the best time to plant landscaping?
Fall is ideal for trees, shrubs, and perennials - cool air and warm soil promote root growth before winter. Spring works well too. Avoid planting in summer heat or winter frost. Annuals go in after last frost in spring. Water deeply after planting regardless of season.
How do I maintain my deck?
Wood decks: clean annually, reseal/stain every 2-3 years, check for rot and loose boards. Composite decks: clean twice yearly with soap and water, check for mold in shady areas. All decks: keep debris from between boards, check hardware annually, clear snow promptly to prevent damage.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Start with quick curb appeal wins or plan your dream deck.