20 Inspiring Backyard Projects by DIYers Like You

Jenny StanleyUpdated: Dec. 19, 2021

Prepare to be impressed by these backyard projects created by Family Handyman readers.

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Photo: Courtesy of Jan Ryan

Elevated Vegetable Garden Planter

Reader Jan Ryan made her life as a gardener ten times better by building a raised planting table. Now it’s so much easier to tend to her delicious veggies and herbs.

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Grand Garden Shed

Ever think about putting an outdoor shower in a garden shed? Neither have we! But that’s just what reader Emlyn Jones did, and he used shed plans from The Family Handyman.

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Photo: Courtesy of David Peyton

Massive Backyard Stone Fireplace

Reader David Peyton crafted this massive backyard fireplace by hand, using 15 tons of assorted stones, concrete block and firebrick. Its rustic look suits the setting in David’s backyard.

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Pond Upgrade

Reader Janice Ferguson and her husband made changes to their existing pond based on a few ideas they found in The Family Handyman’s Plan a Low-Maintenance Pond project, originally published in the April 2005 issue. They lowered the water level, making it more accessible for birds, and added a small waterfall. What a great water feature!

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North Woods Bench in White

Reader Keith Simpson followed plans in the May 2014 issue of The Family Handyman to create his version of the North Woods Bench. We especially like Keith’s process for creating a very durable, very smooth white finish. He used enamel primer and acrylic latex paint and sanded between each coat. Photo: Keith Simpson

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Safe, Stylish Railing

Sean O’Conner constructed this safe, low-maintenance deck railing that preserves a great view around his home.

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Photo: Courtesy of Dale Lockwood

Private Studio Space

Reader Dale Lockwood built an amazing creative studio building for his wife. It includes double front doors, three sliding windows that face a nearby lake, an interior loft for storage, window boxes, a weathervane and a woodchip pathway. It’s the perfect space for bringing creative projects to life.

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Photo: Courtesy of John White

Outdoor Wood-Fired Oven

Inspired by foreign exchange students that his family hosted, reader John White built this professional-looking wood-fired oven in his backyard. Then he needed to learn how to bake!

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Perfect-Fit Fence

When you can’t find what you’re looking for, build it yourself! That’s what reader Scott Schneider did with his fence. The completed project features arches that complement the style of his house—just what he wanted.

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Backyard Putting Practice

This backyard putting green, created by reader Shane Graham, features a border of flagstone, artificial grass and two holes for putting practice. What a fun place to pass the time at home!

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Photo: Courtesy of John Golock

Backyard Stone Fireplace

Reader John Golock built an impressive stone fireplace himself. Bet you can’t tell that it was his first attempt at a masonry project—ever!

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Envious Tree House

This tree house created by reader Tom Beerley features a deck addition fit for a small home!

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Photo: Courtesy of Michael McGuire

Patio and Pergola

To save some serious cash, reader Michael McGuire decided to DIY his patio and pergola project. We think he did a standup job, and surely learned a thing or two along the way.

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Starfighter Play Set

Reader John Rubino may get the coolest-dad-ever award for this play set that he built for his two sons in his backyard.

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Taj Ma-Shed

Built using plans from the Ultimate Garden Shed article in The Family Handyman magazine, reader Bill Derby says his Taj Ma-Shed was a challenging yet very rewarding project to complete. He even added to it by building a deck for the base of the shed!

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Fancy DIY Fire Table

Perfect for chilly fall nights, reader Ed Merkle constructed this Fabulous Fire Table using plans from the April 2017 issue of The Family Handyman. He modified it slightly by making it smaller to fit within his outdoor space, and we love the terra-cotta color that he chose for the concrete top! Ed says the project has been receiving glowing reviews from his neighbors.

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Reclaimed Lumber Decking

From trash to treasure is an understatement for this project by reader Dallin Pedersen. He salvaged a pile of 3x3 unfinished Ipe boards, turning them into beautiful and unique decking. After reshaping the boards and a lot of sanding, Dallin added an oil-base wood toner. The deck looks spectacular!

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Right-Height Planter

This Patio Planter project, originally published in the April 2017 issue of The Family Handyman, is right at home on the sunny deck of reader Bob LaBelle. He built it for his wife, who you can see is an amazing gardener! They’ll be eating fresh veggies and herbs all season long! Photo: Bob LaBelle

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Green Garden Shed

Following The Family Handyman’s Garden Shed plans, originally published in the July/August 2011 issue, reader Norman Elton completed this stunning storage building in his backyard. He did a fantastic job, didn’t he? And we think the color combination of dark green siding with bright white trim goes perfectly with the shed’s surroundings. Photo: Norman Elton

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Ultimate Dog House

Reader Corey Hosick built the ultimate shelter for his two German Shepard dogs. It’s equipped with so many bells and whistles for his fur babies. Check out all of the great photos from Corey here.

Originally Published: March 18, 2019