Family Handyman Reader Projects: Outdoor Spaces

Tiki Bar

Chip Bott and his wife built this backyard tiki bar and appropriately named it “ChipWrecked.” The ongoing project used recycled pallets for furniture they cushioned themselves.

Outdoor Sink

Tom Hendrickson upgraded his backyard oasis with this functional sink. The concrete top was made to withstand the elements while the sink fixture adds to his grilling experience.

Kids Carport

Ryan Tinsley was tired of pulling the kids’ vehicles out of the shed to get things he needed, so he made them a carport. He saved money using free pallets as the base with 2x4s securing the roof.

Herb Garden

Amy Simonton made good use of otherwise unused space alongside her home to create this herb garden out of paver blocks. The hostas add a nice visual element while the herbs compliment her cooking.

Deck Rope Lights

Amy Simonton kept the projects going when she and her husband decorated the deck at their lake place with rope lighting. The lights create a warm ambiance that helps the area come alive at night.

Pool Benches

Lori Mowrer grabbed a copy of Family Handyman Magazine, jumped to an article about “Best One-Day Projects” and created these pool benches to surround her in-ground pool.

Raised Garden Beds

Ric Hood built these raised garden beds so his wife could enjoy gardening in their new, smaller yard space. The domes help her start plants earlier in the season when the temperatures are still cool.

Storage Shed

Steve Miller flexed his DIY skills to build this stunning storage shed. He and his family did it all — drawing the plans, getting the permits and approvals, preparing the build site (retaining wall and ground leveling) and then the full construction.

Fire Pit Area

Franklin Shelton moved into a new home right when everything shut down. He ended up doing several house projects. Turning an old garden into a backyard fire pit area was one of his favorites.

Tiki Bar

Rick Derer turned an old bookcase into a tiki bar. He cut it down to the correct size, added a countertop and created the foot rail from an old bamboo pole he had laying around.

Next, check out the best outdoor projectors and outdoor décor ideas.