Whether you’re building a new patio as a summer project or looking to add strength and style to your driveway, there are many structural and design decisions that require thoughtful consideration. These outdoor spaces are some of the most prominent and lasting features of your house, so you’ll want to tackle these projects with precision and care.

This list is full of useful tips and step-by-step guides to help you through the process, covering everything from design inspiration to material choices to installation techniques. Need help deciding what driveway material to use or learning how to lay a flagstone walkway? Or are you still trying to decide between a deck and a patio? This collection of articles and videos from the Fine Homebuilding archive covers all of that and more.

• 1
  
  How-To

  Tips for Laying a Better Walkway

  Careful base prep is what keeps bricks or other pavers in place when installing hardscaping.

• 2
  
  How-To

  A Concrete-Paver Patio from the Bottom Up

  Accurate site work and a well-compacted stone base yield an outdoor room that's firm, flat, and attractive.

• 3
  
  How-To

  How to Cut Belgian Block

  Learn two reliable techniques–and what tools you will need for each–for cutting and shaping granite pavers.

• 4
  
  How-To

  Video Series: How to Build a Concrete Walkway

  Learn how to build forms, install steel reinforcement, pour concrete, use floats and trowels, and stamp a decorative pattern.

• 5
  
  Member-Only How-To

  Add a Belgian-Block Driveway Apron

  Learn how to install granite pavers to add style and strength to any driveway. This illustrated tutorial covers every step, from creating a solid base to finishing the mortar joints.

• 6
  
  Member-Only How-To

  Tips for Pouring a Concrete Slab

  Know what to expect, prepare for the worst, and the rest is easy.

• 7
  
  How-To

  How to Finish a Concrete Patio Slab

  Get the perfect texture with these easy steps, whether you want your patio to be coarse or smooth.

• 8
  
  How-To

  Laying a Flagstone Walkway

  Setting the stone is the fun part; preparing a solid base first will make the walk last.

• 9
  

  Tips for Specifying, Pouring, and Finishing Concrete

  Get the right mix and be sure to order enough concrete for your next footing, foundation, or slab.

• 10
  
  Design

  Inspiration for Building a Backyard Patio

  These 2 concepts for cozy outdoor spaces are full of smart patio design ideas.

• 11
  
  Member-Only How-To

  Laying Concrete Pavers

  For a driveway, walk, or patio, get the base right, and the rest of the job is straightforward.

• 12
  
  How-To

  How to Safely Pour Concrete Against Siding

  Find out what type of flashing you can install between new concrete steps and existing siding or sheathing to prevent rot and other water damage.

• 13
  
  Tools & Materials

  Permeable vs. Impermeable Pavers – What’s the Difference?

  Consider the material’s cost, installation demands, and environmental impact when choosing pavers for you next patio, walkway, or driveway project.

• 14
  
  Member-Only How-To

  How to Create Artistic Brick-Mosaic Patios

  Learn how to prepare the base, design patterns, and cut and install the bricks for a truly custom dry-laid brick patio.

• 15
  
  Design

  Patio vs. Deck Throwdown

  Two Fine Homebuilding editors face off on the pros and cons of these popular exterior spaces.

• 16
  
  Design

  Driveway Material Choices – What’s the Difference?

  Learn the pros and cons of asphalt, pavers, gravel, and more so you can pick the best materials for your new driveway.

• 17
  
  Member-Only How-To

  Refacing Concrete Steps With Brick

  A level may be a mason's best friend, but to cover up an unsightly set of concrete steps, an experienced eye takes over.

• 18
  
  Member-Only How-To

  How to Build Dry-Laid Stone Steps

  Skip the mortar and use packed stone dust for a rustic walkway that will last a lifetime.

• 19
  
  Design

  The Groundwork of Landscape Design

  A professional landscape designer offers advice for every phase of the process, from grading to lighting.

• 20
  
  How-To

  Placing Gravel the Easy Way

  No need for shovels and wheelbarrows–have your local concrete supplier place gravel with precision and ease.

• 21
  
  Member-Only How-To

  Getting the Right Concrete

  Whether by bag or truckload, the right concrete can make the project, and the wrong concrete can ruin it.

• 22
  
  How-To

  Round corners for concrete forms

  I was on a job that required a poured-concrete step with 6-in. radius curved corners. I've had good luck in the past using hardboard to form odd-shaped curves, but the…

• 23
  
  How-To

  Brick-Path Screed

  All walks, drives and patios should be constructed to ensure proper drainage. Concrete sidewalks are normally flat, but walks made of brick, tile or paving blocks should have a slight…