DIY Project Guides & Articles

Expert tips, calculator guides, and how-to articles for homeowners tackling their next landscaping or construction project.

The Ultimate Guide to DIY Material Calculators
Guides
The Ultimate Guide to DIY Material Calculators
Stop over-ordering and wasting money. This comprehensive guide covers every DIY material calculator you need for landscaping, gardening, and construction projects.
May 15, 2025 Read More
How Much Mulch Do I Need? A Complete Guide
Mulch
How Much Mulch Do I Need? A Complete Guide
Mulch depth, coverage, and cost explained. Use our mulch calculator to buy exactly the right amount every time.
May 12, 2025 Read More
Concrete Calculator: How to Calculate for Any Project
Concrete
Concrete Calculator: How to Calculate for Any Project
From a small slab to a large footing — master the concrete calculation formula and avoid costly mistakes on your next pour.
May 10, 2025 Read More
Gravel Calculator: How Many Tons Do You Need?
Gravel
Gravel Calculator: How Many Tons Do You Need?
Calculate gravel for driveways, paths, patio bases, and drainage with our free gravel calculator and complete buying guide.
May 8, 2025 Read More
Tile Calculator: Count Tiles for Any Room
Tile
Tile Calculator: Count Tiles for Any Room
Count exactly how many floor or wall tiles you need with waste factor — and avoid the expensive mistake of running short mid-project.
May 6, 2025 Read More
Raised Bed Soil: How to Calculate, Choose, and Fill Your Beds
Garden
Raised Bed Soil: How to Calculate, Choose, and Fill Your Beds
Everything you need to know about raised bed soil — how to calculate volume, choose the right mix, and fill your beds correctly.
May 4, 2025 Read More
Topsoil Calculator: How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Garden
Topsoil Calculator: How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
Calculate exact cubic yards of topsoil for any lawn or garden project, and learn the difference between topsoil, fill dirt, and garden soil.
May 3, 2025 Read More
Sand Calculator Guide: Tons, Cubic Yards, and Bags
Masonry
Sand Calculator Guide: Tons, Cubic Yards, and Bags
Use our sand calculator to find exactly how much sand you need for paver bedding, sandboxes, pool bases, and more.
May 2, 2025 Read More
Pavers Calculator: Count Paving Stones for Any Patio
Flooring
Pavers Calculator: Count Paving Stones for Any Patio
Find out exactly how many pavers you need for any patio, walkway, or driveway — with waste factor and cost estimates.
May 1, 2025 Read More
Sod Calculator: How Many Pallets of Sod Do You Need?
Garden
Sod Calculator: How Many Pallets of Sod Do You Need?
Calculate how many pallets and rolls of sod to order for a new lawn installation, with grass type guide and installation tips.
Apr 30, 2025 Read More
Pea Gravel Calculator Guide: Paths, Fire Pits & More
Masonry
Pea Gravel Calculator Guide: Paths, Fire Pits & More
Calculate how much pea gravel you need for garden paths, fire pits, playgrounds, and drainage with depth recommendations.
Apr 29, 2025 Read More
Mulch vs. Rocks: Which Ground Cover Is Best for You?
Garden
Mulch vs. Rocks: Which Ground Cover Is Best for You?
A side-by-side comparison of organic mulch vs. decorative rock — cost, maintenance, appearance, and best uses for each.
Apr 28, 2025 Read More
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed (Step-by-Step)
Garden
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed (Step-by-Step)
A complete step-by-step guide to building, filling, and planting a raised garden bed — from lumber selection to first harvest.
Apr 27, 2025 Read More
How to Pour a Concrete Slab: A Beginner's Guide
Concrete
How to Pour a Concrete Slab: A Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know to pour a concrete patio or sidewalk slab — prep, forming, pouring, finishing, and curing.
Apr 26, 2025 Read More
DIY Paver Patio: The Complete Installation Guide
Flooring
DIY Paver Patio: The Complete Installation Guide
Install your own beautiful paver patio from start to finish — excavation, base prep, sand screeding, paver laying, and finishing.
Apr 25, 2025 Read More
How Deep Should Mulch Be? The Definitive Guide
Mulch
How Deep Should Mulch Be? The Definitive Guide
The right mulch depth depends on your goals. Learn the ideal depth for weed suppression, moisture retention, and tree rings.
Apr 24, 2025 Read More
Gravel Driveway Cost: What to Expect in 2025
Gravel
Gravel Driveway Cost: What to Expect in 2025
How much does a gravel driveway cost per square foot? Complete breakdown of materials, labor, and how to save money.
Apr 23, 2025 Read More
How to Renovate Your Lawn with Topsoil
Garden
How to Renovate Your Lawn with Topsoil
A complete guide to using topsoil to level, topdress, and renovate your lawn — including how much you need and how to apply it.
Apr 22, 2025 Read More
Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds: The Mel's Mix Formula
Garden
Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds: The Mel's Mix Formula
Learn the best soil mix for raised vegetable and flower beds — including the famous Mel's Mix formula and how to calculate volume.
Apr 21, 2025 Read More
Tile Waste Factor: How Much Extra Tile Do You Need?
Tile
Tile Waste Factor: How Much Extra Tile Do You Need?
Understand why waste factor matters for tile projects and how much extra to order for different layouts and patterns.
Apr 20, 2025 Read More
How Deep Should Sand Be Under Pavers?
Masonry
How Deep Should Sand Be Under Pavers?
Exactly how thick should your sand layer be under pavers? Learn the correct depth, type of sand, and how to screed it perfectly.
Apr 19, 2025 Read More
Sod vs. Seed: Which Is Better for Your New Lawn?
Garden
Sod vs. Seed: Which Is Better for Your New Lawn?
Compare the true cost, timeline, and success rate of sod vs. grass seed to make the right choice for your yard.
Apr 18, 2025 Read More
Using Pea Gravel Around a Fire Pit: A Complete Guide
Masonry
Using Pea Gravel Around a Fire Pit: A Complete Guide
Pea gravel is a great fire pit surface — here's how much you need, how deep to apply it, and safety tips for outdoor fire areas.
Apr 17, 2025 Read More
Concrete Bags vs. Ready-Mix: Which Should You Use?
Concrete
Concrete Bags vs. Ready-Mix: Which Should You Use?
The complete cost and practicality comparison of mixing concrete from bags vs. ordering ready-mix concrete by the yard.
Apr 16, 2025 Read More
Types of Gravel: Which One Is Right for Your Project?
Gravel
Types of Gravel: Which One Is Right for Your Project?
#57, #411, pea gravel, river rock, limestone — a complete guide to every common gravel type and the best use for each one.
Apr 15, 2025 Read More
Topsoil vs. Garden Soil: What's the Difference?
Garden
Topsoil vs. Garden Soil: What's the Difference?
Topsoil, garden soil, and fill dirt are not the same thing. Learn the differences and which one to use for your project.
Apr 14, 2025 Read More
When Is the Best Time to Apply Mulch?
Mulch
When Is the Best Time to Apply Mulch?
Timing matters when it comes to mulching. Learn the best seasons to apply mulch for maximum plant health benefits.
Apr 13, 2025 Read More
Bathroom Tile Calculator: Floor & Shower Wall Tips
Tile
Bathroom Tile Calculator: Floor & Shower Wall Tips
Everything you need to calculate tile for a bathroom floor, shower walls, and backsplash — with common size recommendations.
Apr 12, 2025 Read More
Pea Gravel vs. Crushed Stone: Which Do You Need?
Masonry
Pea Gravel vs. Crushed Stone: Which Do You Need?
Round vs. angular gravel — when to use smooth pea gravel vs. angular crushed stone for different outdoor applications.
Apr 11, 2025 Read More
How to Calculate Square Footage of Any Room
Guides
How to Calculate Square Footage of Any Room
Step-by-step guide to measuring and calculating square footage for any room, including L-shaped and irregular spaces.
Apr 10, 2025 Read More
How to Lay Sod: Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Garden
How to Lay Sod: Step-by-Step Installation Guide
A complete guide to installing sod from delivery day through establishment — including watering, mowing, and fertilizing schedules.
Apr 9, 2025 Read More
Concrete Footing Depth: What You Need to Know
Concrete
Concrete Footing Depth: What You Need to Know
Learn how deep concrete footings need to be below the frost line and how to calculate the concrete needed for any footing size.
Apr 8, 2025 Read More
Mulch Delivery vs. Bags: The Real Cost Comparison
Mulch
Mulch Delivery vs. Bags: The Real Cost Comparison
Is it cheaper to buy mulch in bags or have it delivered in bulk? A real cost breakdown with examples for various project sizes.
Apr 7, 2025 Read More
Sand vs. Gravel for Drainage: Which Works Better?
Masonry
Sand vs. Gravel for Drainage: Which Works Better?
For drainage projects, should you use sand or gravel? Understand the different drainage rates and best applications for each.
Apr 6, 2025 Read More
Raised Bed Sizes: What's the Best Dimension?
Garden
Raised Bed Sizes: What's the Best Dimension?
Standard raised bed sizes, depths, and why 4 feet wide is the magic number — plus how to calculate soil for any size bed.
Apr 5, 2025 Read More
Paving Stone Patterns: Which Layout Is Best?
Flooring
Paving Stone Patterns: Which Layout Is Best?
Explore the most popular paving stone patterns — running bond, herringbone, basketweave — and how each affects your tile count.
Apr 4, 2025 Read More
How to Prepare Your Garden Soil for Winter
Garden
How to Prepare Your Garden Soil for Winter
Prepare your garden soil in fall to get a head start on spring. Includes mulching, amending, and cover crop strategies.
Apr 3, 2025 Read More
How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Slab
Concrete
How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Slab
A DIY guide to identifying, evaluating, and fixing cracks in concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks.
Apr 2, 2025 Read More
How Many Bags of Gravel Do I Need?
Gravel
How Many Bags of Gravel Do I Need?
Use our gravel calculator to find your cubic yards, then convert to bags. Plus: when bulk delivery beats bags every time.
Apr 1, 2025 Read More
Topsoil Delivery: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Garden
Topsoil Delivery: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Everything you need to know about ordering and receiving a topsoil delivery — quantities, access, placement, and spreading.
Mar 31, 2025 Read More
Sod Care After Installation: The First 30 Days
Garden
Sod Care After Installation: The First 30 Days
The most critical time for new sod is the first 30 days. Follow this watering, mowing, and fertilizing schedule for guaranteed success.
Mar 30, 2025 Read More