Tips for building a low maintenance backyard pond

Choose a tough liner

Avoid liner leaks
A leaking liner is one of the most common complaints of pond owners. Patching a leak is no big deal, but finding it can be a hole another story. So a durable liner is a good investment. Most experts recommend 45-mil-thick EPDM rubber pond liners. Buy a one-piece liner; most suppliers can order liners 50 ft. wide or even larger. It's possible to bond smaller sections of EPDM together yourself, but your seam won't be as tough as a seamless or factory-seamed liner.

More pond-building tips »

Deck shade tips and solutions

Canopy awnings block sun and rain

Canopy awnings are fabric-roofed structures supported by a freestanding, rigid frame that's bolted to your deck. The frame becomes a permanent part of your deck, and you can either leave the fabric up year-round or remove it seasonally. The fabric should last about 15 years.

The awnings are available in two roof styles (a hip roof and a pyramid roof) and several colors. You can install outdoor lighting on the framework to illuminate your deck.

Pros: Canopy awnings are good for full shading of compact decks or partial shading of larger decks. The shade cloth is resistant to tears and won't sag. The fabric and structure can withstand rain, hail and strong winds (although the company recommends removing the shade cloth if a hurricane is imminent). Since it's a permanent structure that doesn't retract, the canopy has no moving parts that can jam or break.

More deck shade solutions »

Great Garden Bed Edging Tips

Metal is nearly invisible

The simplest and most subtle borders that effectively separate your lawn from a garden are 4-in.deep strips of steel, aluminum or plastic. They all bend easily into smooth, graceful curves and stop the spread of grass roots. However, painted aluminum and steel offer the sleekest, most refined look because they almost disappear against the grass and garden bed. The plastic types have a prominent black bulge along the top edge. All work best on fairly even terrain; if you have a lot of dips and rises, it's easier to install a paver border.

Although aluminum and steel cost about the same, we chose aluminum because it was much lighter. It weighs about 41 lbs. per 100 ft., while steel weighs about 225. With aluminum, you get a professional look without the heavy lifting.

More garden edging tips »

Do you have a great tip to share?

We’re always looking for great tips and we’ll pay $100 for any we publish in The Family Handyman magazine. Submit your tip »