Editorial Policy

Last updated August 28, 2026

The Backyard Vault publishes calculators, build guides, product guides and printable plans for outdoor DIY projects. People use what we publish to spend money and to build things that have to stand up. This page explains how that content is made and how to tell us when it is wrong.

Who writes this

Content is produced and reviewed by the team behind The Backyard Vault. We are experienced DIY builders, not licensed contractors, structural engineers, electricians or landscape architects. Where a project crosses into work that needs a professional or a permit, we say so rather than talking you through it.

How guides are produced

• We build or verify a project before writing a guide about it wherever we reasonably can.
• Dimensions, quantities and material specifications are checked against manufacturer documentation and published industry guidance.
• Where a figure is a rule of thumb rather than a specification, we label it as one.
• Costs are estimates in US dollars and go out of date quickly. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote.

How the calculators work

Every calculator states the assumptions behind its result, including any waste factor, compaction allowance or rounding it applies. Results are estimates for planning. Confirm quantities with your supplier before you order, and measure your own site rather than relying on a plan drawing.

Product guides and recommendations

Recommendations are based on published specifications, hands-on use where we have it, and the needs of a specific project. We do not accept payment in exchange for a positive review, a ranking position or a place on a list. A company sending us a product does not buy a favourable opinion, and we will say when a product was supplied to us.

Some links earn us a commission. That never changes what we recommend or what we write. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Use of AI tools

We use AI tools to assist with research, drafting and site production. AI does not have the final say on anything published here. A human reviews every guide, calculation and recommendation before it goes live and is responsible for it.

Corrections

If something here is wrong, we want to fix it, especially a number. Email mikekoltas@gmail.com with the page and the problem. Material corrections to a published figure or instruction are made promptly and noted on the page.

Updates

Guides are revised when prices, products, codes or best practice change. The date at the top of a page reflects its most recent substantive review.