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    51 Upgrades That'll Help You Get Every Bit Of Value Out Of Your Backyard

    If you're not enjoying your backyard to the fullest, now's the time to fix that.

    1. Scotts lawn fertilizer, aka the stuff your brown, patchy yard desperately needs to flourish into its greenest, lushest self. It helps build strong, deep roots so that your lawn can absorb water and nutrients and strengthens your grass against future problems. 

    Promising review: "I tried Scotts Turf Builder on my unruly lawn, and boy, was I impressed! This fertilizer is like a buffet for grass. It covers a whopping 15,000 sq. ft., giving my lawn a feast to remember. The results? A vibrant, lush carpet that makes my neighbors green with envy. It's the secret weapon for a lawn that roars with life! Only downside? The packaging doubles as a makeshift dumbbell during application. Gains for my lawn and arms!" —Genius Buy

    Get a 12.5-pound bag covering 5,000 square feet from Amazon for $20.37 (also available in other sizes).

    2. And (from the same brand!) a dog spot repair solution for addressing the dirt patches in your backyard caused by pet damage. It's made from a combo of mulch, seeds, and soil designed to help healthy grass regrow in no time.

    Promising review: "I have lacrosse players and dogs and this stuff is amazing. My yard looked like an abandoned lot before this and it literally 'grew anywhere' just like it said. The bag I planted last year actually came back strong this year so I put more down and it is working like a dream!" —chchmom

    Get it from Amazon for $13.19+ (available in five sizes and in packs).

    3. A pressure washer so you can blast away all the caked-up mud, dirt, and dust on your deck, patio furniture, fences, and rugs — and rediscover what your outdoor surfaces *actually* look like. 

    the sun joe pressure washer and the sidewalk in the middle of being cleaned, with the already cleaned part looking drastically better
    a fence partially cleaned with the pressure washer, with the already cleaned side looking fresh and almost new

    Promising review: "Outdoor spring cleaning with no chemicals. Used this to clean patio furniture, PVC fence, brick patio, Trex deck, stone walls and gazebo. Worked great, removed mold and dirt easily. Water hose is thicker (better quality) than other electric pressure washers I've used." —Sue

    Get it from Amazon for $219.99.

    4. Or a bleach-free outdoor cleaner that's especially effective on concrete and stone, but can be used on any part of your yard where you need to wash away layers of dust, dirt, and grime. It hooks directly to your garden hose to deliver a deep foaming clean.

    a dirty dull looking sidewalk
    the same sidewalk after being cleaned, looking much brighter, lighter, and cleaner

    Promising review: "I first used this product about two years ago on the awning on my RV. That awning was so bad, that I thought I was going to have to replace it. After using this Scott's product as directed, the mold and mildew completely disappeared. This product definitely works and it works GREAT! What more can I say — it saved me nearly $500." —R. Latreille

    Get it from Amazon for $11.98

    5. A high-voltage insect zapper you can set up near the grill, patio, fire pit, or wherever people will be hanging out the most in your backyard. It eliminates mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other bugs with wings that are undeniably the worst part of lounging around outside.

    the blue insect zapper hanging under a patio
    close-up look at the bug zapper with dead bugs inside

    It has a range of up to 1,500 square feet!

    Promising review: "Usually if I am outside with a group of people, the bugs come hunting for me and nobody else gets bitten if I am in the area. I got tired of putting on bug spray every time I go out on the patio, so I bought this to try and it has made a huge difference. I turn it on for a little bit every night, even if I am not outside, and you can hear and see it doing its thing, and now I can sit out back and have no bug spray and nothing bothers me. Very effective product. On the recommendation of some other reviews, I also purchased a Black Flag Octenol Lure to help attract even more bugs and I think it helps too." —Todd F

    Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in three colors).

    6. A three-piece furniture set to replace those old worn-down plastic chairs you have outside because you and your guests deserve better. These have such a classic look, and you can cozy them up with cute waterproof throw pillows too! Imagine sinking into these and watching the sunset, glass of wine in hand.

    Promising review: "Great set for the price! I needed a smaller chair and table set for my front porch as it is not very wide and this was perfect. Sturdy build and comfortable. Not hard to put together: all pieces were included and the instructions were easy. Can’t wait to sit outside with a cup of coffee and watch the cars drive by." —Debbie Jackson

    Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in four colors).

    7. A flexible adjustable mister you can bend to point directly at yourself so you can close your eyes and enjoy the cool, fine mist instead of sweating up a storm under the beating sun. Maybe if your fam asks nicely, you'll let them get a little misting in too. 

    reviewer photo of a green mister outside by someone sunbathing
    reviewer photo of a blue mister attachment wrapped around a pole

    The mister will cool the surrounding area by 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsy detail.

    Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool mist on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    8. Solar-powered waterproof deck lights for an easy way to illuminate dark areas of your backyard, porch stairs, and patio. Now you don't have to pull out your phone flashlight just to make it back inside when the evening hangout goes way later than expected.

    the lights attached to the underside of deck railing
    the lights attached to the sides of some outside stairs

    They stick on with adhesive and come with screws and anchors for more permanent installation.  

    Promising review: "These lights were easy to install and look great in on our deck. We just had a pool built and needed some light on the steps of the deck so we could see walking up the steps at night. They're beautiful without too much light." —BJ

    Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in white or multicolored versions, and also a pack of 20).

    9. Or waterproof globe lights — hang them along your roofline, drape them on outdoor structures, or just string them up solo to give your backyard the most magical vibe.

    the glove lights strung up across a backyard
    reviewer pic of lights strung up above a patio area

    Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the bulbs.

    Promising review: "I am loving my new lights! Just got them up in time for hanging out on the back deck for springtime. They give a great outdoor cafe feel to my back deck. I advise purchasing extra light bulbs when purchasing these lights. It comes with one extra, but they are extremely fragile/delicate. We ended up breaking four total during the hanging process." —charlee harris

    Get a strand from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in four styles and six lengths).

    10. And solar-powered mason jar lights you can place around your backyard — on tables, along fences and railings, or on stair steps — to liven up evenings and make you nostalgic for nights spent catching fireflies as a kid.

    the mason jar lights in various places and positions
    Amazon

    Since these are solar-powered, you'll need to place them in the sun to get them to light up. Six to eight hours of sun exposure will work if you want roughly eight hours of light. And if you don't want to do that, no worries, because they have a spot for an optional AAA battery if you'd rather power them up without the sun.

    Promising review: "Absolutely love these lights. I bought these about five years ago and they were very loved, so I upgraded and bought more this year. They add such whimsy to your garden and beautiful ambiance. I love that they're solar-powered. I will definitely recommend getting these." —folse1

    Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $21.86 (available in five colors).

    11. A portable 100-inch movie screen so you can designate an area as the outdoor movie spot and host your own watch parties in the open air. Just pair it with a good projector, and your backyard will be the new go-to hangout on nice evenings.

    Promising review: "I love the size and the fact that it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes to take down. Very portable and lightweight to carry. Very sturdy. I would highly recommend." —Kathi

    Get it from Amazon for $88.95 (also available in 120-inch size).

    12. A portable George Foreman grill because even if you have a small backyard or patio, you should be able to enjoy outdoor barbecues and the delicious charred flavor that grilling brings to food. This has a detachable stand in case you want to use it on a table instead!

    A reviewer shares a photo of the portable grill heating up meat, asparagus, and other veggies
    reviewer holding the lid off the grill

    This comes with nonstick coating and five adjustable temperature settings.

    Promising review: "This is the perfect grill for my apartment balcony. It was easy to clean and it's really nonstick. In comparison to other brands, this actually heats up the plate instead of heating lights. It cooked really well and was very easy to install. I would definitely recommend to purchase this if you have a small balcony." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in two colors).

    13. And a stainless-steel insert to convert your regular charcoal grill into a professional-looking pizza oven. There's nothing better than serving up some fresh 'za (with everyone's toppings of choice) outside in the fresh air. 

    Promising review: "I really researched and shopped around before I purchased this from Amazon. I cooked my first pizza on it and it came out like a pro!! We will be using this especially during the summer as it pretty much stay in the triple digits here (the Mojave Desert). I cannot believe it took less than 10 minutes to bake an entire pizza. I recommend that you go to the KettlePizza website to get pointers from some of the celebrity chefs that they have videos of. These pointers really did help me to cook a perfect pizza!" —Kim Suzanne

    Get it from Amazon for $129.

    14. A set of color-changing inflatable pool balls for when the sun goes down but no one's ready to get out of the pool. They're completely waterproof and solar-powered (lasting about eight hours on one charge), and you could even hang them from the trees for a magical forest vibe.

    Four different-colored balls floating in the pool
    Amazon

    Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.

    Promising review: "My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up and what a difference!! My pool went from 'meh' to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth like a beach ball. Once inflated, a few hours in the sun and they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk (it has to be rather dark). The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you would like to hang them. They would be magical hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy." —J. Matheson

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $49.99 when you clip the coupon for $20 off.

    15. A splurge-worthy yet functional pop-up tent letting you enjoy your backyard year-round, rain or shine, since its waterproof cover will protect against the elements while still allowing for ventilation. Place some furniture, an outdoor rug, pillows, and blankets inside, and you've got the coziest spot for lounging with a book or catching up with friends.

    the pop up tent during the day with furniture inside
    the pop up tent lit up with string lights at night

    It has two large entrance doors and even internal hooks for hanging coats and bags.

    Promising review: "It keeps cold wind and leaves out and some heat in. There are zip vents at top to let in fresh air and two zipper doors. This has extended the season for hot tub use, we were able to set up in early March in Chicago area. Would also be fun for around a small picnic table and to sit outside in the rain." —Lisa F1969

    Get it from Amazon for $299.99+ (available in four sizes).

    16. A lighted umbrella because shade is a *must*, so add some cover to your hangout spot — it'll also help illuminate the area when the sun goes down. No more squinting and shielding your eyes while you're just trying to have a conversation.

    patio with square glass table and a striped umbrella on it
    umbrella at night with lights underneath it

    Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table!

    Promising review: "Great umbrella! We don't keep it up all the time, just take it out when needed. Great quality. The lights are great at night, really elevates our backyard! The option for leaning the umbrella is really nice, too, in the mornings when I want to sit outside without the morning sun blaring down on me. If you don't want it to break, don't keep it outside all the time, that simple!" —Morgan

    Get it from Amazon for $71.99+ (available in eight color combos).

    17. Or if you already have an umbrella, a clamp-on light you can attach to the pole for some convenient overhead lighting.

    Review photo of the umbrella light
    the battery attached to an umbrella pole

    It adjusts to fit poles with a diameter of 0.86 to 1.81 inches and has three brightness modes! It requires four AA batteries, which aren't included.

    Promising review: "When I bought this, it was totally on a whim. I was convinced that because it was so inexpensive, it would be a cheap piece of junk! Was I wrong! It does a great job of lighting up the table with the three different settings. AND, if you turn it upside-down, you can further vary the brightness. I'm very happy with this, especially since I left it out all summer long with no issues. It was hidden under a closed umbrella, but I'm sure it got a little damp with rainwater and it survived! For just $10, it is such an easy solution for my patio that has no electricity, and therefore, needs something battery powered." —LouiseN

    Get it from Amazon for $11.97.

    18. sunshade triangle to block the sun while still letting the breeze pass through. It's a little less bulky and more out of your way than an umbrella, especially if you don't have a good table for mounting.

    Some people even hang this over part of their pool for a shady area. And you could drape some lights along this as well!

    Promising review: "I’ve been meaning to get something like this for years. Our patio has no cover at all, especially early spring when the leaves aren’t back. the sun in unbearable at times. We bought the install kit and used it to attach the two sides to the house and used a ratchet strap to attach the other end to a tree on the other side of the patio. So far it’s holding up well. We added lights which makes it super cozy at night and completely changes the feel of our patio." —Kaitlyn Tugend

    Get it from Amazon for $21.59+ (available in seven main sizes, many custom sizes, and 13 colors).

    19. An expandable wall gardening system so you can start using your fences and walls as vertical growing space for flowers, herbs, and veggies. This genius system even has a built-in adjustable dripper (when you hook the planters up to a hose) to handle watering for you!

    Promising review: "Where have these been all my life?! I have always grown herbs and had a garden the traditional way (in pots or in a garden bed). I love these because my husband and I travel a lot, so we're able to hook these babies up to a water source and timer...and voila!!!! Plants are stayin' alive! I bought three panels, but am going to order more and do a whole wall of the house." —Yee Jensen

    Get an eight-pot section from Amazon for $79.

    20. And a stackable planter for another vertical gardening solution, with ample room for your flowers, herbs, and small veggies to grow and absorb sunlight. Imagine this with some adorable strawberry plants inside! 😍

    Mr. Stacky is a small business that makes vertical plant growing products. 

    Promising review: "I absolutely love this! I have used it to plant strawberries, lemon balm, English ivy, creeping Jenny, cauliflower on top, lavender, oregano, and parsley. It hooks together easily, and it can be taken apart if you have to move it. It normally stays outside; however, we are having a winter freeze right now, so I had to bring it in. I am constantly sending the link to my friends and family because they love it also." —Cynthia Stoker

    Get it from Amazon for $36.95 (available in four colors).

    21. A durable dog/kiddie pool, because you don't need a fancy in-ground pool to cool off on sweltering hot days. This is available in smaller sizes perfect for dogs and children, ranging all the way up to extra large sizes so an adult can sit in there too! And when summer's over, this folds down so you can store it until next year.

    Promising review: "I am now the proud owner of THREE of these dog pools. I have an XXL, an XL, and an S pool for our backyard 'frogs' that wouldn't stay out of the big pools! Yes, I bought the frogs their own pool...that's how amazing these pools are! There have been no punctures of any sort or any issues at all with these pools, and my dogs can play pretty rough at times. The XXL pool was used for both the 2018 and 2019 summers with no issues. These pools are literally my dogs' favorite part of summer... I can't keep them out of them! As soon as we get back from a walk, they jump right in!" —Kate M

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven sizes and three styles).

    22. A cozy hanging swing that'll instantly become everyone's favorite spot to sit outside (so you might need to buy two or three). It's built to withstand outdoor wear and tear, with weather-resistant steel and thick woven wicker forming its base. It also comes in a slightly bigger loveseat style!

    the light blue hanging swing
    the black and white loveseat swing

    Promising review: "Worth every single dollar spent. I have used it for several hours per day, just wasting time away as I swing to and fro. I would need to use it for a few more weeks to numerically reach the threshold of worthiness equivalent to the price tag, but the item itself is fantastic." —Sophia

    Get it from Novogratz on Amazon for $152.48+ (also available in a loveseat size and four colors).

    23. A cosmic-themed fire pit, complete with moons and stars etched into the sides, so you can set up an area for s'mores, late-night chats, and star-gazing. Cozy ambience, here we come.

    a black fire pit with moons and stars etched into the sides
    the cosmic themed fire pit at night

    It's made of thick durable steel and covered with rust-resistant, high-temperate paint. And the effect of the light shining through the moon and stars at night? Stunning.

    Promising review: "Got this as part of our backyard renovation project. It’s a sturdy piece! I read the reviews and decided to take some precautions — we drilled three drain holes at the base, fast and easy to do. We also bought a cover just in case. Used it the same day during a chilly North Carolina night to watch an outdoor movie with friends and blankets in the backyard. Worked amazingly and kept us toasty. Love the cutouts! Friends asked where we got it all night. Would recommend to anyone!" —Isabel

    Get it from Amazon for $239.

    24. Comfortable, weather-resistant Adirondack chairs to replace your mismatched assortment of camping chairs and make the coziest seating for late-night chats. They're made of a plastic material that looks like real wood but is resistant to rot — a good thing since you'll want to just leave them outside parked by the firepit.

    If you've never sat in an Adirondack chair before, I can testify to their comfort. My parents have a set of these that sit outside by their fire pit in Missouri year-round, and we've sat in them for hours during countless bonfires. The angle of the seat feels great on your back as it's helping relieve pressure on your spine, and the wide arm rests give you a place to lay your arms and relax your shoulders as well.

    Promising review: "It took me about 25 minutes to assemble, I will admit I was a little overwhelmed at first, but luckily the instructions were very clear and easy to follow. The finished product was well worth it. The wood look finish is even prettier in person. It has somewhat of a gloss to it but not too much; it looks gorgeous when the sun is beaming on it. Totally surpassed my expectations! The color is also just what I was expecting from the pictures, so it matches the rest of my decor perfectly. The chair is quite heavy; it is totally designed to last! I am sure I will get many years of use out of this. A gorgeous new addition to my backyard." —Barby4321

    Get them from Amazon for $118.99+ each (available in 23 colors and multiple sets and styles). 

    25. Faux ivy for placing along a fence to shield your yard from the view of your neighbor's messy backyard — and to enhance the beauty of the space and make it feel more natural. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for gorgeous effect.

    the faux ivy attached along a fence
    a pergola with vines covering the top

    Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon Customer

    Get a roll from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too.

    26. Or a handsome privacy screen that's super sleek and warms up a space. Place some pretty plants in the integrated planters near the base, let vines climb up the side, or hang decorations from the slats — you can dress these up as much as you want and really make them a focal point.

    plants arranged around the wooden three-panel privacy screen
    vines and lights hanging from the privacy screen with lanterns in from of it

    Promising review: "My husband and I purchased two of these for our backyard patio so we can have some privacy from our neighbors. The height is perfect. If you're looking for a privacy wall, I would suggest purchasing two. We added river rocks inside each of the planter boxes and filled it completely to the top to support our privacy wall in the strong winds. I plan on adding small potted flowers to place on top of the rocks in the summer. We also painted these with two coats of spar urethane to protect the wood in all weather environments just as a precaution. ***Update*** It’s been over a year since I purchased this product, and this held up throughout Northeast Ohio windy lake effect snow storms without any problem!" —Kristina Marie

    Get it from Amazon for $317.41.

    27. An inflatable hot tub because if you've never sat in a hot tub on a clear night with a chilled drink, you're missing out. It'll give your yard some of that luxurious spa energy without shelling out thousands — or committing to have an actual giant hot tub in your backyard year-round.

    the inflatable hot tub filled with water during the day
    reviewer relaxing in the hot tub at night

    It sports 120 air jets and heats up quickly to a soothing 104 degrees, and it fits up to four people!

    Promising review: "My fiancé and I wanted a hot tub but weren't sold on the idea and didn't want to invest a lot of money on something that we weren't sure about, so we thought that we would buy this mini hot tub to try it out and see how we enjoyed it. We were so surprised, it was packaged well, arrived a day early. Very easy to assemble, it took us about 35 minutes to get it all put together and blown up. It filled up really fast and took a full day to get up to 104 degrees. We bought a few LED lights and a Bluetooth speaker for it and we've had a blast in this little tub." —Monica

    Get it from Amazon for $411.46+ (available in three styles).

    28. A scum-absorbing sponge you can put to work on your pool or hot tub to soak up all the scum, oils, sunscreen, and other grime building up there, which allows your filters to run more efficiently. It can absorb multiple times its weight in scum by just hanging out in the water — and when it starts to get discolored, just rinse it off and toss it back in. 

    Promising review: "Worked perfectly. Gathered all the gunk in my hot tub and was easier to clean than my other sponges. The turtle shape, while cute, is actually really important because the head and limbs increase the surface area thus providing more ability to absorb oils and gunk than other sponges. Ten minutes with the jets on and these gathered up all the surface oils so I could have guests over and show off my shiny clear hot tub." —Jack

    Get two from Amazon for $11.99.

    29. A hanging curved lounge chair that may just convince you to spend way more time in your backyard, even on warm sunny days, since it has a built-in umbrella to shade your face! You could even start taking work outside (and have an enviously beautiful nature backdrop for video calls) or curl up in this with a book in your free time. 

    It's made with water- and weather-resistant materials, including a UV-resistant canopy (that's also removable if you like). 

    Promising review: "The only problem I have with this chair is that I only have one of them and the whole family now fights over it! Seriously, it is THAT comfortable and relaxing. Pretty easy to put together. My husband got it all assembled in less than an hour and then proceeded to open up a beer and fall asleep in it next to the pool, HA! I like to take my laptop out with me and work in it as the moveable umbrella shades my screen. Love love LOVE it!!" —Erin S

    Get it from Amazon for $219.99+ (available in nine colors).

    30. A patio table mosquito net enclosure if you're tired of getting eaten alive when you're just trying to catch up with friends and family outside. No mosquitos are invited to this get-together! Oh, and you can tie the netting back when it's not needed. 

    Promising review: “We bought this for a rather large umbrella over our table in the back yard, and used it for the first time last night. We were less concerned about mosquitoes because we have a service to eliminate them — it's the bees that were disturbing our outdoor meals and events. My wife hosted a few friends last night, and they all fell in love with this. They've all been fighting with bees lately, and they were not bothered once by any bugs. Every friend bought the netting on the spot. Also, when you're inside the netting sitting on chairs, it's almost as if the netting is invisible; most of the time you can't tell whether it's even there, especially at night.” —Sara Olshanky

    Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in two colors).

    31. hardwood oil treatment because the blazing sun and countless storms have likely done a number on your wooden deck, railings, stairs, and furniture. This'll give them a gorgeous new finish *and* protect them against future dulling and UV rays — just check out that water being repelled in the right pic below!

    Reviewer before and after photo showing the oil colored their deck and made it shiny
    Reviewer photo of railing on their deck showing the treatment is repelling water droplets

    Promising review: "I applied this product on an uncovered deck, which takes a beating from the sun and rain in the summertime and snow sits on the deck in the wintertime. I've tried several other wood sealers but nothing we have used holds up as well as this product. When it rains you can watch the water bead up and run off so you know that this product is working. I apply this product every summer to my deck to keep it in top shape. I also apply this sealer to the wooden floor of our covered porch and the boards shine like brand new. Probably would not have to apply every year to the covered floor area but I do." —Bubba

    Get a quart from Amazon for $27.79 (available in nine colors and three sizes, including an aerosol version).

    32. A can of versatile anti-skid acrylic paint that'll give your walkways, steps, pool deck, or steep driveway a sleek long-lasting finish and create a nice grip for your feet while walking.

    before/after of concrete pavement that's been painted over to look newer and polished
    before/after of some brick steps looking old and brown, then renovated using a red color of the paint

    Promising review: "I tried several paints on my mom's deck stairs and they all peeled within a year. This paint solved the problem. Heat, sun, rain, snow, no problem. And it really adds a nice grip to the surface. Definitely worth the investment for me." —DL 

    "Best concrete paint I have ever used! You won't be disappointed. The grip is perfectly and the finish is fantastic. Used this on my very steep driveway. It looks clean and really made a difference on the front of my house. Great curb appeal!" —AmazonQueen

    Get it from Amazon for $42.50 (available in two sizes and six colors). 

    33. A white vinyl privacy screen to hide that eyesore in your backyard that puts you in a bad mood every time you have to look at it, whether it's trash cans, pool equipment, or other random junk you don't have a good place to store. This'll keep it easy accessible but out of sight. 

    the vinyl privacy fence set up outside a house
    before/after showing the fence concealing some pool equipment

    Promising review: "Easy way to hide pool equipment. I was able to assemble this by myself but it took three of us to move it into place. I didn’t anchor it into the ground as I wasn’t sure where all the underground water lines were to my pool pump/filter. It’s withstood high winds from a recent monsoon storm so I feel confident it won’t blow over. Quality materials and makes looking out at the pool area more aesthetically pleasing. I highly recommend this product." —Kathy Burdick

    Get it from Amazon for $150.67 (also available in three other styles). 

    34. A discreet pair of waterproof, LED-lit Bluetooth speakers for hanging around your firepit, patio, or table so whoever's DJ-ing can control the tunes right from their phone and keep the party going all night long. And because there's two of them, you can position them on opposite sides for a ~surround sound~ effect.

    several of the led lit bluetooth speakers hung around a fire pit
    a speaker hung on a shepherd's hook

    The Bluetooth distance between phone and speaker is up to 33 feet, while the dual pairing distance between the two speakers is up to 66 feet! The handles at the top make them easy to hang, but you can also just set them on the ground or a table!

    Promising review: "The surround sound that we get at night while sitting around the fire pit is wonderful! We invested in shepherd's hooks so that we can relocate wherever we want! Nice." —Denise Peoples

    Get the two-pack from Amazon for $169.98 (available with white lights or rainbow lights).

    35. A mold and mildew stain remover to rescue your outdoor furniture and surfaces from a buildup of mold and mildew, because absolutely no one wants to sit on that. This formula cleans away stains without any heavy scrubbing needed — just spray down whatever you're trying to clean, let it sit, then rinse it off with a hose to finish the job.

    a reviewer photo of a plastic lawn chair covered in black mold and mildew
    a reviewer photo of the same chair looking significntly cleaner

    RMR Brands is a small business that launched in 2013 creating powerful cleaning solutions for your toughest messes. 

    Promising review: "I used this product on my vinyl siding on my house which was covered with green mildew. Within 15 seconds (as advertised) the mildew was disappearing literally before my eyes. I rinsed the siding off with water and my house looks like the siding was brand-new. THIS PRODUCT REALLY WORKS! Note: wear clothing that you can dispose of afterward, it will take the color out of fabric quickly if you get it on your clothing." —Ron

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (also available in a larger size and packs).

    36. tall table-cooler combo you can place in the fire pit area, by the pool, or wherever people are hanging out so no one has to walk allll the way into the house for another beer. It also gives you another place to put food, drinks, and s'mores supplies on top!

    a tall table-cooler combo stuffed with iced drinks and holding snacks on top
    reviewer's outdoor table looking super new still with text

    You can also shut the top and just use it as a regular end table when you're not utilizing the cooler function.

    Promising review: "Have gotten so many compliments on this already. Great even when not using as a cooler for just a functional end table near our furniture around the fire pit. Can put drinks on there, s'mores stuff, etc. It's nice because it functions as a table without being big and bulky. It can easily be moved around to where it is needed. and the cooler function of course is what sets it apart from all other tables and makes it awesome!" —Amy M.

    Get it from Amazon for $81.41+ (available in two colors).

    37. A pair of flexible magnetic lights — secure these to your grill, and you'll be able to keep the crowd well-fed even after the sun's gone down. Nothing better than enjoying some kebabs by the light of a flickering fire.

    a grill with a pair of the lights attached to the top shining down on food cooking at night
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I used these for the first time the other night and they were exactly what I wanted. I often tend to grill after dark and I can’t see what’s on the grill, but not anymore. These light up the entire grill surface area perfectly. Would definitely buy again." —Flossie DeGrave

    Get a pair from Amazon for $19.97

    38. And an effective grill brush so you can keep getting the most out of your crucial appliance for outdoor cooking, year after year, and ensure your meat continues tasting its best too.

    reviewer before and after of dirty grill grates that have been brushed clean
    reviewer holding the grill brush

    Promising review: "This was the first grill brush I'd ever found that actually got in between the bars in the grates. Really got out the residue that builds up in between and flares up if not completely removed. Really impressed. I'd order again, for sure." —Fred

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

    39. A mounted outdoor fan, because ample air circulation won't just keep things cool; it'll also help cut down on the bugs that linger while you're sitting outside at night. 

    the fan hung from a tree
    the fan hung in the corner of a reviewer's patio

    This weatherproof fan has a fully sealed and permanently lubricated industrial motor to protect it against wetness.

    Promising review: "Great fan at a good price! I bought this fan for my backyard to help circulate the air in hot days and deter mosquitoes at night around the fire pit. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. The fan at high speed is a bit noisy, but nothing unexpected of a powerful fan. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must." —Bigdad

    Get it from Amazon for $105.37+ (available in three sizes).

    40. A raised garden bed if you're looking to start your above-ground gardening journey — this has over 8 cubic feet of space for growing veggies, flowers, succulents, and more, with six drainage holes at the bottle to help the roots aerate and let excess water escape. And the taller height means less bending over and strain on your back!

    two of the wooden raised garden beds outside filled with plants
    small plants planted in soil inside the raised garden beds

    Promising review: "Love this product for so many reasons. The raised design keeps our dogs and nature friends out of the garden. It's great for elderly and people with back or knee problems. You can still garden. Easy to put together. We got a 4-foot garden. Possibly overloaded it, but we have four tomato plants, three eggplants, three green peppers, three red peppers, and three strawberries. Highly recommend." —Cybil

    Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in three sizes and two finishes).

    41. Or a galvanized garden bed designed to last for many, many years without risk of rot. They're easily assembled and a budget-friendly option for container gardeners!

    Promising review: "I ordered the raised flower bed because I just couldn't prep my hard ground for a garden. It arrived a week sooner than it said it would be here, and it took me about 20 minutes to put it together. It saved me hours of unnecessary work, and my garden looks great." —Christine Hanaki

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes and five colors).

    42. A pack of polished vinyl siding hooks if your vinyl siding is looking a little plain and boring — this'll let you dress it up with whatever decorations you like, from planters to signs and other wall art! These hooks slide into the seams without causing any damage, and no tools are needed.

    the vinyl wall with some hooks on it
    a succulent wall hanger attached to the wall

    Promising review: "I had previously ordered hooks for siding, and I couldn’t use them. But these are great!! They are easy to 'slide' into the siding and are pretty sturdy, too. I am using three of this set and have hung different objects with them. The heaviest was a long welcome sign! You won’t be dissatisfied by ordering them." —Cheryl 

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $5.52 (also available in larger multipacks). 

    43. Some rust-stopping spray paint that'll give you the perfect weekend project: revamping your metal outdoor furniture or railings. People love using this on old rusty chairs, tables, planters, or even garden arches like the one below! The oil-based formula gives your outdoor pieces a protective coating with rust prevention, with a shiny new look to admire. 

    metal garden trellis half painted in new white paint
    a bicycle planter that's been given a blue coat

    Promising reviews: "My husband had gotten a small glass garden table from his mom and the paint had faded. I wanted to bring it back to life, and I found this color — it worked perfectly. It is rich and vibrant and dried pretty quickly. Now my patio is perfect for the summer." —Grace Foster

    "Perfect. It left such a beautiful finish on an old beach bicycle, which I turned into a planter/decoration for outside. Beautiful coverage with one coat." —Dana

    Get it from Amazon for $10.12 (available in four finishes — gloss, satin, flat, or semi-gloss — and multiple colors). 

    44. Interlocking teak tiles to cover a surface that has seen better days. Durable and weatherproof, they'll instantly kick your backyard aesthetic up a notch and make it look sharp and put-together.

    a deck covered in the teak tiles
    the teak tiles underneath a grill

    Promising review: "Spendy, but hey if you have the $! Getting them added a very nice touch to our backyard. We are renting our townhouse so didn’t want to do too much back there, but these are perfect! We have gotten so many compliments. Also a perk: We reside in Portland, Oregon where it rains cats and dogs, so they are durable for sure!" —Tally

    Get 10 square feet of tiles from Amazon for $73.79.

    45. An outdoor daybed that'll allow you to start taking your mid-day naps outside without fear of getting a sunburn. Its retractable canopy keeps you nice and cool — and when you're not taking a snooze, it comes apart into multiple seats with a center table for group hangouts.

    the daybed all set up for a nap, with a canopy put up for shade
    the same day bed come apart to offer multiple seating

    You'll probably want to add in some of your own pillows to make it even cozier!

    Promising review: "Took about two hours total with one person — everything was included (a couple of extra screws helped out). Assembly instructions were visual and easy to understand. Had to reverse the front canopy piece after assembly, but their video tells you how to determine if it's backwards. Once I had it assembled, my wife promptly took a two-hour nap on it and said it was great — worth every penny. Make sure you purchase a weather cover for it, and it'll give you long-lasting satisfaction!" —Joseph Vivona

    Get it from Amazon for $529.99+ (available in four colors).

    46. Or a hammock so comfortable, it has reviewers swearing off their *actual* beds entirely. Pair it with a refreshing drink and a good book during the day, and at night, lean back for some star-gazing. Just be warned: You might end up falling asleep in this thing and spending the whole night outside!

    Plus, the stand is easy to assemble, disassemble, and pack up in the included carrying case for storage or travel.

    Promising review: "The cotton fabric is sturdy and breathable. I never feel stuck to it the way I do in a nylon hammock. The set up/take down is super easy and the frame is very sturdy — we have definitely put 300+ pounds in it. The ability to raise and lower the hammock with the multiple hook positions might be the best feature. It works great as a traditional hammock to lay in. It works as a 'swing' to sit on. It has enough fabric that you can cover up if you're cold or want to block out light or bugs. We have accidentally left it out in the rain several times and it dries great, hasn't faded from the sun, hasn't had any mold, and hasn't developed any weird smell." —Mary

    Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in 19 colors).

    47. A puffy outdoor blanket for when the chilly nighttime temps hit and you don't want to bring one of your indoor throws outside. This is made of the same stuff you'd find in an insulated sleeping bag (aka you'll be sooo warm and cozy), and it's machine-washable. PLUS, this quilt packs up into a lil' bag for taking on the go!

    BuzzFeed Reviews editor Rachel sitting on her comfy puffer blanket and a delicious-looking sandwich on a plate. Now you just wait a minute while I call up Rachel to ask why I wasn't invited.
    left side shows Rachel holding the blanket outside of her home to show it's awesome size (which is the typical throw blanket size) and the right is the same blanket packed into the small tote bag it comes with
    Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed

    These blankets are made by a Portland-based small business called Rumpl that specializes in blankets made for the outdoors. They were also featured on Shark Tank, BTW.

    Promising review: "Took this quilt camping and it was perfect! Kept me warm and cozy all night when temps dropped down to the upper 50s. This is my new favorite summertime quilt and I won't leave home without it!" —K. Kovaleff

    Check out our full Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket review to learn even more!

    Get it from Amazon for $93.75+ (available in 37 colors)

    48. A set of brush scrubber drill attachments that straight-up attaches to a drill to handle all the muscle power of outdoor cleaning for you. If you've got dirt stains, caked-on grime, and mold and mildew buildup that you just haven't been able to get rid of, this could be the thing that finally does the trick.

    a reviewer photo of a deck railing half dirty and labeled
    a reviewer photo of a red scrub brush mounted on a drill

    Drill Brush is a small business based in New York that makes cleaning brushes that attach to drills. It was started in 2007 by a former electrician who suffered from carpal tunnel and needed a way to clean without causing him harm.

    Note: Each color of the Drill Brush attachment corresponds to the type of bristles they have, and each one is best suited for a specific type of cleaning job. The red set features stiff bristles and is intended for heavy-duty outdoor use. It includes three brush head attachments: a flat 2-inch detail brush, a flat 4-inch brush for large surfaces, and a rounded brush for corners. 

    Promising review: "These are the handiest things I've bought all year. I've use the large brush to clean my fence, clean the tile in my bathroom, strip old wax from the floor, scrub the porches. Awesome product." —GeGe

    Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in various brush stiffnesses).

    49. An outdoor drink stakes set if your backyard chairs don't have cup holders — they'll keep your cold drink secure when you need to get up and walk away, and the different colors will help everyone keep track of which one is theirs.

    Promising review: "We put them out by the fire pit immediately and everyone loves them, plus the different colors help keep track of whose is whose if you get up and forget." —Amanda

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $32.95. Or get a set made for stemmed wine glasses here.

    50. Or a full-on collapsible beer table with a built-in bottle opener so you never have to get up to retrieve one when the conversation is flowing. It can hold two drinks and some snacks in the middle! No more accidentally knocking things over when you're a couple of beers deep.

    a small table on a stake with two cupholders, a center compartment filled with snacks, and an attached bottle opener
    the beer table stuck inside a plant holding drinks and snacks
    Faircraft USA / Etsy

    Once again there is also a version of this made for wine glasses if you prefer!

    Faircraft USA is a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania-based Etsy shop run by a husband-and-wife duo creating beautiful and functional wooden home goods.

    Promising review: "Purchased this as a gift for my brother to go with his corn hole boards. It is just as pictured. It seems like it'll be a little low to the ground for taller men standing around a corn hole board...but better than the beers sitting on the ground or in the off hand. Beautiful workmanship. Highly recommend this product and shop!" —Hayley

    Get it from Faircraft USA on Etsy for $60.

    51. A super concentrated weed and grass killer for eliminating the weeds taking over your pathways, garden beds, and brickwork — just spray them down and walk away. They'll start wilting within hours and completely die within 1–2 weeks.

    Just be sure to not spray any plants or flowers with this stuff!

    Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at how long this product works. 10 months later and still little to no weeds in areas I sprayed. So much nicer than using a weed eater every couple of weeks. Sometimes on some plants it takes a while to work but it gets there. Some weeds appear to be a little resistant but they too eventually wither away." —R.M. 

    Get it from Amazon for $24.25 (also available in a gallon size). 

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.