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

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

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

BuzzFeed Staff

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).

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).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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).

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.

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).

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).

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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).

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).

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)

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).

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.

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.

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.