50 cheap ways to make your backyard look so much nicer with almost no effort

Your backyard will be your favorite spot to hang out.

50 cheap ways to make your backyard look so much nicer with almost no effort
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Once the sun is shining, our backyards become one of the best places to spend time. Whether you love having company over or want to create a sanctuary where you can truly relax, there are so many tips and tricks to transform your outdoor space on a budget. From creating a welcoming environment to maintaining yard upkeep, these products are a no-brainer for anyone looking to spruce up their home. Ahead, check out 50 affordable products that will make your backyard look so much nicer with almost no effort.

01

Powerwash surfaces before expecting company

Give your patio and shed a quick refresh with this high-pressure washer attachment that is also great for at-home car washes. The durable stainless steel design includes five spray nozzle tips, so you can choose from an array of different spray patterns. It’s worth noting this is not suited for a garden hose, but for a pressure washer hose that has the proper fittings.

02

Easily install a cedar pathway

This wooden curved garden pathway is crafted from four feet of weatherproof wood and rubber spacers that connect each plank. The wood can easily be cleaned with a simple hose rinse and conveniently rolls up so you can store it away in the off-season. But, it’s not just good for outdoor decor. As one five-star reviewer raved, “My two dogs like to run in the yard and they ran a path into the ground on that part of the yard that tends to get quite muddy, especially after a rain. They now run on the pathway which helps to keep their paws cleaner and also protect the ground!”

03

Consider an outdoor rug for a more indoor feel

Instantly warm up your space with this outdoor patio rug that comes in five different sizes, ranging from five to nine feet wide. It’s crafted from a waterproof and stain-resistant material that won’t get ruined in bad weather. Shoppers love this rug for its anti-slip bottom and because it easily folds up for neat storage.

04

Organize your unruly garden hose with a holder

Neatly find a home for your garden hose with this sleek hose holder. Crafted from rust-resistant metal, this stand is a gorgeous way to store your hose to avoid tripping over it. The durable design is 42 inches high, just over five pounds, and has the best reviews. “Finally, a hose holder that’s as sturdy as it is attractive!” exclaimed one reviewer. “I set one up in our front yard and one in the back. It’s got a three-pronged base that really grips tight when pushed into the soil. No wobbling or tipping over when you wrap or unwrap the hose from it.”

05

Try to attract hummingbirds with a bright feeder

This bright-hued hummingbird feeder is an adorable way to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Available in three colors, it’s crafted from environmentally-friendly plastic that is lightweight and totally heat-resistant to withstand hot summer days. Just simply fill the container with honey and sit back. It also comes with a brush for easy cleaning.

06

Make sure your lawn is watered

Keep your lawn hydrated with this tip-proof three-arm sprinkler equipped with three rotating arms and 12 spray nozzles that can reach up to 32 feet. Reviewers say that the installation process is super easy, and if you’re worried about this small but mighty sprinkler covering the bases, have no fear — it covers 3,600 square feet.

07

Use fake ivy for added privacy

Create more backyard privacy with this gorgeous faux ivy fence. It measures 47 inches long and 11.8 inches high and comes in a range of different styles. Whether you opt for sunflowers, or apple leaves or stick with simple greenery, this expandable fence is a great way to block the sun and protect your privacy while simultaneously adding extra decor to your backyard.

08

Decorate with eye-catching garden sculptures

Instantly elevate your backyard with this outdoor solar decoration that will add a touch of color to your space. It’s available in five different hand-crafted mosaic patterns that reflect and recharge from the sunlight. Whether you sit it next to your flower garden or as the centerpiece on your picnic table, you can’t go wrong.

09

Illuminate your pathways with solar lights

Enhance and cozy up your garden with solar pathway lights — but make sure they’re waterproof and weatherproof like this four-pack from Amazon. The durable design requires no wires for easy installation — in fact, you can use them right out of the box. These even have multiple brightness settings.

10

Use outdoor rope lighting to set the mood

This pack of solar string lights features 33 feet of 100 LED lights that are totally waterproof. Whether you’re decorating your patio or deck, these lights are a great and affordable way to bring whimsical elements to your home. They even have eight different modes, so you can set a new light pattern every night. Choose from 12 different colors, ranging from a gorgeous pink to a festive green.

11

Repel pests like mosquitoes

This mosquito-repellent candle works to keep bugs away, especially when it comes to backyard barbecues. It burns for up to 25 hours and is made with refreshing scents such as pine and s’mores. Your guests may not even realize the candle’s prime purpose isn’t just to provide a little ambiance.

12

Section segments of your garden with river rocks

Available in mini, small, or medium sizes, these decorative rocks are the perfect way to add a touch of luxe to your backyard. Whether you use them to create a pathway, help with drainage, section out garden veggies, decorate around the pool area, or fill a planter, there are so many creative ways to incorporate these rocks. Choose from solid white marble tones, or go all-natural.

13

Clean up after your pets

We love our pets, but the mess in the backyard? Not so much. Make cleaning up a whole lot easier with this dog pooper scooper that comes with a stainless steel rack and tray. The handle extends over 36 inches so you don’t have to bend down, making it extra convenient. Thousands of reviewers have given it a 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon, which is pretty telling.

14

Reseed bare areas of your lawn

Thousands of shoppers love this grass seed that helps their lawns grow greener, quicker, and thicker with just a minimum of two hours of sunlight. The bag can cover up to 750 square feet and the brand recommends watering daily for two weeks for the best results.

15

Get a handle on unruly weeds

This gardening kit comes with everything you need to maintain a healthy backyard. The 10-piece set includes a large shovel, trowel, water sprayer bottle, gardening glove, hand rake, weeder, cultivator, pruner, shears, and most importantly, a durable bag to neatly organize all of your tools. This set has accumulated over 5,500 five-star reviews from happy home gardeners.

16

Add sturdy, decorative planters

Decorative planters are a surefire way to elevate your yard. This round shape style from Amazon is handcrafted from sleek concrete that comes in an array of classic shades. It’s available in different width measurements ranging from 10 to 18 inches. The bottom features a drainage hole, making it ideal for outdoor use, and it’s surprisingly lightweight given its durability.

17

Add more places for guests to sit

Create a warm and welcoming entryway with this garden bench. The durable iron steel material is water-proof and resistant to rust, so it will last for years regardless of the weather. What customers love the most is how easy and fast the assembly process is. As one five-star reviewer wrote, “This bench is perfect for the area in front of my house. It was easy to assemble. It is sturdy and at a great price.”

18

Add decorative water features

Thousands of shoppers love this bamboo water fountain for creating a zen environment in their backyard. It comes with an electric pump that has three speed settings and everything else you need to set it up in less than five minutes. The handcrafted design is a great accent to add to any yard, home office, or bathroom. As one five-star reviewer explained, “The pump motor sits securely on the bottom held by suction cups. The sound of the running water and the added humidity to my plants are an added benefit! Great value and I’m contemplating getting another!”

19

Make entertaining easier with a break-resistant tray

Boost the aesthetic of your outdoor table while simultaneously making it easier to entertain. This melamine serving tray is BPA-free, lightweight, and shatter-resistant. Its raised edges keep food and cocktails steady, while its built-in handles give you a sturdy grip. It’s even dishwasher-safe for effortless clean-up.

20

Serve your wine with style & practicality

Rather than using plastic cups or bringing your delicate wine glasses outside, opt for these unbreakable wine glasses instead. They’re made from stainless steel, so they’re break-proof and dent-resistant — plus they better preserve your drink’s temperature and are dishwasher-safe. Their rounded shape and stemless design enhance the flavors while cradling comfortably in your palm, and you can get them in tons of other colors (both solids and ombre patterns).

21

Keep your smoker pellets fresh & dry

To properly smoke meats, you’ll need pellets and to properly store your pellets, you’ll need this pellet bin. It can hold up to 22 pounds and has an airtight lid to keep out moisture. It also comes with 12 label stickers to keep track of which is which.

22

Add a magnetic screen door that closes behind you

A number-one best-seller with over 65,000 reviews, this magnetic door screen is a brilliant investment for people who have kids, own pets, or love to entertain. Like most screens, it’s made from mesh to allow fresh air to flow through while stopping bugs. Unlike most screens, it has a seam of strong magnets in the center, so you can walk right through it while your hands are full and it’ll automatically close behind you. Each order includes metal thumbtacks and adhesive hook-and-loop strips for installation.

23

Repaint your patio

This porch and patio floor paint is loved for its durable and long-lasting acrylic formula. The gallon-size container covers up to 400 square feet on smooth surfaces and can be used to restore anything from your porches, basement floors, patio, and furniture around your home. This brand of paint will also stand up again fading and peeling.

24

Get coasters that can handle the elements

Most coasters are as delicate as the glassware on top of them, so you wouldn’t consider bringing them outside. These silicone coasters are the exception. They’re so durable, you can leave them out there full-time if you wanted to — especially since they’re dishwasher-safe — but they’ll still minimize slipping and protect your outdoor furniture. You can also use them as jar openers, trivets, and drink covers.

25

Invest in some outdoor party games

Kick it up a notch with this yard pong game that thousands of shoppers can’t get enough of. “I ordered several yard games for a family gathering I had this summer. Lots of family, lots of games! This helped keep people engaged,” one five-star reviewer raved. This ultra-fun game is perfect for every age. It comes with four balls and 12 buckets as well as a carrying bag that makes it easy to transport from home to the beach. Since the buckets stack, it’s also easy to store.

26

Chill, serve, & protect your drinks

Because these serving carafes are made from durable glass and have matching airtight lids, they’re surprisingly versatile while entertaining. Infuse water or alcohol with fruit, chill your drinks in the fridge while keeping them fresh, display and serve them on your outdoor table while keeping bugs out, and allow for easy pouring with the drip-resistant, narrow-necked design. Each one holds 1 liter of liquid.

27

Use a scraper brush to make your backyard grill look brand new

When grill season is in full force, it’s important to have this grill cleaning brush and scraper on deck. The 18-inch long design features an ergonomic grip that sits comfortably in your hand while the other side is equipped with a stainless-steel brush. It’s easy to wash in soapy water after use, and can easily hang dry while awaiting your next barbecue.

28

Invest in solar-powered lights to illuminate your yard

These solar lights are a safe alternative when you don’t want to use real flames. Available in a pack of six or 12, these lights are a chic way to brighten up the patio or garden — plus, they also make for fun party decor. They’re also frost-resistant and waterproof, so you can leave them up all year round. All you have to do is stick the lights into the ground under direct sunlight and voila.

29

Create an outdoor pet station

Our backyards are equally for our pets as they are for us, and these stainless steel bowls will make your dogs feel right at home. The rust-resistant design holds up to 2 cups of food or water (though there are larger sizes available for bigger dogs) and features a nonslip rubber base to secure it in place. It’s also a great way to ensure your pets stay hydrated on hot days.

30

Keep your grill clean & organized

Being heat-resistant, you can take tools right off the grill and set them down on this silicone griddle mat. It’s meant to keep everything in tip-top shape so that things don’t become covered in sticky grease and messy crumbs. It even has slots to keep your various utensils in place. And since it’s made of nonslip material, it won’t budge.

31

Refresh your old welcome mats

Make your friends and family feel extra welcome with this adorable nonslip doormat. From birds to puppy paw prints, this mat is available in 13 designs that are both cute and functional. Each mat is crafted from 100 percent natural coconut coir and measures 16 by 24 inches — although 18 by 30-inch mats are also available. This makes a great addition to keep outside any entrance door, especially if you live in areas that are known to get muddy.

32

Use decor that lights up at night

This decorative watering can is a super unique way to incorporate solar lights into your garden. Crafted from copper wire and 90 LED lights, this anti-rust design is waterproof and has an easy on-and-off switch. Available in multiple colors, the solar lights illuminate for eight to 10 hours long, helping showcase your outdoor flowers even more.

33

Hang sun catchers from your deck

Available in a pack of three, these gorgeous crystal suncatchers create an instant vibe of positivity. Whether you hang them on your windows, in your car, or in your yard, you’ll discover a perfect rainbow every time the crystal catches the light, helping add a welcoming glow to any space. This set would also make for a creative housewarming gift. Each piece is eight inches long, and three come per set.

34

Place a bat house to give bats a safe space

This wooden bat house is the ultimate way to attract bats and give them a safe environment. It’s crafted from weatherproof cedar wood and features two double chambers inside. You can easily mount it to a tree or the side of your house with the included screws. Bonus: It also doubles as a natural way to repel mosquitos.

35

Add a decorative trellis to help organize your garden

With an impressive 4.6-star rating, this leaf sculpture serves as a trellis for any climbing vegetable plants in your garden. It’s crafted from a weatherproof metal with interwoven ivy plants. It measures 72 inches tall, including the 8-inch stake that you can seamlessly stick into the ground. You can also use it inside to give your indoor plants a beautiful place to grow.

36

Take better care of your potted plants

Made of a nonwoven fabric, these grow bags do not retain excess water so that your roots can breathe. With that increased air circulation, they’ll actually grow faster than if you had them potted elsewhere. Each can hold five gallons and is completely tear resistant and reusable.

37

Make use of vertical space for flowers

Bring dimension to your backyard with these hanging planters with six strong pockets. Use the metal eyelets to hang on the side of your home, the shed, or the deck. It’s a great way to make use of every inch of space that you have.

38

Clear up your walkways & shed

Instead of letting your hose and gardening tools lay messily on your grass and walkway, use these storage straps to keep them organized and easily accessible. Each of the six can hold up to 50 pounds and has a stainless steel grommet that won’t rust when left out in the rain. Your backyard will feel bigger once you clear up some space.

39

Set up an outdoor bar with shatter-free drinking glasses

Since you most definitely do not want broken pieces of glass falling into your grass or onto your patio rug, fill these stainless steel martini glasses the next time you feel like enjoying a drink outside. Not only will the pair not break but they’ll also keep your cocktail colder for longer. Condensation won’t even collect on the exterior.

40

Keep your grill clean & covered

Use this grill cover to avoid an expensive replacement. It has straps and hooks to form a secure fit that won’t blow away in the wind or allow rain to penetrate through. In fact, the 600D fabric is meant to last years so it won’t look run down. It comes in three colors and several sizes in the listing.

41

Avoid the smell of burned food

You won’t have to guess when your steak is ready anymore. Just keep this magnetic digital meat thermometer on your grill to ensure that it always comes out exactly how you want it. No burned smell will fill the air. It takes just two seconds to provide an accurate reading.

42

Set up a cozy firepit

You won’t have to wait long for some delicious s’mores when you have these fire starters at home. The box comes with 160 pieces that are made of natural sawdust and wax. They light up immediately and don’t emit any off-putting smell.

43

Put together the perfect barbecue

No backyard barbecue can truly be complete without a good pair of nonstick tongs. With this deal, you’ll get three of them in the same neutral black shade that won’t detract from the vibe of your patio. All have ergonomic handles and scalloped edges along the head to give you great control and grip. They won’t corrode or rust, being made of quality stainless steel.

44

Create a fun atmosphere

Nothing quite gets the backyard party started like some competition. This pair of flying rings can be used as an upgraded version of catch or used to see who can throw the farthest. They’ll even float in water, making them great for the pool. They even glow in the dark to add some ambiance at night.

45

Invite birds in with a space-saving birdbath

You don’t need much space to set up this 12-inch birdbath. It can be mounted directly on your deck railing so that you have a close-up view of the beautiful birds that will visit. No tools are required to bring some life to your space.

46

Add succulents to every corner

The eyes of this pig-shaped succulent planter will shine bright once the sun falls. All attention will be on the adorable holder that’s made of rust-resistant ceramic that won’t fade or crack. After all, more greenery is never a bad thing.

47

Bring in some color with faux plants

It’s safe to say that these artificial lavender plants will be easy to take care of. They already come in cute planters, have fake dirt, and a vibrant yet realistic color. Keep them on your table or place them between your garden plants for an extra pop of color.

48

Remove unwanted weeds

To keep your fingers safe while working with sharp tools, make sure you’re wearing these gardening gloves. They’re made of breathable bamboo fibers and are reinforced with rubber for extra protection and superior grip. You’ll be able to get through your entire garden in one swoop thanks to their comfort.

49

Trim your overgrown bushes

Keeping your bushes neat and tidy with this shrubbery trimmer can completely change (and elevate) the look of your backyard. And when it’s this easy, you have no excuse not to. The device is completely cordless and equipped with sharp blades. There’s also a safety button to help avoid accidents.

50

Avoid burning your grilled vegetables

This two-for-one steal not only includes a jalapeno corer, but a grill rack as well to hold up to 24 poppers. It’s dishwasher safe and the rack can be used to hold other foods on the grill, too.