The 55 smartest backyard upgrades you can make for under $35

Outdoor furniture has to be able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear since it’s constantly exposed to the elements, so use this sun and water shield to help protect your backyard upholstery. Not only does the spray help to make your surfaces rain repellent to reduce water damage, it also has UV protection to slow down color fading, too. Use it on chairs, umbrellas, grill covers, and awnings.

Get seamless illumination that blends right in with your landscaping using these solar step lights. Since they come shaped as right-angle triangles, they’ll fit perfectly into the corners of your stairs. They charge up in the sun over the day and then automatically turn on at dusk and off again at dawn.

• Available colors: 3

If you want instant coverage without a lengthy installation, this sun shade sail is for you. Simply suspend it from four points with the included steel D-rings and you can enjoy shade that doesn’t prevent airflow or block the breeze. And since it can protect against 95% of UV rays, your skin will thank you, too.

• Available colors: 8

Yards and patios tend to be made up of open, undefined space, so use this outdoor medallion rug to help differentiate a sitting or dining area. It has a low pile, so it won’t feel too bulky under furniture, and it’s waterproof as well. It dries quickly and comes in a range of shapes and dimensions, you can find the perfect option for your space.

• Available colors: 7

For a creative take on outdoor lighting, try these solar garden lights. They consist of LED bulbs connected to flexible necks that will sway in the wind to imitate the look of fireflies. All you have to do is drive the stakes into the ground and make sure the solar panels can get plenty of sun during the day.

Shut out prying eyes with this deck privacy screen. Not only does it enhance privacy, it also blocks harsh winds while providing UV protection, too. It comes in a range of colors with grommets across the top for easy installation. Simply secure it to your fence or railing with the included zip ties.

• Available colors: 16

Keep your pool toys, yard tools, and even exercise equipment in this 31-gallon patio storage box. It provides weatherproof protection of your essentials to help prevent both water damage and corrosion, and helps reduce the look of clutter in your outdoor space. For extra security, there’s also a latch that can hold a padlock.

• Available colors: 3

Draw extra attention to your yard’s best features with these solar landscape spotlights. Not only do they cast a dramatic glow thanks to their angled bulbs, they have three different lighting modes: low, medium, and high. They’re also practical, since they’re both waterproof, and each spotlight can run for up to an impressive 25 hours on a solar charge.

These solar wind chimes make such a unique addition to any outdoor space. Instead of creating sound, they’ll light up in an array of bold colors in the evening. They charge in the sun during the day, so they’ll be ready to add a whimsical swaying light to your patio at night.

While every insect has a place in our ecosystem, it doesn’t mean you want stinging creatures hanging out right next to you in your yard, which is where these wasp traps come in. They have sticky, brightly colored cores to attract carpenter bees, mud daubers, and more. And because the come with net-like guards, they won’t trap larger creatures like birds.

Make your exterior decor a bit more magical with these fairy lights. Each string measures 33 feet long and has 100 LED bulbs that can run in eight different modes, including a lovely twinkling setting. Plus, the copper wire means you can twist them into any shape you like. You can choose from two options: battery operated for shady areas or solar if you’re putting them in a place that gets sunshine.

This mini box speaker is marine grade, meaning it’s safe to mount on boats — so it’ll certainly stand up to your outdoor gatherings. It has a powerful sound with enhanced bass and easy Bluetooth connectivity for pairing your devices. You can mount it vertically, horizontally, or even on the ceiling.

These solar lanterns are the perfect way to improve the ambience of your space with their timeless yet captivating design. You can set them up tabletop or hang them from hooks or tree branches. And since they’re IP44 rated, they’ll stand up to wet-weather conditions as well.

Turn your backyard into a spa-like oasis with this soaking pool. It has a ribbed base to help with traction and a removable pillow to support your neck as you beat the heat. And thanks to the two cupholders, you won’t have to be without your beverages of choice as you lounge.

• Available colors: 6

Keep the bugs away from your yard with this mosquito repeller. The unit uses both a fuel cartridge and a pad repellent to create an invisible shield between you and mosquitos, so you can enjoy your outdoor activities in peace. It’s odorless and takes up next to no space on your patio table.

• Available colors: 4

This grill caddy makes outdoor dining way more efficient. It’s made from durable, powder-coated steel mesh and boasts three roomy compartments for storing condiments and utensils. On top, you’ll find not only a convenient carrying handle, but a rod on which to hang a roll of paper towels as well.

Landscaping can be so expensive, so get the look without the effort and investment with this no-dig garden edging. It mimics a charming picket fence and is so easy to install. All you have to do is place it on the ground and use a mallet or hammer to secure the spiked anchors into the dirt to hold it in place.

• Available colors: 4

Add extra seating and decor at the same time with this hammock chair. It comes with a spreader bar, cotton rope, and an S-hook for hanging, making installation a breeze. The perfect place for cozying up with a book, it lends a cozy air to any space and can easily support up to 500 pounds of weight.

• Available colors: 6

Whether you’re trimming the roof, lining a staircase, or wrapping a fence, this LED rope light is an excellent way to upgrade your yard. It comes with mounting clips and screws for easy installation, and since it has a warm hue, it won’t feel harsh on the eyes. It’s even UV-resistant, too.

• Available colors: 9

Turn any body of water into a dazzling water and light show with this solar fountain. It can float atop swimming pools, birdbaths, garden ponds, and more. The pump and lights charge in the sun, and the disc itself features a range of spray patterns. It lights up at night for a fun display in multiple colors.

Setting up these grill hooks is an absolute breeze because they don’t require any tools or adhesive to secure them. Simply pop them on, and you’ll have four sleek hooks to hang all of your go-to grill tools (brush, spatula, tongs, and more). Plus, the plated steel is more than durable enough for all of your go-to grilling tools.

These clever silicone coasters are designed to be durable enough for all kinds of weather, so you can leave them on your patio between outdoor gatherings. Their sleek design will blend in with your outdoor decor, and their nonslip design can even go in the dishwasher if they ever get gross outside.

Your evening backyard gatherings are much more pleasant if you can actually see each other, and that’s where this patio umbrella light comes in. It clamps right onto your umbrella and offers up a circle of LED bulbs with three different brightness settings. It’s battery operated, and can even fit a range of umbrella pole sizes, too.

If your rakes and brooms are in a dusty old corner of your shed, neaten them up with this broom holder. It has five spring-loaded slots for larger handled tools and six folding hangers for storing smaller items like gardening gloves and sun hats. This sturdy storage solution can handle up to 35 pounds of weight, too.

• Available colors: 4

Keep your outdoor outlets protected with this easy-to-install weatherproof cover. Since it can be configured in 16 different ways, it will suit most setups. Plus, it’s backed by a 4.5-star overall rating.

This doormat is a game-changer for keeping your entryway or patio clean because it keeps dirt, mud, and even liquids perfectly hidden until you get a chance to wash it off with water. Of course, it’s also nonslip and waterproof, so you can easily keep this versatile find outside for all kinds of weather.

• Available colors: 7

Slip on these eco-friendly bamboo gardening gloves and you’re ready to get to that yard work, no matter how thorny it may be. Not only do the reinforced finger tips protect your hands, but the non-bulky, size-specific design means they won’t get in the way. Just toss them in the washing machine when they need a cleaning.

• Available sizes: Small — 2X-Large

Prevent the wind from blowing away your linens with these tablecloth clips. Simply clip them right onto the corners of your tablecloth or around the sides to gently hold it in place during outdoor meals (even in the wind). Plus, the stainless steel design will easily work with your tablecloth design.

These little mesh tents are super easy to pop over your food whenever you’re grilling out, so you can be absolutely sure they stay bug-free. They’re also quick to collapse, so you can fold them up and store them in a drawer between outdoor gatherings.

This defrosting tray is specifically designed for quickly thawing food, so it’s ready for the grill quicker. It also requires pretty much zero effort from you — simply place the meat you plan to grill on top, and the food-safe aluminum design will take care of the thawing process.

Keep your yard tidy and your equipment easily at hand with this garden hose holder. It’s made from durable iron and comes with both the screws and the anchors you’ll need to mount it to a wall. Just wrap the house around the frame to protect it from kinking while keeping it out of the way.

How genius is this garden colander that lets you pick your veggies in the garden, then rinse them in the sink or with the hose in the yard? Available in two sizes, it’s BPA-free and features sturdy handles and perforations for draining water. It’s also a handy bring-along for trips to the farmers market.

• Available colors: 4

These magnetic lights make it so easy to illuminate your grill for nighttime cookouts without investing in pricey outdoor lighting. They’re also topped off with a gooseneck design that you can bend and rotate 360 degrees to perfectly see what you’re grilling without needing a flashlight.

Keep your grill in tip-top shape with this grill scraper tool. Since it’s made without bristles (unlike cleaning brushes), you won’t run the risk of losing any components inside the grill that may later get in the food. It’s made from durable stainless steel and has a variety of niche sizes to clean multiple types of grates, from round to V-shaped. Plus, there’s even a bottle opener on the end, so you can crack open a drink while you work.

Get in and out hands-free while also keeping bugs out with this ultra-popular magnetic screen door. They come in dozens of sizes, and are backed by a 4.5-star overall rating after more than 4,000 reviews.

Add island-inspired vibes to any outdoor hang with this torch that stakes into the ground. This weather-resistant torch provides five hours of illumination on each 16-ounce fill, and the attached snuffer makes it easy to blow out. The four-piece pole twists together to create 66 inches of height, but you can also leave out pole pieces if you want a lower profile.

Appliances can be a big investment, so keep yours safe with this grill cover. It’s made of a durable Oxford material that’s both waterproof and UV-resistant. On the sides, you’ll find vented flaps with coverings that keep water out while still allowing airflow to prevent condensation, which can harm your grill. And thanks to the hook-and-loop closures at the bottom, you can adjust the cover to get a perfect fit.

• Available sizes: 3
• Available colors: 5

This bulk pack of plant saucers is a must for underneath all of those messy patio plants. They have a tall rim to prevent leaks all over the patio on watering day, and they have a fall-resistant design to avoid any tipping-over accidents that could leave your patio covered in dirt.

When it comes to protecting your skin from insects, this mosquito and tick repellent is a top contender, and it’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, too. It uses picaridin rather than DEET to provide gentle protection without any harsh scent or greasy residue. Better yet, once applied, this formula can last for up to 12 hours. Your outdoor time just got a lot more comfortable.

For comfort and decor all at once, try these outdoor pillow covers. They come two to a set in a range of vibrant hues, so you’re sure to find one that matches your color scheme of choice. Because they’re made from a waterproof material, you won’t have to worry about taking them in when inclement weather is approaching. And when they need a cleaning, just toss them in the washing machine.

• Available sizes: 3
• Available colors: 25

Stop mosquitoes in standing water for about 30 days with these popular tablets that couldn’t be easier to use (just toss them in). However, they’re nontoxic to pets, fish, and humans, and are even approved for organic gardening.

Make sure your larger potted plants get just the right amount of sun and shade by using this expandable plant caddy to move them around as needed. With a capacity of 330 pounds, it can expand from 17 inches up to 21 inches to fit a variety of planters. Thanks to the casters and sturdy brakes, you can roll this around your patio and park it with ease.

These floating and color-changing pool lights are such a whimsical addition to whatever water feature you have in your outdoor space. Their inflatable design is solar-powered, so they’ll glow for up to eight hours while these impressive outdoor lights bop around in the water.

If you don’t have the space or budget for a large fire pit, this charming tabletop fire pit will give you the same effect for much less. You can use it inside or out. It’s made from sturdy stainless steel base with tempered glass sides. All you have to do is add isopropyl alcohol and light it.

Add peace of mind and ambiance with these solar-powered lights that let you choose from three different lighting modes. It also has a motion-sensing function and comes with a large clip and hanging clips so you have mounting options beyond screws.

Fill cement cracks as wide as 1 inch with this popular filler. And while it’s a breeze to use without any mixing required, it’s also self-leveling and paintable.

Bird stains are an eyesore but can require lots of scrubbing to remove, especially if they’ve been there for a while — that’s where this stain remover comes in. Just spray it on, let it sit for 45 seconds, and wipe it away. Designed with boats in mind, it’s gentle on fiberglass and painted surfaces.

Embrace a sleek and streamlined aesthetic with this outdoor side table. It’s the perfect addition next to a chair or lounger for holding your beverages as you relax outside. It’s made from powder-coated steel to help to it stand up to the elements, and it can support an impressive 50 pounds of weight. As one five-star reviewer noted, “I put it together in less than five minutes and it is very sturdy. [...] Very happy with this purchase!”

• Available colors: 12

Instantly start the party with this colorful light with six lighting effects and can even float in a pool. The rechargeable battery can last for up to 150 hours at a time, while a remote makes adjustments easy.

Your dog obviously deserves to enjoy your yard just as much as you do, and this elevated dog bed makes it possible. Because it’s raised off the ground, it allows for increased airflow to help prevent overheating. The suspension effect is gentle on their joints, and the nonslip feet offer increased balance and support.

• Available colors: 10

This garden hose holder sticks right in the ground, so you can put it exactly where you need it to wrap everything up nice and tidy. It has a durable design to easily hang onto garden hoses, no matter how heavy-duty your garden hose is.

This three-pack of tongs is a must for all kinds of grilling and outdoor gatherings because you’ll have a pair for cooking and serving. They’re corrosion- and rust-resistant, so they’re more than durable enough for outdoor barbecues. They also have rubber nonstick ends to prevent barbecue ingredients from getting stuck.

This pitcher is durable enough for serving all kinds of drinks outside, and it can even go in the dishwasher after your outdoor gathering. It comes with a serving handle and a clever push lid to keep any bugs out of your cocktail or mocktails. Plus, the heat-resistant design makes it extra durable for outdoor drinks.

These meat shredder tools are such an easy way to speed up your backyard grilling session. They have a claw-like design that’s specifically for creating impressive pulled pork and more when you pull it off the grill. They can also go in the dishwasher with your other patio barbecue serving supplies.

These mini hanging pots make it super easy to style greenery and flowers all around your outdoor space (even if you don’t have a ton of patio floor space). Each one is complete with a sturdy hook for fences, the sides of furniture, and more. Plus, their sturdy iron design has a drainage hole in the bottom so these mini hangers are also practical for watering days.

Each order of this misting system comes with 30 nozzles you can use together or separately. It’s backed by a 4.6-star overall rating with one shopper writing: “This kit produces a really nice mist. It was really easy to install with all of the quick connectors. I can now hang out on the front porch all summer. This did my whole front patio and I still have half of the kit left to do the back with all the necessary fittings.”

Turn on the sprinklers, lights, and more with this smart plug that works with a phone app or with just your voice and Alexa or Google Home. It’s designed to maintain a strong Wi-Fi signal, and has a IP64 weather resistance rating, meaning it can be splashed on.

Keep your drinks and snacks without arm’s reach whether you’re lounging on the beach or splashing in a pool with this floating drink holder. It features nine slots in a variety of sizes (including one that’s perfect for a phone), and can support up to 50 pounds.

Hang it up on a hook, use it as a table lamp, or carry it in your hand like a lantern; however you use this rechargeable lantern, it offers dimmable brightness and a long-lasting battery that can run for up to 50 hours at a time. The handle spins 360 degrees for lots of options, and it’s offered in four colors for even more.

Keep birds from running into your windows and eating your plants with these decorative discs. Each order comes with eight hooks and 24 discs, as well as connectors you need to mix and match your lengths. “They have a mirrored reflection, especially when the sun hits them and they glimmer on the ground. The crows and other birds no longer are coming around to eat the berries. I am so glad I found these!” one fan wrote.