24 Things That'll Help Elevate Your Backyard

Jul 31, 2023

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 want your backyard to look like a HGTV "after shot," you've come to the right place.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "This stuff is a miracle! I know it says patch repair but we had an entire bare backyard that needed tending to. I mixed two bags of this stuff with a 2-lb bag of grass seed and of course raked the yard and tilled to over turn the dirt, spread this stuff and watered 2–3 times a day lightly. I even forgot about it one day and still to my surprise I had nice grass growing all throughout the backyard. Our backyard is very shady so I didn’t expect these great of results we also have a dog that runs around the yard constantly barking at airplanes and people who walk by. Still this stuff is going strong, very impressed." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $13.71(available in five sizes).

Promising review: "I've seen numerous yards that have been lit up nicely, usually in more expensive homes, and now finally because of these wonderful fence lights, that's what I used them for, I can join the club. The boss, my wife, was extremely happy with the look. Will be ordering more." —Avalos

Get an eight pack from Amazon for $59.99.

Promising review: "This product is the bomb, so much so we purchased a second one... Had outdoor game day with our children and this kept everyone outdoors. Easy access to beverages for all ages. Would definitely recommend to any outdoor party goers." —Leslie A. McClendon

Get it from Amazon for $80.96 (available in brown and grey).

Promising review: "I love this rug on my back patio so much! It really elevates the space. The cream color did look a little yellow initially, but that faded after a few weeks and it looks like the picture now!! Very happy with this rug." —Meg

Get it from Ruggable for $229+ (available in five sizes and two colors).

Reviewers also love the "easy to assemble" design of this hammock!

Promising review: "Very sturdy and can hold exactly the weight it states; when you sit on it; it's reminiscent of a a swing but is not recommended on the instruction to overswing on it; but I sit on it and gently swing on it. Easy to assemble; the best way to turn your backyard into a mini getaway staycation, and yes I bought this with my own money." —Andrea_

Get it from Amazon for $125.99 (available in five colors).

You can learn more about BTI, the bacteria in mosquito dunks, at the CDC.

Promising review: "Mosquitoes where I live are fierce! For the first time in years I have been able to enjoy hanging out in my beautiful backyard, which is full of trees and flowers. Why? Because I put out six containers of water with one Mosquito Dunk disk each. There are no more mosquitoes! This product is a miracle. The dunks are extremely simple to use and cost hardly anything. They last a month. Completely efficient. I will use this for the rest of my life. Thank you to whoever figured this out!" —Alberta

Get a six pack from Amazon for $9.92.

These waterproof solar-powered lights automatically turn on in darkness and turn off in daytime or in bright areas, adding the perfect amount of light to your courtyard, garden, sidewalk, patio, corridor or pathway.

Promising review: "Love how bright these lights are and that they shine up on plants making the backyard look like a resort at night." —Anna

Get it form Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two pack sizes and two colors).

Promising review: "This is one of the best pieces in our outdoor sanctuary. It’s beautiful and gives off just enough warmth on a cool night. Wonderful ambience." —Michelle Kimball

Get it from Amazon for $199.98+ (available in three sizes).

This firepit can be fueled by bioethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or gel fuel cans.

Promising review: "Attractive design and great ambiance. This small portable firepit is easy to use and a perfect addition to a patio. Given the size, it’s not gonna throw a ton of heat but is perfect on warm nights. The kids love roasting marshmallows on it on a whim." —Mama Kim

Promising review: "I sought tabletop ambiance for my city balcony and got it. The item looks exactly like the ad pics and is as simple as I hoped. Nothing to break, no instructions really needed. Unbox and enjoy. Easy to clean if needed too because the materials are few and of quality grade. I would recommend this over many related solutions." —velvet

Get it from Amazon for $79.99.

Grampa's Gardenware Co. is an Oregon-based, family-owned small business

Promising review: "The appearance of my lawn has dramatically improved with the removal of dandelions and other less common weeds." —Amazon Customer

Promising review: "A friend had this tool and loaned it to me for a weekend. It is very easy to use and as soon as I had to return it back to them, I bought another weeder right away. Easy to use and I am thankful I don’t have to bend over for weeds as much. It only takes a light touch to pull up many weeds, but you can push it deep for a weed with deep roots. It feels like a solid tool which is refreshing." —Katie

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Promising review: "It was incredibly simple and easy to assemble. We have used it every night since we got it! It has completely transformed our back patio! We absolutely love this couch set! Amazing price too for such great quality! We couldn't be more pleased with our new set and looking forward to the summer!" —Evie Thrift

Get it from Amazon for $299.99 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "These speakers are perfect for outdoor get togethers or a party where you need some music and a little tropical ambience. I placed them outside around my pool and the flickering "flames" of the speakers look amazing at night while playing music. Surprisingly the flames look very realistic and I got several compliments on them. The speakers themselves sound really good and don't play music individually, instead they actually sync up together giving you wireless stereo sound. Once setup, you have the option of turning the flames on or off which i found useful for maximizing the battery when I was wanting longer music sessions. Using them was very simple, I just had to connect to them through bluetooth using my phone and they immediately wake up and start playing music. All in all a fun way to spice up your patio or back yard with some music and mood." —****Lee****

Get a two pack from Amazon for $59.99 (available as a single for $39.99)

Promising review: "My porch is now a beautiful, classy, sophisticated and Zen all the way space. It came in a box that was packaged without any lost or broken parts👍🏽. Easy to build just take your breaks and invite a friend to help. Cheers!" —JD Nyborg

Get it from Amazon for $409.99+ (available in four curtain colors and nine sizes).

Promising review: "I’m a landscaper contractor. I was looking a seal shed with good quality and durable for my customers. I’m very happy to see a good product to reasonable price. Hooks and material they are 100% straight. I highly recommend this product for your future back yard." — Sheds by Tierra

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in nine colors).

Promising review: "I am in love with my planters, I bought quite a few, same and in different sizes, so pretty. The design is modern and beautiful, very sturdy material and the charcoal color planters goes amazing with the green garden." —Zunilda Llano

Get it from Amazon for $48.21+ (available in eight colors and three sizes).

Promising review: "Gave my deck a luxurious look. Liked this umbrella so much I bought four more. The color matched perfectly with the furniture on our deck. The LED lights are bright enough at night, it’s all the light we need." —Liz Hallahan

Get it from Amazon for $71.99 (available in 12 colors).

Promising review: "These curtains were exactly what I was looking for, they add an entire different level of sophistication to our bottom deck and I could not be more in love with them." — Sharon M

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 15 colors and 14 sizes).

You can learn more about the benefits of lemon eucalytpus as a mosquito repellent from the Cleveland Clinic.

Aire Candle Co is a small premium beeswax candle business located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Promising review: "This candle is stellar! Seriously, we have tried a lot of things to keep the mosquitoes and bugs away to no avail but this works! I light it at peak times on our patio and we have not seen any mosquitoes since! Ordering more because I love it!!" — Michelle Robinson

Get it from Aire Candle Co on Etsy for $25 (available in 8oz and 16oz).

Promising review: "These lights are absolutely perfect for a fun outdoor space. They provide the right amount of ambiance for any outdoor activity. Whether you want to have a girls night on the back patio or just to simply read and unwind after a long day, these lights provide a soft glow that isn't harsh on your eyes or too dim. I would highly recommend." —Becca

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors and five sizes).

Promising review: "My husband and I had a really ugly fence surrounding our patio, but because it’s a rental we couldn’t change it, so this was the PERFECT cover-up! It gives such a nice feeling to the small area, and although they are clearly fake they still look really good even up close. Seem to hold up really well too! Easy to hang up with just a few zip ties." —N.Paugh

Get it from Amazon for $75.99.

Promising review: "This has been the most loved purchase in my household so far this summer. Temperatures are reaching 100 in Georgia now and this makes it much more bearable to spend time outside. I can sit outside in full sun exposure and not feel too hot due to this mister. It truly is an essential purchase to save yourself if you have kids or pets who need to spend time outside!" —Maddie Pannell

Get it from Amazon for $60.78.

Promising review: "This fountain is a beautiful addition to our backyard. It is well built and works exactly as advertised. The green accents against the dark brown bowls gives the fountain an old world feel!! I like that is has a quiet calming water that is not too loud. The fountain came quickly and was packaged well." —Julie Beeter

Get it from Amazon for $219.99.

Promising review: "Turned my backyard into a cinema for the summer. Set up is easily, difficult to keep up when its windy, but once you figure that out it's a great experience." —A.Rod

Get it from Amazon for $132.99+ (available in eight sizes).

Mosaic Birds Co. is a small bird bath and feeder business located in Manor, Texas.

Promising review: "I love the bird feeder. I wanted a simpler yet modern looking one than what I always see in the stores, and this was perfect!" —Kristian

Get it from Mosaic Birds Co. on Etsy for $36.95.

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