38 DIY Outdoor Upgrades You Can Do Yourself

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3 days ago

Install an outdoor bug zapper so your arms and legs don't become a mosquito buffet this summer. It kicks in the second you plug it in and covers up to half an acre without sprays or smells. Trust me, your ankles will thank you.
Turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis with some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space, they create an intimate setting that's both magical and inviting.
Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.Promising review: "We have these strung all over our property — they are next-level lights. We have these lights that we hung outside in the summer of 2020, and they are still working as well today as they did back then. That's amazing to me. You can't go wrong with these lights." —OKRAGet it from Brightech on Amazon for $31.99+ (available in warm or soft light).
Help your grass chill out during heat waves with a seaweed- and potassium-packed nontoxic lawn treatment specifically formulated to help your grass look more fresh than fried during the hot summer months. You just hook it up to your hose and spray, no fancy gear or green thumb required. It'll cover up to 3,000 square feet and help prevent grass from turning into brittle straw.
I take so much pride in my lawn, which is absurd but also true. A neighbor recently described it as "immaculately green," which is honestly the best compliment I have ever received. Lately, though, I could tell the high heat of New Jersey was stressing it out, so I looked into Sunday's heat stress prevention treatment. Truth be told, this product works best if applied *before* high heat kicks in, but we're all trying our best, ok? Better late than never! I have had a lot of success with other Sunday products in the past (namely the Weed and Grass Killer Kit and Dandelion Doom concentrate), so I wanted to stick to this brand since it's been great so far. This heat treatment didn't disappoint! Only two applications later, and my lawn is noticeably happier. It's fuller, greener, just not looking fried anymore. And the best part? It's pesticide-free, so I don't worry about my kids playing on the grass or hurting the local wildlife that come through my property. Win-win!Get two bags from Sunday for $25 (and consider the Summer Heat & Drought Defense Kit if your live in a particularly dry and hot climate).
Use a pack of natural reed fencing to provide your outdoor space with some much-needed privacy without installing something permanent. Perfect for screening off your patio, balcony, or that spot where your neighbor's window looks directly onto your yard.
Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were woven with wire, which look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren S.Get it from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in five sizes and two colors).
Or use an artificial ivy privacy screen if you prefer something that'll add a little bit of greenery.
Promising review: "This is a great product for any outdoor space. It provides extra privacy whilst adding beauty to my balcony. The leaves were all intact and it was easy to install with the zip ties that came in the box. The fence has been stable, never falling down nor loosen up its grip. During rain, I've never experienced the leaves coming off/apart. If you're looking to spice up your outdoor area with faux greenery, this product is a great quality fence and highly recommend!" —C.C. Get it from Amazon for $62.99 (be sure to clip the 10% off coupon).
Turn your yard into a wind-powered light show with a pack of solar-powered garden lights. They charge during the day and glow at night, no plugs or switches required.
If you have a patio or deck with flooring that's seen better days, put down a Western-inspired patio rug that looks like something you'd score at a desert flea market, but it's waterproof, reversible, and made from recycled plastic. The geometric pattern and swoon-worthy colors feel totally unexpected for an outdoor rug, and if it gets dirty, just hose it down and let it dry in the sun like the showoff it is.
Fab Habitat is a small business that sells outdoor rugs and accessories made from recycled plastic. Promising review: "This is the third one of these rugs I have bought over the last 10 years. Not because they wear out, but because I am adding to the stock. I use them on a covered screen porch, and they look so nice and are so durable that they are in place even in the winter." —Ms Lin SewaneeGet it from Amazon for $45.74+ (available in 28 colors and 15 sizes).
Or use a woven patio rug to bring a Moroccan-esque look to your deck without overwhelming the space. This is a great get if you want something that's neutral but not boring.
Promising review: "I'm so happy with this rug! I bought it to freshen up our patio space, and it instantly gave the area a clean, modern look with its light gray and black handwoven texture. The flat-weave construction feels durable yet soft underfoot — perfect for high-traffic areas. We've got kids and a dog, and this rug handles it all like a champ! Spills wipe up easily, and it doesn't trap dirt, which makes it super low-maintenance. I also appreciate that it's stain-resistant and doesn't fade in the sun. When it needs a deeper clean, I just hose it down with a little soap and water and hang it up to dry — so simple. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a practical yet stylish rug for either indoor or outdoor use!" —AlyssaGet it from Amazon for $33+ (available in 18 colors and 27 sizes).
Hang some bamboo wind chimes to bring some zen vibes to your outdoor space. When it moves, the bamboo produces deep, soothing tones that'll blend nicely with nature's soundtrack. No batteries, no wires, just peaceful background music you didn't have to find via a playlist.
Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes).
Or hang a set of metal wind chimes that'll turn your yard into a peaceful soundtrack. With six precision-tuned tubes, it plays soft, melodic tones in the breeze. It also comes with a strong hook for easy hanging.
Promising review: "I purchased the rose colored chimes. I've been outside daily, working on the yard. Yesterday, I noticed a feeling of calm as a small storm moved in. It was the chimes, without noticing, they played in the background and moved me into a relaxed state." —PegiGet it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in seven colors and three sizes).
Keep your little ones occupied for hours with a circular tree swing. It's 40 inches wide, is made from waterproof fabric, and can hold up to 440 pounds, so the whole fam can get in on the fun.
Promising review: "This is the second one I've purchased. One for our house, and one for my grandson. He loves the swing at both homes. He's 6 and on the spectrum. He only gets on the swing with another person, but he wouldn't even swing before. The colors are bright and the swing is sturdy; one of the swings is hung on a swing set and the other from a very tall and old oak tree. So far, the entire family has spent time on the swing from mid-80s to under 5 years old. It's been a worthy investment." —Jill Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three styles).
Set up a potting bench to turn your backyard into your new favorite workspace. This one will give you a waist-height spot to repot, trim, and admire your plants without hunching over like a Victorian ghost. It'll hold your tools, display your prettiest blooms, and even offer a little shelf for whatever garden project you're working on next.
Promising review: "Great value for the $$ and attractive! Looks great on my back porch area and a nice place to store all my planting supplies. The metal countertop is a nice touch, as it's easy to wipe down and gives it a bit of a rustic look. I would highly recommend and buy it again!" —Staci Evans Get it from Amazon for $125.99.
Use a pack of four plant supporters if some of your yard's plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, so they camouflage really well.
Section off a special area of your backyard with some interlocking teak tiles. No tools or glue are required; the tiles just snap together. Teak is also a preferred wood for all outdoor stuff because of its ability to survive through all types of weather. It's one of the few woods around that contains a natural oil that repels water.
Promising reviews: "Living in Hawaii, you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt–proof, etc... In total, I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —Adazzle"Bought these in 2016, and with one application of teak oil per year, they still look great in 2023. They have been subjected to full weather for seven years and still look amazing. Lightly power wash them once a year to remove grime, takes about 30 min." —ZGet 10 square feet from Amazon for $77.99.
No pool? No problem! Set up an inflatable pool that'll cost less than a beach day and will deliver way more chill. It holds 156 gallons, has a bench for grown-up lounging, and even includes a cup holder, because hydration is key (even if it's via margaritas).
Get rid of oil stains on your patio and walkways with some Chomp! oil stain remover. Just smear on the thick gel, let it dry, and peel it up. It's heavy-duty help for the kind of stain that you thought was permanent.
Promising review: "I went in skeptical, I'm not going to lie. We had grease spilled on our brand-new paver patio. The grease had been sitting for a few weeks, and I saw an ad for this stuff. I ordered it to try because why not? Well, I'll be damned because this took the spots right off! No evidence we ever spilled anything! I'd buy it again." —SusanGet it from Amazon for $17.97.
If you have just a sliver of space but still want a nice place to sit, consider a narrow wicker chair to give you all the cozy, cocoon-like vibes of an egg chair. It's just as comfy and stylish as the oversized versions, but way better at fitting into tight spots.
Promising review: "Loved this compact version of an egg chair. It is gorgeous and doesn't take up too much space on the patio. It was very easy to put together, and the instructions were clear and simple to read. This chair is very sturdy and doesn't seem like it will unravel or break. The cushions are very plush, and the covers unzip and can easily be cleaned in a washing machine. Overall, this purchase has been so worth it." —Evelyn Ndidi Get it from Amazon for $145.33+ (available in three styles).
Keep your stairs from turning into a tripping hazard after dark with a pack of solar-powered stair lights. They're waterproof, they charge themselves (bless), and they'll make your stairs look like the runway your guests deserve.
Promising review: "Where I live, it's so dark and I have no outside electricity off my screened-in deck. I wanted lights for my stairs for safety and found these lights, which work and look great! They come with everything you need to fasten them to the stairs so they don't fall off as well. I even bought extra and tested them in the event that the ones that are currently outside get damaged for any reason, and they are no longer sold. Definitely recommend for the price, nice and bright, and easy installation. Plus, they last all night long!" —BrookeGet it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in warm or cool white light and five pack sizes).
Set up a portable 100-inch movie screen so you can host an outdoor movie night. Now that so many movies are premiering on streaming services instead of exclusively in theaters, you can have your own red carpet opening night (ball gowns and tuxedos optional).
Easily remove weeds from your garden or lawn with a weed puller tool. It's the best-selling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 42,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars.
And make your pathways, patios, and driveways aesthetically pleasing and easy to walk on with a crack weeder tool. The uniquely shaped tool fits into tight cracks and grabs weeds by the roots for easy removal.
Set up a fade-resistant, tiltable outdoor umbrella so you can relax without worrying about harmful UV rays. (But remember to always wear sunscreen when your skin's exposed to the sun!) It's got a diameter of 7.5 feet, which can provide shade for a small table and three or four chairs.
Note: The umbrella stand is not included, but this is a good one if you need one. Promising review: "This umbrella was perfect and met my needs. I live in a condo and needed a way to shade the balcony from the intense morning sun. This worked really well. The setup was easy. The crank works well and the tilt is easy to do." —DanielleGet it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns).
Make your backyard look like it belongs in a magazine with a six-piece outdoor furniture set. The metal frame is super durable, the cushions are water-resistant and easy to remove, and you won't have to stress when someone drips pool water or a surprise shower rolls through.
Promising review: "I couldn't be happier with this set. It's stylish, comfortable, and surprisingly sturdy. The cushions are thick and supportive, and the frame feels durable enough to last through different seasons. It fits perfectly on our patio and has become our go-to spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Assembly was simple, and the overall quality exceeded my expectations for the price. Highly recommend for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor seating!" —Fab mamaas Get it from Amazon for $990.89+ (available in nine set sizes and six colors).
Or add some old Hollywood glam to your backyard with a retro-esque umbrella. Most patio umbrellas have a simple design and are a solid color, but they don't have to be that way! Use this instead to really up the glam.
Or use a half umbrella that's perfect for small patios, balconies, or anywhere you're working with limited space. The flat back lets it sit flush against a wall while still offering a full nine feet of shade. This proves that compact doesn't have to mean compromising.
Promising review: "I love it! It's perfect for my small apartment patio. A serious game changer. I leave it open all day, and my plants are doing well because of it! They don't get scorched anymore. It also provides the perfect coverage to allow me to relax outside in the shade." —Natalie Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in seven colors).
And add a clip-on light for your umbrella, because sometimes a great day on your patio turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination.
Clean up your yard's hardscaping with some Scotts multipurpose outdoor cleaner that'll tackle dirt, mildew, and grime without bleach. It's tough on messes but gentle enough for your exterior. Just spray, scrub (if needed), and admire how much less gross everything looks.
Create a vibe with a couple of outdoor Bluetooth speakers that'll double as flickering torch lanterns, because music is great, but music with ambiance is even better. They're waterproof (bring on those sumer showers), sync together for surround sound, and given serious "cozy evening under the string lights" energy.
Promising review: "I ordered waterproof speakers so I could sit outside, and I'm so glad I found these. They're perfect for what I needed because they are similar to tiki torch lights that are already planted. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy. So far, so good, and I'm satisfied with my purchase." —applefirGet it from Amazon for $69.99.
Block harmful UV rays while providing you with necessary shade thanks to a triangular sail. A simple and nonpermanent way to create a cool, relaxing area during these hot summer days.
The corners of the sails have D rings so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or rope.Promising review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant, hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. Shade is wonderful, and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel complements our pool area and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC MediaGet it from Amazon for $16.79+ (available in a variety of sizes and 16 colors/patterns).
Keep garbage cans and other essentials accessible but hidden thanks to a storage shed. There's also a lockable latch in case you live in an area where night critters try to break into garbage cans.
If your home has a deck that gets pitch black at night, use a pack of these 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that clip right onto the ledge. Warm nights spent in your backyard will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting.
Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All the lights work, which is great. Better than I could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20).
Set up a wicker patio set so your outdoor space becomes a cozy little nook where you can sip your coffee and read an important piece of nonfiction...or just zone out while doomscrolling.
Promising review: "I love this loveseat ... when my cat is not hoarding it 😩 I spend so much time sitting longways on it, reading books. It's lightweight but sturdy — I weigh over 200 pounds and feel supported while stretched out on it. It was also super easy to assemble. I normally hire someone to assemble anything that comes in pieces, but I was able to tackle this alone in about 45 minutes." —Brittney-Elizabeth Williams Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in beige or blue and 1-, 3-, or 5-piece sets).
Set up a flexible adjustable mister so you can feel like you're at a high-end resort when you're lounging around outside during a really hot day. Just hook it up to your hose and voilà! It's ready to go.
Or install a misting system if you're already sweating this summer and want maximum misting in your outdoor space. This easy little setup connects to your garden hose and mists a fine spray that can cool the area by up to 20 degrees. Perfect for patios, play spaces, or wherever else you'd rather not melt.
Keep guests and family alike busy with a set of giant wooden dice with a matching bucket. You get six jumbo dice, a wooden bucket, and scorecards for games like Yardzee and Farkle — basically everything you need to entertain friends, kids, or very competitive grandparents.
Add some vertical greenery to your exterior walls with a wooden wall-mounted trellis. From potted plants to air plants, this trellis will provide you with everything you need to help your garden grow vertically.
Set up a fully insulated, aesthetically pleasing cooler that'll be the hit of any backyard bbq you host. With a 45-quart capacity, it can hold all your favorite bevvies — because no one likes running inside for refills. It's got a built-in bottle opener, a drainage spout for easy cleanup, and a lid you can pop open for quick grabs or shut tight to keep things frosty.
Add just the right amount of illumination to your yard with a two-pack of solar-powered outdoor lantern lights. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang them and then not worry about maintenance.
Promising review: "My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are very, very good quality and display lots of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them." —Dog TailorGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three styles).