If You’re A Quick Learner, Here Are 33 DIY Upgrades You Can Make To Your Backyard

Promising review: “We purchased this to fill some patches in our backyard that were damaged by our puppy. Works like a charm. The one caveat is that you really do have to water it a bit every day. Once it takes off though, it grows pretty quickly! Within one week of planting this, we had 1-inch long grass blades. One month later, all the patches are gone. Highly recommended!” —Jessica N.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

2. Easily use a standing weeder (without the chemicals!) to help improve your view of your yard. You're not the only one who has trouble enjoying weed-filled scenery. And hey, while you're weeding with this there's no bending over! Your back will thank you.

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Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to made weeding easy.

Promising review: "Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." —JG

Get it on Amazon for $36.97.

3. And target pesty plantings with crack weeder tool that'll go where the larger weeder (and your hands!) can't.

Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed

My colleague Sally Elshorafa invested in this tool and LOVES it: "After moving to the East Coast, I quickly learned that the stone pathways around my home are basically a spa retreat for moss and weeds. The cracks collect moisture, trap organic debris, and offer *just* enough shelter to help unwanted greenery flourish, especially with all the shade and rain we get. I didn't want my outdoor space to turn into a jungle, so I grabbed this tool and got to work. It's weirdly satisfying — kind of like flossing, but for your stone paths. The bent tip slides right into the cracks and pulls weeds out from the root, which helps keep them from coming back anytime soon. I've used it on my pathways, driveway, and anywhere else something tries to sprout where it shouldn't. The handle is comfortable, and it doesn't take much effort to use. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. If you've got hardscaping, you need this in your toolkit."

Get it from Amazon for $16.95.

4. Install a cooling misting system to help you get as much time as possible outside this summer because last summer your backyard started to feel like sitting in a sauna. (Hey, at least you didn't have to look at strangers in their towels!)

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love spending time outside, and we entertain on our patio, too. But when it's over 100 degrees outside, nobody feels like visiting. Until now!! I bought one and liked it so much I ordered another to cover both patios. They lower the temps to a more moderate level in just moments and don't use a 100 gallons of water doing it! I put mine along the top of our privacy fence and then put a fan in behind it and made it almost like having an AC unit outside. They're easy to put up and take down and come with convenient hanging hooks! I read the reviews people wrote about the heads getting stopped up, and they WILL, but as a plumber I'll tell you a trick to keeping them working like new: vinegar. Just remove the heads and soak then in a little straight vinegar then use a small bristle brush like a toothbrush or nail brush rinse them off and replace them in the mister tubing, and they should be like brand new." —Sonya Combs

Get it from Amazon for $21.20+ (available in several pack sizes).

5. Try an oil-stain remover capable of annihilating that grease stain that you thought made your patio or walkway a goner.

Promising review: "We had a 2005 truck parked on our paver driveway for years. The area in the photo was thick with oil leak residue. I tried several products that didn't make any difference. But with the "Pull It Out" product, the oil is gone! You can see the stark difference in the photo, with the area that was treated and the area that was not. This goes on as a liquid; it absorbs the oil from the bricks as it dries. Then I lightly scrub and hose it off, and voila! Gone! Even better, it's biodegradable!! I rarely post reviews for a product, but this product earned it. This is the best I have seen for taking leaked oil out of a driveway." —Robocop

Get it from Amazon for $17.97.

6. String up waterproof globe lights for a big style impact when hung along your roofline, draped on outdoor structures like a pergola, or just strung up solo so you can enjoy the lights and the stars.

Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the bulbs.

Promising review: "These lights were perfect for my patio, I've recieved plenty of compliments so far. The Edison light bulbs and beautiful and offer the perfect amount of lighting for any occasion...the clips were ideal for my eaves, the overhang of the roof, which made for simple installation...now just need to find a dimmer capable of handling the required wattage and the package will be complete." —Brody Vins

Get a strand from Amazon for $14.79+ (available in five styles and six lengths).

7. And stake solar lights along a walkway or pond right where you need 'em. Lighting is key for getting more use out of your outdoor space. Oh, and they look nice in the daylight too!

Promising review: "These lights were just the thing to finish off our new yard and show pathway edges during the night. Worked right out of the box but I charged for a day in the sun before placing them. Work great and very happy with them." —Joseph H.

Get eight from Amazon for $39.98+ (available in three sizes).

8. And if you've got stairs, add some solar-powered stair lights so you can mosey on down your deck stairs to your backyard setup with a glass of wine in each hand safely.

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!" —Brooke

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in warm or cool white light and six pack sizes).

9. Cover up stained or outdated surfaces with interlocking teak tiles you don't need tools to install. That concrete patio slab is older than you, but it doesn't have to look that way.

Promising review: "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

Get 10 sq. ft from Amazon for $81.99.

10. Attach a roll of faux ivy to ugly wire fencing or a railing with a view you don't love. Here's to a bit more privacy!

Promising review: "This is the second privacy screen I've purchased from Amazon. I have an area in my garden visible from the street. The screen hides all my gardening stuff (i.e. wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.). It truly looks like the real deal!!!" —soooz

Get a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three roll sizes).

11. And give yourself some privacy in a different style with a pack of natural reed fencing in case you've got a nosy neighbor or you just really want your own personal oasis.

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 weaved with wire that 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 $56.09+ (available in seven sizes and two colors).

12. Put some bleach-free outdoor cleaner to work on walkways and other surfaces before you commit to pulling out the pressure washer. Its foamy formula is totally safe around your precious plants.

Reviewers have successfully used this on fences, mesh outdoor chairs, Sunbrella chair cushions,decks, vinyl siding, and cedar siding.

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 $10.98.

13. But if that isn't cutting it, a power washer will give you an oh-so-satisfying "after" when it comes to stained and worse-for-wear concrete surfaces. (And the same goes for fences!)

Promising review: "Great product! I did my entire fence line with the 15 degree nozzle and it blasted off 15 years of mold and sun fading with ease... Definitely recommend! Next up the driveway..." —Trent

Get it from Amazon for $129.

14. And if nothing seems to help out your discolored concrete patio and walkway surfaces, try out some concrete paint – it will take a bit of elbow grease to spruce up stained concrete patios or walkways but it'll make a HUGE difference without tearing up any hard surfaces.

OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade but if you're no stranger to painting and want a big impact, give it a try!

Promising review: "Excellent, easy to use and clean up. My outdoor patio is a little rough, and it took a full gallon to cover 200 sq feet." —RLB

Get it from Amazon for $43.81+ a gallon (available in two shades of gray).

15. Invest in an indoor-friendly hammock chair (you could also hang up on a covered patio) that'll give hanging out a new meaning. Add a throw pillow and you'll never want to leave.

"Roger, plz forward all my calls to the hammock."

Promising review: "If I had to pick one product to stand by for all of eternity, it would be this swing. First of all, it’s darling. We could start and end with its Anthro vibe alone. But those websites would sell it for an amount comparable to your mortgage and this little number is so ridiculously reasonable, it’s almost wasteful not to buy it. You can buy a pair and not be stuck slurping ramen for the rest of the month. Also, this swing is like therapy. But cheaper. Pop in some ear buds, hop in, close your eyes and swing. YPhone ringing? Kids yelling? House on fire? Whatever. You’re swinging." —Sincerely Becca

Get it from Amazon for $59.99.

16. Roll out some perma-mulch you can use around your garden beds and keep there because this stuff (made of recycled tires) imitates wood mulch but won't need replacing. If you have trouble sitting still while there's yard work that needs doing, you'll especially appreciate this.

Wayfair

Promising review: "This faux mulch border was just what I was looking for. I wanted something simple (not elaborate) to keep my bark in place. It looks good and now I need to order more : )" —Eva

Get a 1'' H X 120'' W X 4.5'' D roll from Wayfair for $33.20 (also available in a tree ring or pathway).

17. Brighten up a railing thanks to some colorful flower pots with draining holes and hooks so the plants inside can ~thrive~ while they sit there looking pretty. (Don't worry, artificial flowers will thrive in there too.)

Promising review: "Planted succulents in each one and hung off my white fence in backyard. Looks great." —Truggi

Get 10 from Amazon for $16.99.

18. Or try out a ledge planter so you can take FULL advantage of your deck situation to spread some floral joy to your backyard. This will also securely attach plants to your porch or other rails.

Plant Traps / Etsy

Plant Traps is a shop specializing in these planters.

Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for. Heavy duty material, better than expected." —Allison Froeba

Get it from Plant Traps for $33 (available in white or black).

19. Assemble a smaller-scale nice-looking shed if you don't have room for a full-fledged shed to stash recycling bins, bikes, a lawnmower, and other hefty tools.

Promising review: "Good quality. Easy to assemble. Parts are individually bagged and labeled. Holds two 32-gallon round barrels — which is what I wanted it for. Very compact, which was a factor for where i had to put it." —Joe in Brooklyn

Get it from Amazon for $279.98. Also check out a similar shed in several sizes to find the right one to fit your space and needs.

20. Refresh all kinds of outdoor furniture and structures with some rust-stopping spray paint for a weekend afternoon project that'll have a substantial payoff. Just look at that zhuzhed garden gate!

Promising review: "I used this Gloss White to paint an old garden arch, gate and a trellis over a garden bench. It was just a dreary, tired black; the white changed the look and feel instantly. Definitely get the trigger grip accessory if your project takes more than one can — mine was eight cans and that grip was a great idea.The paint is a true bright white with a bit of a shine after it dries. I did have to do two full coats to completely cover the original black wrought iron, but there's no color bleed through as a result." —Dogs & Horses

Get it from Amazon for $15.94+ (available in a variety of metallic colors).

21. And some outdoor fabric spray paint (yes, you read that right) can refresh your outdoor pillows and cushions.

The Home Depot

Promising review: "Pricey but worth it! My patio cushion covers would have cost a fortune to replace, given their unique shape. This is the ONLY fabric spray that has EVER held true to its promise of preserving the fabric’s original soft texture. Shake Suddenly Sapphire well, it will need at least three coats for an even application because it comes out very fine. Example: I needed one whole can for the first coat on the tops and sides of two cushions. At $14 a can, it can get up there, but it’s still better than replacing cushions!" —Juanita

Get it from The Home Depot for $9.98 (available in eight colors).

22. Invest (granted, a cheap investment) in a clip-on light if you like your existing umbrella but could use the extra light.

It has three different brightness options so you can set *~the mood~* perfectly. It also requires AA batteries, so be sure to pick those up as well.

Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings, to adjust the amount of brightness you need. Lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. We decided to try and play outside. There are two 70+-year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan

Get it from Amazon for $10.79.

23. Create some custom shade with a sunshade triangle you can rig up rather than a canopy you can rig up over the patio or the kids' sandbox to block up to 95% of UV rays and keep things a bit cooler.

Promising review: "My pool is awesome when it gets into the hundreds of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in 14 colors).

24. Make the most of your outdoor space with a wooden privacy screen with planters at the bottom you can situate around AC units or other less-than-lovely-looking essentials.

Promising review: "We have a small patio close to a grassy area where the neighborhood dogs do their business — so annoying and smelly — so we needed a way to get lots of florals in while also providing some privacy. These are perfect and hold lots of florals; the ivy I have is already beginning to climb the trellis, and they're sturdy!! We live in a windy area, and so far, they haven't budge. Also so, so easy to put together!! Took us less than a half hour probably." —Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $76.49+ (available in two sizes).

25. Put in a self-sealing magnetic screen door that'll let dogs help themselves out or in the house — so you won't have to peel yourself up your hammock after you got nice and comfy with a horror book.

Promising review: "I bought this so my puppies could traverse to/from their backyard pen area...and keep flying insects out. It is AWESOME! The puppies figured out quickly that they could go through the screen — the screen snapped back into a closed state immediately after they got through the opening. If only all things in life could be solved this easily!" —Lynette S Quigley

Get it from Amazon for $27.99.

26. Keep on using that sturdy (but ancient) picnic table with some vinyl coversreviewers found extremely helpful for camping and park use, BUT will also protect you from splinters at home. Go ahead, have dinner outside today!

RNOONY is a small biz.

Promising review: "Great product! I bought it for my backyard picnic table. I think the table and bench covers are well made for the price I paid." —Maria

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in eight patterns).

27. Establish a garden focal point with an easy-to-install trellis. This one's made of PVC so it'll be super easy to take care of!

Jeanne / Wayfair user, Wendy / Wayfair reviewer

It's just ready and waiting for a vine you can train to climb it!

Promising review: "I bought this trellis for a climbing rose to add interest to a blank space at the front of my house. I like the interesting pattern especially as my rose is still small and the top of the trellis is still empty. The trellis was easy to put together and is made of easy care materials. I used the feet that came with it to install it and so far that is sufficient to keep it up." —Anonymous

Get it from Wayfair for $60.99 (available in two colors).

28. Mount an outdoor fan to the corner of your patio to keep a breeze going because even if your setup has ceiling fans, sometimes that isn't enough in mid-July. Also, circulating air will decrease the number of bugs that bother you.

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 to help 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. My only minor issues would be 1) it would be nice if the fan came with a cover for when it’s not used (I bought 20-inch tire storage covers to do the job), and 2) the fan is only adjustable up and down not side to side — if they could make it oscillate that would be great. Having said that, I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again." —Bigdad

Get it from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in two sizes).

29. Rig up a double hammock you totally have permission to use just by yourself. (It's easier than you'd think!)

FYI, this includes a spreader bar for easy setup and can hold up to 450 lbs.

Promising review: "This hammock is much more comfortable than any of those that we’ve had in the past. It looks great in the yard and is very comfortable and soft." —D

Get it from Amazon for $74.49 (available in six colors).

30. Show off your plantings at night (and give yourself a light show) with a pack of solar-powered garden lights. How magical!

Promising review: "As the sun sets and the evening breeze gently rustles through your garden, these lights come to life, casting a warm, enchanting glow that transforms your outdoor space into a magical haven." —April

Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in packs of two, four, six, and eight).

31. Become da belle of da ball after you install a colorful tree swing that everyone can enjoy — it has a weight capacity of 900 pounds.

Promising review: "We've had this swing hanging in our tree out back for two years now. Our kids, and their friends, LOVE it. I love that it's large enough to accommodate a number of kids/people, and that it's held up so well over time. Would totally recommend." —Krystal

Get it from Amazon for $35.79.

32. Post up a solar-powered bird feeder with a built-in AI-powered camera for some serious wildlife entertainment, even if you're in a cul-de-sac in a sea of neighborhoods. You'll get real-time notifications so you can peek outside and see birds chow down as it happens.

Promising review: "I love watching birds, and I was so excited when I set up the bird feeder and saw the first visitors the very next day! The camera works perfectly, and the video quality is great — everything is visible in detail. My kids and I have a blast watching the videos together! We're amazed by the clarity and how close we can see the birds. It's like having a nature documentary right in our backyard. Highly recommend it to any bird lover!" —Shustric

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in three colors).

33. Though it's technically not your backyard, hang up a waterproof outdoor curtain on your deck to help give you a little privacy from your neighbor or block the sun out of your eyes while you're having your morning coffee out there.