55 cheap ways to make your backyard look so much nicer with almost no effort
Your backyard will be your favorite spot to hang out.
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 these budget-friendly products that will make your backyard look so much nicer with almost no effort.
01Easily 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!”
02Organize 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.”
03Powerwash 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.
04Reseed 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.
05Consider 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.
06Use 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.
07Use 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.
08Try 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.
09Decorate 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.
10Trim 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.
11Make 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.
12Illuminate 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.
13Use 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.
14Repel 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.
15Keep This Fancy-Looking Ice Bucket Handy For Hosting
This stainless steel ice bucket looks so sophisticated, guests won’t suspect it cost you less than 30 bucks. It has a double-walled, insulated design that will keep ice cold for hours. And it comes with a set of matching tongs along with your choice of bamboo or stainless steel lid.
16Clean 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.
17Make your garden beds pop with this easy-to-install edging
Adding some polished edging to your yard doesn’t need to be a huge, expensive project — at least, not with this kit. This Adirondack-style edging has a flexible design that allows it to fit around curved garden beds as needed, and it comes with anchoring spikes that let you to set it up quickly and easily. Plus, the wood-looking design is available in four colors.
18Create cozy accent lighting with these solar lanterns
These solar lanterns can be hung over your patio or placed on a table or walkway to add a warm pop of light. With a retro industrial design, they turn on automatically at dusk if they get enough sunlight, and they last for up to eight hours at a time. “I can't say enough good things about these lanterns,” one fan wrote. “I have had 8 of them for 2 years and they still light up brightly at night even after being outside for two Colorado winters.”
19Give your potted plants a boost with this tiered stand set
Putting your potted plants at different heights can add a more curated look to your yard, and this stand set includes five tiered pieces for plenty of variety. Available in your choice of black or bronze, the stands are made with sturdy iron that’s been treated to be rust-resistant. And they feature an ornate design that will add a pretty touch to your space.
20Add 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!”
21Hide eyesores with this clever “rock” disguise
Got pipes or other unattractive features in your backyard you’d rather not see every day? This faux landscaping rock is the perfect disguise. It has a lightweight, hollow construction and it comes with two stakes so you can secure it in the ground. “I bought this with two smaller hollow ‘rocks’ to hide outlets after the addition of a water feature,” one fan noted. “All look real from just a few feet away. Perfect!”
22Serve 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).
23Add a waterproof tablecloth to your patio set
Whether your patio table has seen better days or you just like to mix up the aesthetic, this waterproof tablecloth will give it a whole new look. It’s made of durable PVC that repels water, and it comes in seven patterns and five sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your setup.
24Add 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.
25Repaint 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.
26A dreamy canopy that also keeps bugs out
Create an ethereal (and bug free) nook in your yard by adding this pretty canopy. It’s made of super-fine mesh that can keep even small bugs like mosquitos out, according to the brand. And it comes with the hooks, plugs, and rope needed to hang it without hassle.
27Invest 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.
28Chill, 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.
29Use a scraper to keep your backyard grill looking brand new
When grill season is in full force, you’ll be glad to have this clever grill scraper on deck. The compact tool has a special grooved design to get in between grill grates, without the use of bristles, and it features an ergonomic grip that sits comfortably in your hand. Plus, on the other end, it has a handy bottle opener.
30Invest 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.
31Create 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.
32Keep 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.
33Refresh 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.
34Hang 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.
35Place 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.
36Add a decorative trellis to help organize your garden
With an impressive 4.7-star overall rating, this two-piece set serves as a trellis for any climbing plants in your garden. Each trellis is crafted from a weatherproof metal with a subtle dragonfly design. “I have used these for several years as a part of my garden fence with several pots and needed to shift everything,” one fan wrote. “Easy to use, sturdy for how thin the metal is and coated well to survive the seasons.”
37Take 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.
38Make 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.
39Clear 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.
40Set up a charcuterie board with an impressive spread
With a near-perfect 4.8-star overall rating, this charcuterie board was designed to impress. It’s made of attractive bamboo and features built-in indents to hold crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and more. And it comes in several designs, including options with a hidden drawer full of matching serving utensils.
41Keep 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.
42Avoid 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.
43Jazz up your firepit with these colorful flames
You can transform your wood-burning firepit into a colorful show with these “Magical Flames.” Simply add the package (unopened) to your fire, and you’ll be treated to an hour of vibrant colors. You can also add up to three packets at a time for even more of an effect.
44Put 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.
45Create 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.
46Invite 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.
47Add a weather-resistant accent table for drinks or decor
This round end table has a chic look, yet it has features to help it stand up to tough outdoor elements. Its steel frame is powder-coated, resulting in a table that is weather, rust, and even UV resistant. At 50 pounds, it’s a sturdy piece whether you’re using it to hold drinks, plants, or garden decor, and it comes in your choice of gray or blue.
48Bring 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.
49Remove 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.
50Dress up dinner or drinks with the help of this rattan tray
This rattan tray was made for backyard hangs, with an attractive, handwoven construction that comes in two colors. It has a round design with built-in handles, making it perfect for refreshments or setting up for dinner. And even better, it comes in two sizes.
51Enhance your tablescape with these colorful glass torches
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just having dinner outside on a warm night, this tabletop torch set will take the scene up a notch. Each set includes three textured glass torches in assorted colors of red, white, and blue. These torches can also be paired with the brand’s “BiteFighter” fuel to help deter mosquitoes.
52Ditch the paper plates for this durable melamine dinnerware set
If you want to impress your guests (or just make yourself feel like royalty), upgrade your outdoor dinnerware to this fancy-looking melamine set. The material is lightweight and (fans have attested) virtually unbreakable, and it’s dishwasher safe to keep cleanup easy. Each 12-piece set includes dinner plates, salad or dessert plates, and bowls for three people.
53Keep plants looking lush with these self-watering bulbs
Got potted outdoor plants that don’t get enough water on their own? These self-watering bulbs will ensure they get a continuous supply of water, without you having to struggle with a watering can. They’re available in multiple sizes (and even a mushroom shape), and they can provide water to plants for up to 10 to 14 days (depending on the size you get) before needing to be refilled.
54Make it easier to clean up after your pet with this outdoor trash can
Want to stay on top of cleaning up after your dog in the yard? Make it easier on yourself by keeping this small outdoor trash can in a convenient spot. It has a step-pedal design with a secure lid, and it comes in your choice of two sizes and five finishes, so you can find the perfect fit for your space.
55Add a bit of whimsy with this solar-powered mushroom fairy house
Who ever said your yard needs to be all business? Add a playful touch with this mini statue of a garden fairy house, which features a solar-powered light for a warm glow. Place it anywhere that gets ample direct sun and it will be powered up to give hours of light when the sun goes down.