50 Cheap Things That Make Your Backyard Way Nicer & More Fun

This cornhole set includes two cornhole boards, eight bean bags, and a carrying case. It’s full-sized and durable for competitive play — but unlike most sets, this one has foldable frames and lightweight fabric, so it packs up into its included travel bag and weighs less than 5 pounds. Needless to say, it’s great for backyard parties, picnics, and beach days.

Fill this deck box with all of your outdoor essentials, including pool supplies, cushions, sports equipment, or gardening items. Then, you can use it as a side table, ottoman, or chair. While it looks like wood, it’s actually made from waterproof, UV-resistant resin that holds 30 gallons and supports up to 230 pounds of weight. You can also lock it with a padlock (not included).

Give your garden beds and pathways charming, rustic borders for minimal cost and effort. This landscape edging is made from pinewood slats that have been carbonized, sanded, and refinished to resist corrosion and weather damage. They’re also length-adjustable and easy to install thanks to their wooden spikes that you can just hammer into the ground.

An area rug instantly makes any outdoor space feel like an extension of your home, and this outdoor rug is waterproof, cozy, and easy to care for. Available in 14 sizes and 10 colors with reversible geometric designs, it’s made from heat- and UV-treated vinyl to handle high traffic and sunlight. It also rinses clean of dirt and dries fast after rain.

“Feels super sturdy and looks more expensive than it is,” wrote one reviewer who called this outdoor fire pit table a “great value for the price” — especially since it includes a rain cover, a mesh lid, a barbecue grill, a flame grate, and a poker that doubles as a lid remover. The 32-inch pit is made from heat-proof, rust-resistant metal, while the frame has a lip you can use as a tabletop.

“A hit among both adults and children,” one reviewer wrote about these rainbow fire packets, which offer “a simple yet spectacular way to transform any campfire or fire pit into a dazzling display of colorful flames.” Toss a mess-free, non-toxic packet into any wood-burning fire (indoors or out) to create a multicolor lightshow that lasts for up to 20 minutes each.

Place your grill, smokeless stove, or portable firepit on virtually any surface without having to worry about damage or fires. This outdoor fireproof mat is made from double-sided silicone with fiberglass inside, so it’s heat-resistant up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and available in tons of shapes and sizes.

If a new fence isn’t in the budget, use these length-adjustable privacy screens to cover chain-link fences, open railings, and see-through trellises. The willow branch frames collapse and expand like an accordion, while the UV-resistant faux leaves create an ivy-like barrier that requires no maintenance. They also come in floral and tropical-like designs.

These outdoor stair treads are made from rubber with a raised trellis design, so they give your outdoor stoop or staircase a homey feel. That said, they’re as practical as they are pretty, granted they offer traction in icy weather and temperature resistance when the sun is beating down on your deck. They also rinse clean of dirt, and they’re easy to secure in place with double-sided adhesive (not included).

This non-toxic chalk comes in a set of 24 vivid colors, each with its own handheld dispenser that keeps your fingers dust-free. The tubes twist up like lipstick, preventing any accidental snaps, while the crayon-like consistency lasts 12 times as long as standard chalk. While it easily wipes off blackboards, it stays significantly longer on sidewalks and driveways.

Place this floating solar fountain into your bird bath to make it way more attractive — for both you and the birds. The clog-resistant pump creates your choice of eight different spray patterns with the interchangeable nozzles, while the solar panels absorb sunlight during the day to power the color-changing LEDs at night. It also comes with rods to keep it centered.

Create your own private cabana with these outdoor curtain panels. Available in several sizes and 20 colors, they’re made from heavy-duty fabric that’s reversible, water-repellent, and light-filtering. They also have rust-resistant metal grommets that are compatible with virtually any rod, so you can hang them across your porch, pergola, or gazebo.

Thanks to its tasseled fringe and woodgrain pole, it doesn’t get much more adorable than this vintage patio umbrella — but don’t let its appearance fool you: It’s still a practical addition to your outdoor space. The canopy is made from fiberglass ribs and UPF 50+ fabric to shade you from harmful rays, while the easy-tilt mechanism lets you adjust the angle with the press of a button.

Maybe your deck has seen better days, or maybe you don’t have a deck at all; just a concrete slab. Either way, these easy-snap tiles are affordable, chic-looking, and simple to install. Available in 10 colors, they’re made from weather-resistant acacia wood with a self-draining design and interlocking, anti-slip feet. Use them to transform your poolside, patio, porch, or balcony in a single afternoon.

With over 35,000 five-star ratings, this patio umbrella light is difficult to ignore. It’s battery-operated for cord-free use, and it has an adjustable clamp design that fits most umbrella poles between 1.15 and 2 inches in diameter. Clamp it on, choose between three brightness settings, and enjoy an illuminated outdoor dining area well into the night.

During the day, these solar sunflowers look like lush blooms in your garden. Once the sun goes down, they automatically switch on, illuminating your yard with a warm-white glow. The metal stakes securely stick into grass and dirt, the flexible stems allow for adjustable arranging, and the solar panels are waterproof with a dusk-to-dawn sensor.

Yes, it looks like a wall-mounted work of art — but this propagation station is also a cost-effective way to keep your garden going on a budget. The two wooden shelves each hold three glass bulbs, which you can fill with water and plant clippings to grow new root systems. The set also includes a slim scrub brush and a wall hook for hanging.

I have one of these inflatable ottomans, and it’s one of the best purchases I've ever made for my outdoor space. While it looks like a solid piece of furniture (especially since it comes in dozens of trendy patterns), its puncture-resistant interior deflates and its fade-resistant fabric folds up for compact storage. It’s also super lightweight with a built-in handle, so I can move it from one chair to another when I need leg support.

Available in five solid or combined colors, these outdoor lanterns help you add a whimsical, festive feel to your yard for your next gathering. Instead of paper, they’re made from a poly-silk blend, which can handle rain, wind, sunlight, and reuse. Their metal frames are also easy to assemble and break down again for compact storage.

This cute garden gnome statue brightens up your yard in more ways than one. Its weather-resistant hand-painted resin adds color to your landscaping long-term, while its solar-powered lantern automatically lights up when it gets dark, providing up to 10 hours of illumination. The brand also makes frog, fairy, and elephant designs.

Compatible with most types of railings up to 3.5 inches thick, this deck-mounted bird bath gives you a front-row seat to the wildlife in your yard. The metal bracket has an adjustable clamp to create a secure fit, while the flower-embossed bowl looks like terracotta, but is actually made from shatter-resistant plastic that you can remove, rinse, and refill.

“This works — even in Texas!” wrote one reviewer who usually gets bitten within five minutes, but thanks to these mosquito-repellent incense sticks, “we were able to have breakfast on the patio with no bites!” While the citronella and lemongrass scent actually smells nice to humans, the smoke aims to deter bugs for up to 2.5 hours. They also have a bamboo core for a clean, even burn.

If a new porch or pergola isn’t in the budget, this sun sail helps you create a shady retreat for cheap. Its tightly woven fabric blocks up to 95% of UV rays while still allowing the breeze to pass through, and it has curved, reinforced edges to prevent sagging. Secure it to roofs, columns, or trees.

Made from thick iron, this metal trellis is built to withstand rust, wind, rain, snow, and UV rays for years of outdoor use. Its 10-inch ground stakes keep it sturdy despite its 45-inch height, and its grid-like rungs help to support climbing plants, wisteria, roses, and vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes.

You don’t have to drill holes through your bricks in order to hang things. These brilliant brick clips securely clasp around most standard bricks between 2.12 and 2.36 inches wide. Made from heavy-duty steel that can support up to 25 pounds each, they provide two hooks for hanging holiday decor, plants, signs, and outdoor lights — all without causing damage.

Keep your guests well-supplied with this rolling bar cart that comes in your choice of 14 colors. It has two tiers of storage with dividers for bottles, ice buckets, cocktail accessories, and garnishes, plus an upside-down rack to securely hold stemware. Since it’s made from alloy steel, it’s weather-resistant and sturdy enough to support up to 55 pounds.

According to one reviewer, these capiz shell chimes create a “wonderful sound when the wind goes through them,” so they sound as gorgeous as they look. Available in your choice of seven colors, the tinted oyster shells cascade down from a teak-wood base, which has a durable metal O-ring so you can hang it from porch ceilings, overhangs, and shepherd's hooks.

During the day, these solar rock lights fade into your landscaping with their realistic stone exterior, which is made from resin to withstand the elements. When the sun goes down, the solar panels sense the darkness and automatically turn on, transforming their stored energy into bright LED beams that illuminate your pathways, porch, or garden.

No screen door? No problem. This hands-free screen is made from fiberglass mesh with a magnetic slit down the middle, so it opens as you walk through and automatically closes behind you to prevent bugs from getting into your house. It’s a no-brainer for homes with kids, pets, and visitors, and it comes with adhesive strips and thumb tacks for installation.

This solar moon light has earned an average 4.5-star rating from over 11,000 reviewers. A crackle-glass globe sits inside a copper cut-out crescent, and the garden stake has a solar panel that collects sunlight, transforms it into energy, and senses darkness to automatically turn on at dusk. “I'm absolutely in love with this light,” wrote one reviewer who said it’s “gorgeous,” “brilliant,” and “casts a beautiful light pattern.”

While the multicolored pebbles look individually placed, the transparent netting on the backs of these riverstone stepping stones keeps them anchored in a neat circle. They’re also polished for a smooth feel underfoot and secured in place with a polyresin adhesive, which is slip-resistant and capable of withstanding the elements.

Tired of dropping shrimp, sliced veggies, and cubed meat between the barbecue grates? These grill baskets keep all of the aforementioned contained in their stainless steel cages. Hold them by the wooden handles and roll them over the flames to evenly season, sear, and cook your food. The set includes a hook to safely open the top, so you can slide your feast straight onto the plate — and they nest for compact storage.

If your gardening space is limited, this tiered planter makes the most out of a compact yard, deck, or balcony. It stacks up to five pots high, though you only have to water the top two; its automatic drainage system ensures that the plants at the bottom get plenty of moisture. Choose from terracotta brown, cream white, or greenish gray, all made from lightweight yet weather-resistant PP plastic.

These reflective wind spinners offer a humane way to prevent birds from nesting in your eaves, bathing in your pool, or pooping on your patio. The spinning stainless steel discs have a mirror-like finish that reflects sunlight, scaring most bird species without harming them. They also come on hooks, so they’re easy to hang from branches and awnings.

Give a pond, fountain, or bird bath the magical element it's missing. These floating lily pads look like real flowers with crisp-white petals and deep-green leaves, but they’re actually made from UV-resistant foam that won’t fade in the sunlight. “Liked them so much I bought another set!” one reviewer wrote. “They look great and the frogs seem to enjoy another place to lounge around!”

Replace your downspout with this length-adjustable rain chain to elevate your home’s curb appeal. Its matte-black lotus design looks like a work of art, while its connective chains create a soothing sound as the rain cascades down. Still, it guides water from your gutter to the ground, minimizing mud splashes and directing moisture away from your home’s foundation.

With its wooden pegs and rope rings, this rustic ring toss game looks like a family heirloom — and since it’s built to last, it might just become one. The New Zealand pine is polished and finished, making it water-resistant for all-weather use. It also weighs under 3 pounds and comes with a moisture-wicking bag for portability and storage.

Create gorgeous borders for your landscaping, or keep pets and pests away from your flowers and vegetable garden. This decorative fencing has an arched lattice design that looks a lot more expensive than it is. Made from rust-resistant metal with ground stakes and connective cable ties, each set spans 10 feet and stands 24 inches tall.

Stick these artificial flower bundles in window boxes, plant pots, and hanging baskets to make it look like you have a green thumb, even if you have no idea how to garden. They’re UV-resistant to maintain their vivid colors despite sunlight, and they have flexible wire-rod stems so you can arrange them as desired. Most importantly, they “look so real,” one reviewer raved.

It’s way more stylish than your average camping lantern, but this metal table lamp is surprisingly practical and durable. USB-rechargeable with stepless dimming and three temperature settings, it provides up to 18 hours of light without any cords. It’s also made from aluminum alloy with a shatter-resistant acrylic bulb, and it comes in several color options.

Their magnetic bases cling to your barbecue without damage or hassle, while their flexible gooseneck design allows you to point the bright LEDs in any direction. These grill lights are also weatherproof and battery-operated, so you can use them for camping, car repairs, and emergencies. The set of two includes batteries and a portable case.

This privacy screen has an average 4.6-star rating, and one reviewer wrote, “This has been a game changer when it comes to our dogs trying to fight the backyard neighbors' dogs.” Available in eight colors and tons of sizes, it zip-ties to most balconies, railings, and chain-link fences, turning transparent structures into opaque walls. Still, the mesh material is UV-protected and allows the wind to pass through.

I break out these pop-up food covers every single time I entertain outside. Their wide, tent-like design covers serving plates and large bowls, while their fine mesh fabric keeps bugs off your food. They also have lace trim that looks gorgeous on my tablescape, and they collapse down like umbrellas for compact storage in my tiny kitchen.

Create a canopy (or a wall) of lights in one fell swoop. This fairy light net spans 10 by 10 feet and illuminates your space with 270 warm-white LEDs. It’s waterproof with a 16.4-foot cord, so you can reach the nearest outlet, indoors or out. It also has eight lighting modes with various effects, and you can connect up to three nets at once.

Whether you place this solar globe light on your stoop, on an outdoor dining table, or on a pedestal in the garden, it’ll look gorgeous both during the day and at night. Its rainbow mosaic glass pattern looks like a sculptural work of art, while its high-efficiency solar panel transforms sunlight into long-lasting power for the LED light, which has two settings: warm white and color-changing.

Install these solar lights on your deck, driveway, porch, dock, or around the pool for custom-like lighting on a budget. After charging in the sunlight for a few hours, they’ll produce up to 20 hours of illumination in your choice of cool-white or warm-white tones. They’re also weatherproof with aluminum alloy cases that can withstand up to 3 tons of weight, so it’s no problem if you accidentally drive over them.

According to one reviewer, this Tiki Toss ring game is “well made, easy to assemble, simple to play!” Mount the surfboard base to a wall, column, or tree, and swing the ring until you get it on the hook. It’s durable enough to withstand the elements, and it’s suitable for kids and adults of all ages.

These solar string lights look like bumble bees and transform the sun’s rays into a honey-golden glow that illuminates your garden after dark. The solar panel also has a dusk-to-dawn sensor, so they switch on automatically when the sun goes down. No wonder they’ve earned an average 4.5-star rating from over 8,800 reviewers.

Use these river rock stones to line potted plants, fill vases, accent ponds and aquariums, finish garden beds, highlight water features, and create charming pathways. Each bag contains lightly polished stones in hues of brown, white, yellow, and black. They don’t deteriorate like mulch, they help soil retain moisture, and they come in orders from 9 to 40 pounds.

Made from stainless steel with a 360-degree airflow design, this tabletop fire pit creates a 2-foot radius of heat — all while minimizing smoke, soot, and mess. It uses either wood or pellets for fuel, making it a convenient and clean-burning option for backyard parties, camping, and roasting marshmallows. It also comes with a stand and a nylon carrying bag.