When the nice weather comes, your yard becomes an extension of your home. Unfortunately, nature isn’t the easiest to tame. Cue these cheap, clever things that fix the tacky eyesores in your yard. They hide messes, keep your stuff dry and covered, prevent rust, dirt, and bugs, and make your outdoor space a sanctuary you’ll actually want to show off.
A reversible rug that warms up your outdoor space
An area rug is one of the fastest, easiest ways to turn a cold porch or bare patio into a cozy gathering spot (and hide floor damage in the process). This reversible indoor-outdoor rug is woven from a cotton-blend material that’s durable, stain-resistant, water-resistant, and capable of withstanding high traffic. It’s also easy to clean since it’s machine-washable and quick-drying.
A rain chain that’s way prettier than a downspout
This rain chain works as a downspout, directing moisture from your gutter to the ground — but it’s way prettier to look at. Available in turquoise or copper, it’s made from heavy-duty iron with a hook on top and a charm on the bottom. When it rains, the water drains down the chain and through the cups, making a pleasant jingling sound in the process.
A mesh privacy screen that zip-ties to chain fences
Get this mesh privacy screen in your choice of seven colors and 13 size options to fit most chain-link fences. Made from a knitted net material, it blocks UV rays and prying eyes to create a cool, private oasis in your yard. It also has rust-resistant brass grommets along the sides, top, and bottom, and zip ties for easy installation on existing fences.
Green spray paint that won’t harm shrubs or grass
Fed up with that browning bush or that dry, patchy spot on your lawn? Spray it with this Renew grass and shrub spray. It’s basically just green paint that makes your yard look lush and healthy — but it won’t harm your plants or lawn, and it won’t wash away with rain or sprinklers. Reviewers have also used it on houseplants, door wreaths, and Christmas trees.
A gel spray that dissolves rust without scrubbing
“This stuff is a miracle product,” one reviewer said about Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver spray. “Just spray this on, wait a bit, then wipe off. Rust gone!” Its thick gel formula clings to surfaces and penetrates rust to remove discoloration and rough textures in 30 minutes or less, no scrubbing required. Use it on most iron, steel, or other metal surfaces, including tools, bikes, grills, bolts, and cars.
Flat solar ground lights that look expensive
Since they stick into the ground and sit flush against your landscaping, these mini outdoor lights look expensive and hard-wired. Their solar-powered batteries soak up energy from the sun during the day, and their eight bright LEDs turn on automatically at night for maintenance-free illumination. They’re also durable enough to withstand any weather conditions, and they won’t get in the way of the lawnmower.
A roll-out path made from durable cedarwood
Custom stonework isn’t cheap, but this garden path lets you create a charming walkway anywhere in your yard on a budget. It’s made from pressure-treated cedarwood to resist fading, cracking, and water damage, and it’s textured to prevent slipping. Thanks to the built-in spacers, it self-drains in the rain and rolls up like a rug if you want to reposition it or put it away for the season.
A lush faux-hedge panel that livens up your space
Cover up eyesores on your outdoor walls, fences, and railings, and create a private, lush sanctuary in minutes. This faux hedge panel features dense layers of three-dimensional greenery to liven up your outdoor space — but since they’re fake and weather-resistant, it’s totally maintenance-free. You can also cut the panel to size or easily connect it with other panels thanks to the gridded hole-and-tab backing.
The best outdoor stair treads, according to reviewers
“Best treads for outside,” said one reviewer who bought these heavy-duty stair mats two winters ago, and they “still look new.” Made from weather-resistant rubber with textured cut-outs, they create traction in icy weather, remove sand and dirt from your shoes on contact, and protect bare feet and paws from hot decks in the summer. Use them on any outdoor steps, including wood, concrete, stone, and Trex.
An easy, paintable repair kit for damaged vinyl siding & fences
This brilliant repair kit fixes any cracks, holes, or blemishes in your vinyl siding or PVC fences. The kit includes 24 patches made from thin PVC, which you can peel, stick over the damage, and paint. They’re weather-proof in climates as cold as 5 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 140, and according to one reviewer, “our siding looks new again.”
River-rock stepping stones that won’t scatter
These stepping stones may look like clusters of individually-placed river rocks — but they’re cemented onto a non-slip PVC mat that keeps them secured despite wind, landscaping, and heavy traffic. They’re also polished for a comfortable feeling underfoot, and available in black, white, or multicolored designs in various shapes and sizes to suit your yard.
A neat, sturdy way to store your garden hose
If your garden hose is currently in a muddy heap in the corner of your yard, consider this freestanding hose rack instead. It’s made from rust-resistant metal with 8-inch ground spikes to support hoses as long as 160 feet and as heavy as 130 pounds. It even has a notch for nozzle. “This is the best hose holder we’ve ever owned,” said one reviewer. “Easy assembly and super sturdy.”
A resin deck box for outdoor storage & seating
Available in five color options and eight sizes from 30 to 230 gallons, this deck box functions as outdoor storage and durable seating. While it looks like woodgrain, it’s actually made from weatherproof resin that resists fading, cracking, and sun damage. Fill it with pool toys, outdoor cushions, gardening essentials, or deliveries, and use it as a bench, side table, or ottoman. You can even secure it with a padlock.
A 6-outlet power strip for outdoor electronics
Stick this outdoor power strip into the ground up to 25 feet away from your nearest outlet. You then have six new grounded outlets to plug in your outdoor lighting, holiday decorations, and water fountains. You can also mount it to the side of a wall or fence. Each socket has a spring-loaded cover to keep out water and dirt, and it has an overload protection switch to ensure safety.
Color-changing outdoor lights that look so high-end
Most outdoor lights shine in one direction. These solar lights have bright LEDs with light-amplifying convex lenses on both the top and bottom, creating abowtie effect that makes your yard look high-end. Mount them to fences and outdoor walls using the included hardware, and let their solar batteries and dusk-to-dawn sensors do the rest. You can also choose between eight static colors or a dynamic rainbow mode that cycles through them all.
A clear spray that repels water & prevents fading
I sprayed some seasonal pillows with this Scotchgard Sun and Water shield before leaving them on my uncovered rocking chair for months. They still look like new. The formula dries clear and odorless, but creates a protective layer that repels water and guards against UV rays to prevent fading. You can also use it on outdoor furniture, flags, shade sails, table linens, hiking gear, and shoes.
A shade sail for cool, breezy coverage
Don’t have the budget for a pergola, porch, or gazebo? This shade sail helps you create your own shady oasis for a great price. The tear-resistant fabric prevents pooling and allows airflow, yet blocks up to 95% of UV rays for cool, breezy coverage. It’s rectangular with metal D-rings on each corner, so it’s easy to mount with a hardware kit (sold separately).
An easy-to-apply formula that fills cracks in concrete
“I used this on my porch that had a crack all the way across it,” said one reviewer who commented that this liquid cement filler is “easy to use” and “makes the crack invisible.” The pre-mixed, self-leveling formula applies through the precision tip, filling gaps in interior or exterior concrete before drying into a discreet gray color. Let it set for 45 minutes, and the area is ready for traffic again.
Corner grippers that stop rugs from sliding & curling
Prevent slipping, curling, and sliding with these rug corner grippers. Compatible with both outdoor and indoor rugs, they use a weatherproof adhesive that sticks to rug corners, and a rubber lining that grips the stone, wood, concrete, or composite decking underneath. “I have an outdoor rug on a screened porch that curled up after repeatedly getting wet,” one reviewer said, but these are “working great.”
A galvanized bed I used for a vegetable garden
Last spring, with zero gardening knowledge whatsoever, I planted a flourishing vegetable garden in this raised bed. It’s made from galvanized steel, which was lightweight enough for me to assemble and move by myself, but still looks brand new a year later. It also keeps the dogs out of my plants. Available in 4-foot or 6-foot designs, the kit includes everything you need for assembly and a free pair of gloves.
A mosquito zapper that covers up to half an acre
The blue-violet light attracts bugs from up to half an acre away, while the 4400-voltage grid shocks them when they enter the lantern. This bug zapper is designed to eliminate over 3,600 species of mosquitoes from your yard, so you can enjoy your outdoor space without getting bitten. Its 5.5-foot power cord is waterproof, and it has a metal grid that prevents accidental shocks.
Festive fitted covers for your picnic table
Give your outdoor picnic table some festive personality while protecting it from stains, covering up splinters and eyesores, and making clean-up a breeze. These fitted picnic covers envelop both the benches and the tabletop, cinching around the corners with elastic for a wind-resistant fit. They’re made from waterproof vinyl that you can reuse, and they come in two sizes and 15 colors and prints.
A gnome sculpture that gives your gutter character
Stick this gnome gutter extension onto the end of your downspout to give your rain drainage system some much-needed character. Made from weather-resistant resin that looks like carved wood, it features a gnome with a fishing net on a hollowed-out tree stump, and the water drains out over the goldfish below. The brand also sells designs with birds, turtles, squirrels, ducks, and dogs.
Long-lasting food spikes that nourish bushes, trees & flowering plants
Feeding your trees and shrubs has never been easier. These Miracle-Gro spikes contain fertilizer designed to nourish acid-loving plants, including evergreen bushes, deciduous trees, and flowering varieties like hydrangeas, magnolias, and azaleas. Once in the spring and once in the fall, stick them in the ground next to your plants for lush, green foliage and more vibrant blooms.
A vivid floral door mat for an inviting entryway
Welcome your guests in style with this flower door mat. It’s handmade with natural coir on top and durable PVC on the bottom, so it removes dirt from your shoes and doesn’t slide around on your stoop, deck, or porch. According to one reviewer, it’s also easy to shake off and instantly makes your entryway “feel more inviting” with its “vivid colors” and “cheerful flower design.”
A hollow faux rock that covers up eyesores
Available in 10 sizes and six colors, this landscape rock looks exactly like — well, a rock. Inside, it’s hollow with an open bottom, so you can slip it over speakers, pipes, utility valves, electrical boxes, and stumps. Since it’s weather-resistant, anchors into the ground with two stakes, and has a super realistic texture, no one will have any idea it’s disguising your yard’s eyesores.
Durable straps for organizing, carrying & hanging items
These Wrap-It storage straps have earned an average 4.8-star rating because they help you organize, carry, and store a huge range of items. The velcro strap wraps around wires, extension cords, hoses, and tools, the comfort-grip handle makes for easy transporting, and the stainless steel grommet lets you hang the item from hooks in your shed or garage. Each one is weather-resistant and durable enough to support 100 pounds.
A downspout splash block that prevents mud & erosion
Place this splash block underneath your gutter’s downspout to direct the water away from the foundation, preventing flooding, erosion, and puddles of mud. It’s easy to install since it doesn’t require any anchoring, and while it looks like stacked stone, it’s actually made from a durable resin material that resists cracking, chipping, and fading.
Rainbow lily lights that looks stunning all day & night
Most outdoor lights only shine at night. These weather-resistant solar garden lights look stunning around the clock. During the day, their colorful petals and green leaves look like clusters of lilies, but the solar panels on their stems are quietly soaking up sunlight. When it gets dark, their color-changing lights automatically turn on, cycling through a rainbow of shades to illuminate your yard for up to 12 hours.
Artificial turf that requires zero maintenance
Create a maintenance-free yard, make your balcony a lush retreat, or give your pet a designated place to use the bathroom. This roll-out artificial grass comes in four sizes and has multiple layers: a turf layer that resists fading and shedding, a grid layer that self-drains water and dries fast, and a latex layer that holds it all together. Cut it to size and install it with the included hook, landscaping staples, and gardening gloves.
A personalizable gold-tone hexagon trellis for climbing plants
Climbing plants need something to cling to, and this chain trellis is a work of art in and of itself. The set includes 18 gold-tone hexagonal rings that interlock to create a geometric path, green velcro straps that connect the rings while blending into your plants, and adhesive hooks for mounting the trellis on virtually any surface.
A brass garden faucet that makes a statement
Available in three designs (a frog, a dolphin, and a pigeon), this whimsical outdoor faucet replaces your old, leaky garden hose tap while turning it into a statement piece. It fits a standard .5-inch pipe thread, and it’s made from tarnish-resistant brass that “feels really heavy,” one reviewer said. Others receive compliments from everyone who sees it.
Outdoor string lights with extra sparkle
Whimsical and weather-resistant, these decorative outdoor string lights feature soft-glowing bulbs wrapped in beaded copper wire balls. Each one spans 8.5 feet with a 24-inch plug, and you can connect up to 22 strands to transform your patio, deck, porch, fire pit, or balcony. The brand also sells designs with hemp rope or seagrass rattan wound around the globes.
Sturdy poles for hanging your string lights
Hang your string lights without tree branches, eaves, fences, or a pergola. These outdoor light poles are made from weather-resistant metal that withstands wind, rain, and snow. They’re 10 feet tall with U-shaped hooks on top and five-prong ground-stake bases on the bottom. As a result, they stand tall and sturdy, holding stretches of string lights between 12 and 15 feet long.
A wrought iron hose holder with a whimsical design
A space-saving solution and a stunning piece of decor in one, this garden hose holder mounts to the side of your house or shed to keep your hose neat, clean, and off the ground. It’s made from wrought iron with an antique finish, and the carved design features birds on a tree branch. With a weight capacity of 50 pounds, it cradles long, heavy hoses with ease.
Solar step lights for custom-lit outdoor stairs
You don’t need to hire an electrician to get a custom-lit outdoor staircase. These solar step lights are triangular, so they slip into the corner between the tread and the riser before securing in place with adhesive strips or screws. From there, the 800mAh solar battery soaks up sunlight during the day and turns on automatically at night, giving you cordless, no-maintenance visbility.
A solar lantern with hummingbird cutouts
Place this waterproof solar lantern on an outdoor table, or hang it from a tree branch or hook. It automatically lights up at night, its copper cutouts casting a gorgeous hummingbird-and-flower pattern across your space. Best of all, since it transforms sunlight into stored energy, it doesn’t require any cords, outlets, or single-use batteries.
Bamboo fencing that offers shade & privacy
Handwoven from natural reeds and cotton threads, this bamboo privacy fencing shields you from the sun and from prying eyes. Cut it to size as needed and use the included zip ties to secure it to chainlink fences, pergolas, and poles. Reviewers have also wrapped it around above-ground pools and balconies to create a tropical retreat.
A tool that pulls out weeds without hassle
This dandelion weeder has an average 4.6-star rating. It uses an ergonomic handle and a V-shaped stainless steel prong head to pull weeds out by their roots without hassle or hand fatigue. One reviewer said, “I am thoroughly amazed with this tool,” and “I honestly couldn't believe how easily they came out of the ground.”
A freestanding bike rack that saves space
This freestanding bike rack holds your bicycle vertically to save space in your garage, shed, or apartment — and it doesn’t require drilling into your walls. Compatible with tires up to 4 inches thick, it’s adjustable to fit almost any bicycle (including road bikes, mountain bikes, and kids’ bikes), and it has wheels on the bottom so you can easily move it from spot to spot.
A waterproof sealant that dries crystal-clear
This waterproof sealant dries crystal clear, so you won’t be able to see it on your roof shingles, shed, windows, pipes, chimneys, gutters, patio stones, or walls. Still, it creates a self-leveling membrane that penetrates gaps to seal out moisture, and you can use it indoors or outdoors on a variety of materials, including concrete, bricks, metal, and wood.
Cabana-style curtains for outdoor privacy
These cabana-style outdoor curtains give you chic, breezy privacy on the porch, gazebo, pergola, or covered deck. Get them in your choice of eight colors and 11 sizes and slip them onto most fixed or tension curtain rods. The stainless steel grommets resist rust, and the water-repellent fabric is heavy-weight while allowing some light to filter through.
A custom garden sign that only seems expensive
Granted, it’s fully customizable with up to 30 characters of your choice, this personalized garden sign seems a lot more expensive than it is. It’s made from 16-gauge steel and laser-cut to display the name or phrase of your choice. Stick it into the ground, or opt for one of the brand’s wall-mounted designs to personalize your porch, balcony, or entryway.
Small fence panels to create protective garden borders
Create adorable borders for your flower patches, keep critters out of your vegetable garden, and prevent your pets from trampling your plants. These garden fence panels are 17 inches tall with an interlocking design, so you can connect as many as you need. They’re also made from stainless steel that resists rust and damage, and they come with hooks where you can hang string lights or holiday decorations.
A pet- & kid-safe spray that deters rodents
While it’s safe for kids, pets, and plants, this rodent defense spray is designed to deter mice and rats. Using natural peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and garlic, it discourages pests from nesting in your shed, wintering in your garage or attic, raiding your vegetable garden, or gnawing through your outdoor wiring.
Celestial garden stakes that can turn on automatically at night
Decorate your yard with these ethereal solar garden stakes, which look gorgeous both in the daylight and at night. They come in a set of three celestial designs (a star, a moon, and a sun) with a copper-colored finish and intricate cut-outs. On each stainless steel ground stake, a solar panel collects sunlight and senses low light, so the moon-like globes glow a soft yellow as soon as it gets dark.
An outdoor rug that rinses off with the hose
“Exactly what I was looking for in our gazebo,” one reviewer said about this outdoor geometric rug, which comes in 12 color options and seven rectangular sizes. “I love the design and how easy this is to clean and fold up for winter.” Woven from plastic straw, it’s reversible, stain-resistant, UV-protected, quick-drying, and easy to rinse off with the hose.
A rust-resistant spray paint that comes in 100+ colors
Give your outdoor items a refresh and protect surfaces from rust and weathering. This Rust-Oleum spray paint comes in over 140 color options in various finishes, including ultra-matte, metallic, satin, and high-gloss. It dries to the touch in 20 minutes, and you can use it on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, including wood, metal, wicker, unglazed ceramic, masonry, and plastic.
Ground spikes that guide your garden hose
Made from thick cast iron, these hose guide spikes stick into the ground and have spool-like designs to channel your garden hose from one end of the yard to the other, preventing tripping, curling, kinking, and snagging. The stakes are long with barbed edges that grip the soil underneath, so they remain firmly planted in the ground when you pull the hose.
A tree trimmer that slices through thick branches
With their cushioned grips and curved, high-carbon stainless steel blades, these 16-inch gardening loppers are designed to slice through thick branches with minimal effort. “Easiest trimmer I’ve ever used,” one reviewer raved — and they’re 64 years old with arthritis. “Expansion feature worked perfectly, good size, quick clean cuts.”
An outdoor storage ottoman with a serving-tray lid
When it comes to multipurpose outdoor furniture, this weather-resistant rattan ottoman couldn’t be more functional. Available in seven color options, it’s hollow so you can store outdoor pillows and blankets inside. It’s also cushioned with a 250-pound weight capacity, so you can use it as a footrest or an impromptu seat. Last but not least, the lid flips over and functions as a serving tray with built-in handles.
Flower pots that hook over fences & railings
These hanging flower pots have detachable hooks that secure around most fences and railings up to 2.7 inches thick. That way, you can plant colorful flowers, cascading greenery, or culinary herbs without taking up any floor space on your deck or balcony. Available in black or white, they’re made from crack-resistant metal with pre-drilled drainage holes.
A privacy screen that hides your yard’s eyesores
This privacy screen panel camouflages your yard’s eyesores, hiding trash cans, pool equipment, or air conditioning units behind a white picket fence. You can also use it to partition off sections of your yard or keep pets out of certain areas. Made from vinyl, it’s weather-resistant and easy to hose down, and it comes with ground spikes and pre-drilled holes for easy installation.
A roller shade for your outdoor structures
Using the included hardware and step-by-step installation instructions, you can mount this outdoor roller shade to your pergola, covered porch, or gazebo. It creates full or semi-shade when you need it, and rolls up around the sturdy metal base when you don’t. Get it in six colors and 13 pre-measured sizes, or you can create a custom size for a perfect fit on your outdoor structures.
A planter that secures to your railings
Available in 11 color options, this railing planter has a notched design on the bottom (with fasteners) to fit over wood and metal railings between 1.25 and 3.8 inches wide. While it looks like painted wood, it’s made from resin that can handle all types of weather conditions without cracking, and it has drainage holes on the bottom to prevent root rot.
