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All it takes is a few low-lift tweaks to make you want to clock SO much more time there.

Sitting outside at your own place can feel so peaceful. Well, until the sun gets in your eyes or a mosquito gets you behind the knee or your dog starts scratching at the door to go back inside. When it comes to your backyard problems, we've got easy solutions you can accomplish through some very simple DIY-ing. We're talking a magnetic screen door so Miso can let herself back inside, some food-proof covers for your picnic table that can legally drink, and even an outdoor rug you can simply throw down on a worse-for-wear patio surface you don't have the time or energy to paint. (Though a bit of concrete paint does go a long way.) 'Tis the time to handle these beginner-friendly home improvement projects so you can hurry up and start using your backyard to its full potential! 

Promising review: "I wanted to wait until the grass had a chance to grow before leaving my review, and I’m very pleased! The germination rate was quick, the grass came in thick and healthy, and it’s already looking great in my yard. Easy to plant, grows strong, and definitely worth it. Highly recommend if you want reliable results!" —Richard lademan

Get it from Amazon for $23.67 (also available in two other bag sizes).

Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to made weeding easy. Grampa's Weeder is a small biz!

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

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." 

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).

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." —Susan

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 six styles and lengths).

Consider stocking up on a two-pack of refills for $19.99.

Promising review: "I recently added this plug to my outdoor string lights, and it’s such a simple but great upgrade. It was super easy to install, just plugged right into the lights. We love to host in the summer and frequently grill out and have fires, so having something attached right to the lights to help keep mosquitoes away without having to think about it has been great. Also, love the remote! I like that I can just turn it on when we actually need it and not have it running all the time or feel like it's being wasted when were not out there. Overall, it just makes hanging outside a lot more enjoyable without adding any extra effort." —Piper

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).

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).

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

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).

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).

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

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

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).

"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-Free People 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

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 $34.95 (also available in a tree ring or pathway).

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

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).

Promising review: "Leaving mine out, so I did use landscape fabric and pea gravel under it. It keeps dogs from tracking in mud when it rains and from trampling my plants. Sturdy and convenient! I bought a second one. I love it so much." —Kindle Customer

Get an 8-foot path from Amazon for $74.95.

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.

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).

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).

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

Promising review: "This patio umbrella is very beautiful. It has many very nice colors for you to choose from. It's made from 100% polyester material that is very durable. The solar lights make it very unique, it is perfect for my backyard. The size is pretty big (15 feet) and can cover a large area to provide enough shade, it's great for you to enjoy the sunny days without worrying about sunburn. It is very easy to set it up. It is not very heavy and very stable with a sturdy base. I am very happy with this purchase." —Amy

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).

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

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).

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 $76.99 (available in two colors).

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 three sizes).

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 14 colors).

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).

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

Promising review: "Perfect for our patio. Easy to clean and feels great on feet!!" —JS

Get it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in three sizes and three colors).

This is also a great option if your neighborhood forbids you from putting up any physical fencing (like if you live on a golf course). 

Pick up a sturdy, rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it! 

Promising review: "These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our Tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" —Sara Bushendorf

Get it from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in 10 sizes and 16 colors). 

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Plus, finds from Article, Etsy, Ikea, Walmart, and Wayfair.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Elizabeth Lilly is a deputy editorial director with more than a decade of lifestyle journalism spanning a range of subjects under her (tool) belt that includes four and a half years at a home improvement magazine. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.