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Alright, sunshine seekers and patio partiers, listen up! After what feels like 84 years of winter (or maybe just a really long Tuesday), the siren song of summer is finally playing. Your sad, neglected patch of grass, that lonely balcony, or that patio that's seen better days? They're practically begging for a glow-up, a chance to live their best lives as your personal warm-weather oasis.

But where do you even start turning your outdoor square footage into the stuff of Instagram dreams (or at least a place you genuinely want to hang out in)? Fear not, aspiring backyard baron or balcony boss. We've rounded up some seriously cool upgrades that'll take your outdoor game from "meh" to "magnificent" faster than you can say "pass the sunscreen."

Inflatable backyard pool on green lawn as a popular outdoor upgrade for summer relaxation and fun

Review: "Love this pool, perfect for my family. I like that’s it’s wide and shallow. I don’t have to worry about my 4 year old and we can all get in together." - Julie Hyatt

amazon.com , Robert Daeppen Report

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    Colorful crystal suncatchers hanging outdoors, adding charming outdoor upgrades to enhance your backyard this summer.

    Review: "I just wanted some sparkle in the yard. These are all so pretty. They are a nice length and I am very happy with my purchase. I may get some for gifting." - Donna D

    amazon.com , Donna D Report

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    #3

    Your Back Will Probably Send You A Handwritten Thank-You Note Once You Start Using This Raised Wooden Planter , Which Also Happens To Make Your Herbs And Flowers Look Like They're Living Their Best, Most Elevated Lives

    Raised wooden garden bed with herb plants, an outdoor upgrade to make your backyard the official hotspot this summer

    Review: "This raised planter is definitely worth the money! Perfect size, easy to assemble, and looks great." - KM

    amazon.com , KM Report

    Bored Trash Panda
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yea, I could make several of these for the price of one on Amazon....

    #4

    That Oppressive Summer Stillness Making Your Patio Feel Like A Sauna Can Officially Get Lost, Because This Wall Mounted Weatherproof Fan Is Here To Create A Breezy Oasis, Even If The Forecast Forgot To Cooperate

    Black wall-mounted fan and outdoor lantern on stone brick wall as backyard outdoor upgrades for summer comfort.

    Review: "I like this product so far. It was easy to install and seems to work very well." - Brian Gray

    amazon.com , Brian Gray Report

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    #5

    Your Patio Is About To Get So Dramatically Chic, It Might Start Demanding Its Own Instagram Account, All Because This Fire Pit Table With Blue Glass Is Here To Make Your Nights Approximately 1000% More Magical And Your Neighbors 100% More Jealous

    Modern outdoor fire pit with blue glass rocks surrounded by cushioned wicker seating in a backyard upgrade setting

    Review: "I am blown away by how impressive this fire pit looks and performs! Put it together in an hour with a nice assist from my grandson...it is sturdy, looks great and the perfect size for the seat grouping on the deck. The igniter works as designed and the heat output is also substantial! The blue glass looks great ( added some white glass for an even better look) and I’m confident this will be enjoyed for years to come." - Jeff

    amazon.com , Jeff Report

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    Colorful flower pots hanging on a black fence as a vibrant outdoor upgrade for a lively backyard hotspot this summer.

    Review: "I have the most beautiful balcony in the building. I didn’t pay too much attention for the size and they’re small but looks really cute hanging in the balcony with my flowers and spices. Loved it!" - Claudia

    amazon.com , Anthony Report

    Wooden pathway with gravel and garden plants as an outdoor upgrade to make your backyard the official hotspot this summer.

    Review: "This wooden pathway is good as the page described. It is easy to install. I put a layer wood stain on it and hope it will last a long time." - J. K. Harris

    amazon.com , Kindle Customer Report

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    Green metal birdbath in backyard garden, shown in two different outdoor settings with plants and mulch nearby.

    Review: "This bird bath is perfect. It’s a nice heavy plastic that can be filled with sand and it sits very elegant. I’m very pleased with this birdbath. I would recommend." - Customer

    amazon.com , John Hicks Report

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve got one of those in my front garden , now 60 I might be lol but I didn’t know u could fill em Sith sand 🤷‍♀️what a great idea

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    Is your mental shopping cart already overflowing with dreamy sun shades and comfy hammocks? We totally get it. The urge to transform your outdoor space into a five-star resort (minus the other tourists) is strong. But hold onto your sun hats, because we've still got plenty of brilliant ideas coming your way to make this summer truly unforgettable.

    #9

    That Sad Patch Of Concrete Currently Auditioning For A Dystopian Film Is About To Get A Major Glow-Up With These Teak Interlocking Outdoor Tiles , Making Your Patio Finally Look Like It Wants You To Chill On It

    Cozy backyard outdoor upgrades with fire pit, wooden tile flooring, ambient lighting, and comfortable seating for summer gatherings.

    Review: "This is a great company and great product." - david

    amazon.com , Tally Report

    Smooth white stones in a tray shown glowing blue in the dark, an outdoor upgrade for backyard summer hotspots.

    Review: "I used these glow-in-the-dark stones to decorate the sides of the top of my sidewalk where I have two solar lights. I mixed a container of blue with a multi-color container to get a bright, but matching effect that goes with our stone house with blue shutters. The stones are beautiful." - Pixie Wright

    amazon.com , Kaysie Chase Report

    Black cat lounging on an upgraded backyard pet house, one of the outdoor upgrades to make your backyard the official hotspot.

    Review: "This is a really cute outdoor pet house and our two ferals love it. They will only go inside it when it's extremely cold but they like to sit on the roof or top level." - AD

    amazon.com , Alda Report

    Close-up of a vibrant orange sunflower in a backyard garden, showcasing outdoor upgrades for a summer hotspot.

    Review: "This is my first bloom of the pack. I scattered about 1 handful of seeds in my little flower patch and this is my first bloom. I am looking forward to many more in the comming weeks!" - michael bujanda

    amazon.com , michael bujanda Report

    #13

    That Relentless Sun Can Officially Take A Hike From Your Favorite Outdoor Chill Spot Because This Triangle Sun Shade Sail Is About To Throw Some Serious (And Seriously Stylish) Shade

    Backyard outdoor upgrade with a triangular sunshade covering lounge chairs next to a pool surrounded by palm trees.

    Review: "We have been using these sails for many years to shade our patio. This purchase replaces a seven year old sail that served us well! Good product, does the job!" - CJU

    amazon.com Report

    Cozy backyard with string lights and a patio umbrella creating a perfect outdoor upgrade for summer gatherings.

    Review: "Absolutely LOVE these lights. I bought them for our new house. My husband was skeptical. It took a year to get them up because we were so busy with many projects on our farm. But we recently got around to placing them. My family is calling our home, the party house! What an amazing transformation!! The length was almost exactly what we needed! I will probably get more asap! I highly recommend them!!" - Crystal Engels

    amazon.com , Crystal Engels Report

    Backyard transformation showcasing outdoor upgrades with fresh grass and a clean, inviting lawn space.

    Review: "Been trying all sorts of seeds to make my grass look presentable - I have finally found what i have been looking for. This is an excellent formula for growth of new grass. Till the soil. Throw down the batter. Mix it into the soil a bit. Tamp it down. Water. Enjoy." - Mrmustrd

    amazon.com , Santiago Pérez Report

    BeKind&Rewind
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish non-native grasses (ie Kentucky Bluegrass etc) were banned in places like LA and Las Vegas. The amount of water needed is astounding.

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    #16

    That Awkward Patch Of Grass In Your Backyard Is About To Achieve Its True Calling As Your Personal Relaxation Zone, All Thanks To This Cotton Hammock On A Steel Stand , Which Is Basically A One-Way Ticket To Peak Outdoor Chill

    Woman relaxing in a colorful hammock by a pool, showcasing outdoor upgrades to make your backyard a summer hotspot.

    Review: "I absolutely love the hammock!! Stand is easy to put together! Now I need to buy another for my husband!" - Melissa Gadd

    amazon.com , Melissa Gadd Report

    Okay, by now your backyard is probably looking less like a forgotten corner and more like the cover of a lifestyle magazine, right? Your neighbors might even be peeking over the fence with a newfound sense of awe (and maybe a little envy). But don't put away that aspirational mood board just yet, because the final stretch of awesome outdoor upgrades is just around the corner!

    #17

    That Slightly Boring Maple In Your Yard Is About To Get A Major Personality Upgrade, And Possibly Start Giving Unsolicited Life Advice, Thanks To This Tree Face Decor

    Whimsical outdoor upgrade with a tree face bird feeder attracting a bird, enhancing backyard charm this summer.

    Review: "The item was absolutely well crafted and arrived safely, love it!" - Terrell Barnes

    etsy.com Report

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    Man relaxing on a purple inflatable lounger in backyard, enjoying outdoor upgrades for the ultimate summer hotspot.

    Review: "This product is fantastic. So easy to use and inflate. We own three of these products and all three of my children as well as my husband and I utilize them. Super easy to use an extremely comfortable. After a long day at work, my husband will lay on this product and conk out for a good hour. That’s how comfortable this product is." - Jessica Lyn Amaro

    amazon.com , Michelle Tan Report

    #19

    That Summer Heat Can Officially Take A Hike, Because Your Outdoor Hangout Is About To Get A Customizable Cool-Down From This Flex Cobra Spray Mister For Cooling , Which Bends And Sprays Like It’s Auditioning For Cirque Du Soleil

    Backyard with outdoor upgrades including a misting system near grill and wooden bench enhancing summer comfort.

    Review: "Received it on time. Sent me blue, my favorite color. The mist cools you down. Just the perfect amount of water so you don't get soaked unless you're right up to it and stand there for long period of time. You will dry off so who really cares. You're keeping cool and that's what you want. If it's breezy it will determine the direction of the mist but, where we have it will get you wherever you sit on our little deck. Don't be holding your phone or eating while enjoying it. Works perfect. Smartest purchase ever." - Angel Thompson

    amazon.com , Angel Thompson Report

    #20

    Prepare For Your Flowerbeds To Achieve A New Level Of Enlightenment, And Probably A Few Raised Eyebrows From The Neighbors, Thanks To These Yoga Gnomes That Are Definitely Judging Your Life Choices While Holding A Perfect Tree Pose

    Four colorful garden gnome figurines sitting on a countertop, perfect for outdoor upgrades in your backyard.

    Review: "Better than I could have imagined. So cute and small and perfect for small potted plants, indoor and outdoor 10/10 Recommend." - Celia Quin

    amazon.com , Candice Marchese Report

    Wooden playhouse with black roof, two blue chairs, and welcome mat as outdoor upgrades for backyard hotspot this summer.

    Review: "My 18 month old loves his playhouse! We build a paver base for it to sit on so it’s sturdy. It took my husband a few hours to put together and he said it was pretty easy and straight forward. We are really happy with our purchase!" - Alexandra Price

    amazon.com , Alexandra Price Report

    #22

    That Awkward Blank Wall On Your Patio Has Been Patiently Waiting For Its Big Break, And Now It's Ready For Its Hollywood Debut With This Projection Screen That Turns Your Backyard Into The Coolest Open-Air Cinema On The Block

    Outdoor projector screen displaying a football game with string lights, showcasing backyard outdoor upgrades for summer enjoyment.

    Review: "This screen is perfect for our use. We bought it for outdoor movie nights whether being on the garage door, in the back yard, camping, or inside the garage. It’s very easy to install with no wrinkles and shows a great picture." - Hallie H

    amazon.com , Hallie H Report

    #23

    That Lonely Patch Of Patio Concrete Is Practically Begging To Become The Neighborhood's Hottest Dining Destination, And It All Starts With This Legendary 22-Inch Webber Grill , Which Is Basically A One-Way Ticket To Becoming The Undisputed Monarch Of The Cul-De-Sac Cookout

    Black charcoal grill on a balcony next to grilled chicken thighs cooking over hot coals outdoor upgrades backyard hotspot

    Review: "I've done a lot of research and used various charcoal grills over the years and this one doesn't disappoint. No fancy controls-- just the grill, coals, and the chef. High quality, nice looking, and gets the job done! We have been very happy using it with tasty results!" - MM

    amazon.com , shalva Report

    #24

    Your Patio Is About To Become The Undisputed King Of Convenience, Because Honestly, Who Needs To Walk All The Way To The Fridge When This Patio Table With Built In Cooler Exists To Keep Your Drinks Icy Cold Right Where You Need Them?

    Outdoor upgrades for backyard featuring wicker side table with built-in cooler filled with drinks and snacks on top.

    Review: "Such a great table! I get a ton of compliments on it. Raised up it’s just the right height for our hot tub (which doesn’t have cup holder). Highly recommend!" - Susan Smedema

    amazon.com , Susan Smedema Report

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, that actually is a good idea

    Retractable screen door installed as an outdoor upgrade to enhance backyard comfort and make it a summer hotspot.

    Review: "Easy to install and works great if you have dogs that like to go in and out of the house on their own. Magnets allow dogs to lightly nudge through. Screen size for our door perfectly and quality of product is great for the price." - Kai

    amazon.com , vanessa Report