The Blog · Page 27 of 32
Guides, Reviews & Ideas
Honest outdoor living advice from someone who actually sits on this stuff. Fire pits, patios, grills, and everything in between.
How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit Seating Area
Build a fire pit seating area right: gravel pad, Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, and seating for 6. Complete guide from edging to lighting.
Pergolas & ShadeHow to Add Shade to a Sunny Backyard Patio
Layer shade sails, pergolas, retractable awnings, and curtains to actually tame your sun-soaked patio. Start with an $85 shade sail and build from there.
Grills & CookingBest Wood Pellets for Smoking Meat at Home
The right pellet wood changes everything. Bear Mountain hickory, Traeger cherry, and 4 more top picks for every meat, starting at $19.
SeatingBest Porch Rocking Chairs for Any Budget
From $85 resin rockers to $379 POLYWOOD classics, these are the best porch rocking chairs tested for comfort, weather resistance, and lasting value.
Grills & CookingBest Pellet Grills Under $500 for Beginners
The best pellet grills under $500 for backyard beginners. From the $299 GMG Davy Crockett to the Camp Chef SmokePro LD at $469.
AccessoriesBest Patio Umbrella Bases and Weighted Stands
The best umbrella bases for wind resistance in 2026, from a 50 lb cast iron stand at $65 to fillable cross bases that work on grass or concrete.
AccessoriesBest Outdoor Throw Blankets for Fire Pit Nights
Six weather-resistant outdoor throw blankets for cool fire pit evenings, from the $55 Arcturus wool to the $199 Yeti Lowlands waterproof blanket.
Outdoor DecorBest Outdoor Plant Pots for Spring Patios
The best outdoor planters for spring patios in 2026, from $38 resin pots to $92 frost-proof window boxes that hold up all season long.
Fire PitsBest Fire Pit Rugs and Ember Mats for 2026
Protect your deck before the first spark flies. From the Campfire Defender ($54) to budget fiberglass pads under $25, top picks for wood and propane fire pits.
Pergolas & ShadeBest Hardtop Gazebo Kits for Backyard Shade
The best hardtop gazebo kits for real weather protection. Aluminum vs steel frames, 10x10 to 12x14 sizes, from $849 to $1,999.
Grills & CookingBest Grill Carts and Side Tables for Gas Grills
Five grill carts and prep tables that actually add workspace next to your gas grill, from the $62 Cuisinart fold-flat to the $130 Keter Unity XL.
Outdoor DecorBest Backyard Fountains and Water Features 2026
The 6 best backyard fountains for 2026, from a $89 solar bamboo fountain to a classic 3-tier that fits a 10x10 patio. Real picks that add real calm.
Fire PitsGas Fire Pit Table vs. Wood Fire Pit: Which Wins?
Gas or wood? We compare heat, cost, and ambiance with top picks from $109 to $449, including the Endless Summer gas table and BioLite FirePit+.
Grills & CookingBest Wireless Meat Thermometers for Grilling
The best wireless meat thermometers for grilling in 2026, from the $49 ThermoPro TP-25 to the pro-grade ThermoWorks Signals with four probes.
LightingBest Solar Post Cap Lights for Decks and Fences
The 7 best solar post cap lights for decks and fences in 2026, from $22 flat caps to lantern styles that run 8+ hours on a single charge.
LightingBest Solar Outdoor Lights for Pathways and Gardens
The 7 best solar landscape lights for 2026, from $22 path stakes to decorative garden lanterns. Real picks for real yards.
Outdoor FurnitureBest Outdoor Lounge Sets With Ottoman Included
Six outdoor lounge sets that include an ottoman, starting around $369. Wicker, aluminum, and sectional options sized for real patios.
SeatingBest Chaise Lounges for Small Patios 2026
Six slim chaise lounges for compact patios and balconies, starting at $89. Folding, sling, and wicker picks that actually fit small spaces.
SeatingBest Outdoor Benches for Gardens and Patios
Six outdoor benches worth buying in 2026, from POLYWOOD poly lumber to teak and storage styles starting around $129.
AccessoriesBest Outdoor Bar Carts for Entertaining
The 6 best weather-resistant outdoor bar carts for patios and decks in 2026, including the Crosley Palm Harbor wicker cart at $189.
Grills & CookingBest Grill Mats and Deck Protectors 2026
Top grill mats that protect wood decks and composite decking from grease and heat damage, starting at $24. Sizing tips included.
Fire PitsBest Gas Fire Pit Burner Inserts for DIY Builds
Top propane and natural gas burner insert kits for DIY fire pits, from $55 ring burners to the Warming Trends Crossfire for serious flame.
Fire PitsBest Fire Pit Poker Sets and Tool Kits 2026
Top fire pit tool sets from $32 to $55, with picks for decorative stands, heavy-duty pokers, long-reach tongs, and ash shovels.
Pergolas & ShadePergola vs. Gazebo: Which Is Right for You?
Pergola or gazebo? Compare cost, shade, and installation with top picks starting at $349, including the Purple Leaf aluminum pergola and Sunjoy 10x12 gazebo.