The Best Under-$100 Essentials For Your Outdoor Space

With summer approaching, it’s time to rethink the backyard, front porch, and patio space that we’ll be (hopefully) spending so much time enjoying through the warm months of June, July, and August. And of course, upgrading your space can play a large role in that.

AT A GLANCE: The Best Outdoor Essentials

Outdoor essentials also tend to be expensive, and that’s why we’ve done the research on your behalf and rounded up the best budget-friendly products for enjoying your space to the fullest. This includes a portable fire pit, five-piece dining set, reusable mosquito repellent, electric pressure washer, and stackable lounge chairs — all for under $100.

1.

Roasting s’mores is perhaps the most wholesome pastime we can think of, and this $50 SinglyFire 22 inch Fire Pit proves you don’t need a fancy setup to make it happen. This portable pit comes with everything you need — safety mesh cover, log grate, poker — although we regret to inform you that the chocolate and marshmallows are sold separately.

2.

We realize these hand rakes might seem ridiculous at first… but wait until you try them. These cut yard work time in more than half by gathering and at least three times more trash with each scoop. They come with work gloves and a 72 gallon garden bag, too, for easy disposal.

3.

Warm weather is all fun and games until you start collecting mosquito bites. Take a break from citronella and invest in the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent, an effective product that over 20,000 reviewers swear is effective at keeping pests away in a 20-foot zone. It’s compact, rechargeable, and has a nine-hour battery life ideal for outdoor parties.

4.

No need to drop a ton of cash on fancy patio chairs considering this five-piece dining set costs less than $100 and has amassed over 1,000 positive reviews for its durability. The table is designed with a tempered glass top and legs that can be folded for storage; same goes for the four mesh-back chairs.

5.

This heavy-duty cart-style grill is large enough to cook 20 burgers at once, and the foldable side shelf means you can keep all the fixings within arm’s reach. An easy-to-read grill thermometer, warming rack, and cast iron cooking grates would have grillers assuming the entire set cost far more than its $100 price tag.

6.

Add comfort to your decades-old patio furniture with the Better Homes & Gardens Deep Seat Cushion Set. It’s designed with thick plush foam that can make weatherproof furniture, like wicker chairs, feel exponentially more comfortable, and two removable slip covers make this set easy to clean.

7.

Romanticizing your backyard takes minimal effort. Here is the first and only step: hang some outdoor string lights. This weatherproof option is available in five lengths — 24-, 36-, 48-, 72-, or 96-feet — to cover small or large spaces, and the vintage Edison bulbs emit stronger light while adding vintage personality to your deck.

8.

The Coleman 2179160 Hard Chest Cooler is a product you’ll own and use for decades. From camping trips to barbecues, this outdoor essential can hold up to 102 cans and can keep ice perfectly intact for up to six consecutive days in 90-degree heat. Swing-up handles make it easy to carry, too.

9.

It’s the year of the garden glow-up. Scotts EZ Spot Repair is a trio of mulch, seed, and soil that helps fill in sparse dirt patches. It’s an excellent product for dog owners as it speeds up grass growth in the spots where they, you know, do their business.

10.

This Electric Pressure Washer can be used to deep clean any surface of your home: the driveway, shutters, patio furniture, grills, pool decks, rugs, cars, and the list goes on. Unlike similar products on the market, this pressure washer is lightweight and easy to lug around for any backyard project. Prepare for some mind-boggling before and afters.

11.

Working from the backyard seems fun until you realize that sunny glares will prevent you from answering a single email. Put down your shades and equip your patio table with an outdoor umbrella instead; this one is nine-feet tall and waterproof, with a strong base that will remain sturdy during inclement weather.

12.

If you don’t want to swim in a graveyard of dead bugs and leaves, consider investing in the Water Tech’s Pool Blaster Speed Vac. This lightweight water vacuum swallows up debris and needs to be attached to a pool pole and switched on in order to do its job. Voila.

13.

We’d assume that this Patio Ice Cooler Bucket would be the first search result if you were to Google “jack of all trades.” It functions as an outdoor cooler, year-round storage, an end table, and a stool. There’s a drainage plug to easily dispose of melted water and a carrying handle that makes it easy to transport. It’s a versatile product that won’t be shoved in storage the second the leaves begin to change.

14.

No outdoor setup is complete without tunes, though one always runs the risk of ruining their speaker by forgetting to bring it inside after the party is over (hello, rain). The JBL Portable Speaker is blissfully waterproof and can withstand unexpected downpours, plus a battery life of 12 hours on a single charge means you won’t be running inside for the USB cord halfway through the party.

15.

If your backyard porch light provides less than three feet of visibility, invest in these magnetic lights for nighttime barbecuing. They run on (included) AAA batteries and installation couldn’t be simpler: a strong magnetic bar at the bottom keeps each light planted firmly on the grill hood.

16.

Every backyard deserves a lounge chair, one that makes it easy to sprawl out and soak up the sun alongside a morning cup of coffee. This option has four backrest position options, and is intentionally designed to be stacked on top of another for easy storage.

17.

On sale for less than $100, this Loveseat Canopy Swing has amassed hundreds of positive reviews for its durable quality and competitive price point. This comfortably seats two and is excellent for smaller spaces (porches, decks, etcetera) that can’t accommodate full dining tables and chairs.

18.

If an in-ground is not in your future, may we suggest an inflatable pool to transform your yard into a daytime party in Miami? This one is oversized and designed with three separate air chambers to reduce the chance of leakage and deflation. It only takes five minutes to fully inflate, too.

19.

Feeling like you’re on a permanent vacation is easy; just buy this two-person cotton hammock to make every evening feel like one in Margaritaville. A detachable cotton pad and pillow ensure irresistible comfortability, and reviewers note that the large base makes the construction feel extra secure.

20.

Your dog deserves the best, right? And this rattan dog bed comes with a canopy covering to keep your dog cool, calm, and relaxed all summer long. The cushion is plush and water-resistant, too, so you won’t have to worry about lugging it inside the second it starts to drizzle.

21.

Take a break from summertime humidity by installing this wall mounted fan, a practical gadget to keep you cool on nights when temps begin to feel hell-ish. It’s equipped with three speed settings, keeps bugs away, and reviewers swear it stays durable through constant use and exposure to the elements.