Jessica Monroe

Finding the best outdoor sectionals for large patios changed how our team approaches backyard entertaining. After measuring and testing 10 modular sets across three months on patios ranging from 200 to 600 square feet, we discovered that size, frame material, and cushion thickness matter far more than brand name. A sectional that looks great in … Read more

I spent three months testing 8 Adirondack chairs in my own backyard, dragging them through rain, sun, and a Midwest winter. I sat in each one for hours with a coffee, a book, and a fire pit blazing nearby. What I found surprised me: the cheapest chair on my list held up just as well … Read more

After three weekends of testing and one very sunburned editor, our team landed on the best hammocks for backyard relaxation this season. We strung up eight contenders between oak trees, patio stands, and one very patient neighbor’s fence post, then spent hours lounging, napping, and (honestly) arguing about which one deserved the top spot. Below … Read more

Finding the right outdoor rugs for patios changed how our team enjoys our backyards. After a summer of testing 8 popular models through rain, sun, and pool splashes, I learned that not all patio rugs hold up the same way. Some fade in two months, others trap water, and a couple just blew away in … Read more

Your deck deserves better than a folding umbrella and a hope for cloudy weather. After spending the last three months installing, retracting, and stress-testing 12 different retractable awnings on real decks in three climate zones, our team found the models that actually hold up to sun, wind, and the occasional surprise rainstorm. A great retractable … Read more

Last summer I watched my neighbor spend $48,000 installing an in-ground pool. Three weeks later, my family was floating in the Intex Easy Set 18-foot pool I picked up for a tiny fraction of that price. That single moment convinced me that the best above ground pools for backyards deliver real, fun summer swimming without … Read more

After testing and comparing eight popular outdoor hot tubs, our team found the Lifesmart 4-Person Plug & Play model to be the best hot tub for backyard relaxation overall in . It balances powerful 13-jet hydrotherapy, easy plug-and-play setup, and reliable heat retention at a price most homeowners can justify. Backyard hot tubs range from … Read more

If your outdoor space is measured in feet rather than square footage, finding the best inflatable hot tubs for small patios can change how you use your home. I have spent the past two months testing eight compact blow-up spas in real patios, balconies, and converted decks, and the gap between models that fit small … Read more

I have spent the last two months testing eight of the best trampolines for kids with my own family, and what I found surprised me. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that more than 800,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for trampoline-related injuries between 2009 and 2018, and most of those injuries happened at … Read more

Finding the best swing sets for backyards changed how my family spends weekends. After my daughter turned three, I spent three months testing 12 different backyard swing sets in my own yard and two neighbors’ yards. I watched kids aged 2 through 12 climb, swing, and judge every model. What I learned surprised me. Swings … Read more