ROB MCCARTHY

After spending 45 days testing 27 different outdoor wall lights on my own home, I learned that exterior lighting is one of those upgrades that instantly transforms curb appeal. The right outdoor wall sconce doesn’t just illuminate your entryway, it creates that welcoming first impression before guests even reach your front door. When I started … Read more

I spent three months testing 15 different smart outdoor string lights on my patio, in rain, snow, and everything in between. Our team installed each set, connected them to different smart home platforms, and left them outside for weeks to test real-world durability. After over 450 hours of hands-on testing with app controls, voice commands, … Read more

Transforming your backyard into an inviting outdoor living space starts with choosing the right shelter. After spending three months testing 14 different outdoor pavilions and gazebos, I’ve seen firsthand how the best outdoor pavilions can completely revolutionize how you use your outdoor space. These structures provide year-round protection from sun and rain while creating a … Read more

After spending three months testing ten different hardtop gazebos in our backyard beer garden, I’ve learned which ones actually hold up through summer parties, autumn rain, and winter snow. The right hardtop gazebo transforms your outdoor space into a year-round entertaining area, but the wrong one becomes a frustrating disappointment after the first storm. We … Read more

Transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space was one of the best decisions I made for my home. After spending countless hours researching and testing various options, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best pergolas for backyard spaces in . Whether you’re looking for shade, style, or a complete outdoor room extension, the … Read more

I spent three weekends testing fire pits in my backyard, and my neighbors started showing up with marshmallows. There is something primal about gathering around a wood fire that propane simply cannot replicate. If you are searching for the best wood burning fire pits for your outdoor space, I have tested the top models on … Read more

There is nothing quite like gathering around a warm fire with friends, cold drinks in hand, and good conversation flowing. After testing dozens of propane fire pits over the past three months, I can tell you that finding the right one transforms your backyard into the ultimate entertainment destination. Whether you are hosting a summer … Read more

After spending countless hours researching and testing various hanging seating options, I’ve discovered that the best hammock chairs combine comfort, durability, and easy installation in ways traditional seating simply can’t match. These space-saving wonders have transformed how people relax on patios, in bedrooms, and even at campsites across the country. Whether you’re looking for a … Read more

Nothing transforms a backyard into an inviting entertainment space quite like the right set of outdoor dining chairs. I learned this lesson the hard way after replacing three different sets in five years. Each time, I thought I had found the perfect chairs, only to watch them rust, fade, or crack under the elements. That … Read more

There’s something magical about enjoying your morning coffee on a sun-drenched patio or hosting friends for evening drinks in your backyard. After 15 years of testing outdoor furniture for various publications, I have learned that the right outdoor coffee table can transform an ordinary patio into an inviting outdoor living room. It is the centerpiece … Read more