Buyer's Guide

Discover outdoor string light installation ideas, tips for using string light poles, and how to hang outdoor string lights in nearly any outdoor space. 

Discover how to keep mosquitoes away outside with expert tips and TIKI® Brand mosquito repellent products. Create a comfortable, bite-free backyard.

Discover thoughtful Mother’s Day 2026 gifts for the backyard, including TIKI® torches, smokeless fire pits, and mosquito repellent solutions Mom will love.

Find answers to common mosquito control questions — from how to keep mosquitoes away to the best repellents and TIKI® Brand BiteFighter® solutions.

Discover 7 ways to style outdoor string lights, reduce mosquitoes, and create a cozy backyard with lighting ideas for patios, porches, and fire pits.

Discover Plug & Repel, the best new mosquito repellent for yards. Turn string lights into odor-free, electric mosquito protection in minutes.

Let's face it, it can be hard to hang string lights when no trees or other structures are available in your desired space. Luckily, string light planters offer a creative and eye-catching way to hang lights while showcasing your plants. Follow the steps below to create your own! Materials Planters: Need to be large enough to hold concrete and the wooden posts that will be inside Wooden Posts: For this project, we used 4x4x8 white wood posts Concrete Mix: We used two 50lb bags of fast-setting concrete mix String Lights: String Lights from any of your favorite retailers or brands Hooks: Small-sized hooks to attach the lights to posts Drill: Used to create drainage holes in the planters and attach the lights to the house Potting Soil: Select the appropriate soil for the types of flowers/plants you will be using Flowers/Plants: Get creative! Whatever greenery or flowers you'd like to highlight in your space Wood Stain: Optional, dependent on the wood type you're using and the look you're going for Level: Optional, but ideal to make sure your posts are standing straight up Step 1: Sand and/or Stain 4x4 Wooden Posts (Optional)  Depending on the type of wood you decide to purchase, sanding and staining your posts might be a great option. You can choose to do this at any time! Pressure-treated wood is a popular choice. If you choose to go with a different type of wood, these steps may not apply to you. Every patio space is different, so it is all up to you! Step 2: Mix Concrete & Water Next, choose a vessel to mix your concrete. We recommend something easy to rinse when you are through, like a wheelbarrow. Combine water and concrete together into your vessel of choice. Next, use a shovel to mix until you reach the consistency you desire. You may notice your concrete looks a little bit rocky; this is completely normal. Step 3: Add Wooden Posts to Planters & Fill After your concrete is mixed, it's time to add the wooden posts that will support your patio string lights. First, simply place your wooden post into the flower planter. Next, pour your concrete mixture into the planter until the surrounding area is a little less than halfway full. Make sure the mixture is holding the post snugly. We used one 50lb bag of concrete per planter with an eyeballed measure of water. Step 4: Level the 4x4s Once poured, your concrete will begin to set quickly. During this time, check that the posts are flat and even. For the most accurate read, we recommend using a level. We used one that wraps around the post to make sure that it is balanced at all angles. If needed, make any adjustments to the placement of your wooden posts at this time. Step 5: Drill Drainage Holes  When planting flowers, they must have the optimal amount of drainage to stay alive and healthy. Drill a few small holes just above the concrete on your planter to help with drainage. Step 6: Add Soil & Plants/Flowers Now that the structure is in place, it's time to move on to adding your greenery. First, add potting soil on top of the concrete. Make sure there is an even layer, and it is not too tightly packed. After placing the soil, add plants/flowers of your choice. This is where you can get as creative as you would like. Choose colors that match your patio space or something that makes your patio pop! The options are endless.  Step 7: Apply Hooks & Hang Lights To secure your string lights, drill one hook into each of your posts. To hang our lights, we attached them to the house and added a hook on each post to help support the lights. Once complete, hang your lights from post to post. Step 8: Enjoy! Grab a chair, your favorite beverage, and your favorite people. Turn on your lights and say hello to ambiance!

Creating a captivating outdoor space in a small backyard can be challenging, but fear not! With a few clever tips and the right accessories, you can turn your small patio into a space you will love. Let us explore how to decorate your space with these small patio ideas.  Make it Portable  Picture this: a cozy evening on your small patio, gathered around the TIKI® Social Smokeless Fire Pit. This stylish centerpiece not only adds warmth but also creates an inviting ambiance. Plus, this portable fire pit allows you to rearrange your space effortlessly.  This can make a suitable place for a private get-together for friends and family. You can bring out the board games, have a drink, and even roast some marshmallows to make a sweet treat! Add a Flame or Two  Your side table deserves a touch of magic! Choose from a variety of TIKI® Table Torches to pair it with. These torches not only brighten your evenings but also inspire your space with any vibe you are going for.   If your backyard does not have space for a table, light the way with TIKI® Torches. Torches can define and illuminate pathways, guiding the eye through the space and giving the impression of a larger, more organized area.   Lift the Lights Off the Ground  To make your space feel larger, consider hanging string lights above you for added brightness in the yard. String lights create a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings, dinner parties, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Pro Tip: TIKI® Brand BiteFighter® Plug & Repel devices for string lights help repel mosquitoes with your existing string lights. With the simple click of a button, you can add proven mosquito repellency* to ensure relaxation and put your mind at ease.   *Based on studies that demonstrated a reduction in mosquitoes compared to untreated controls. Efficacy may be affected by weather conditions, configuration, and distance from replaceable repellent pods, and individual physical factors

Sitting around a campfire can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable outdoor activities, but no one likes being chased away by a smoky fire. What's the best way to start a fire in a fire pit to produce minimal smoke? Here are a few tips to help you to take in the moment, not the smoke.   1. Dry Wood Make sure the wood you use is completely dry. Wood that has too much moisture will not burn effectively. It does not properly combust, meaning It doesn’t produce as much heat, and therefore creates more smoke. 2. Get It Hot Faster Use a Fire Starter or one of the TIKI® Brand Wood Packs to help get your fire burning hotter, faster. This means less smoke, more heat and a better experience overall. 3. Stick to Wood Putting material other than wood in a fire can lead to a variety of issues, one of which being smoke. Make sure to only burn wood or wood pellets, in your fire pit to get the optimal experience. The TIKI® Brand Fire Pit comes with a Wood Pack which provides the ideal low smoke experience.     Here is a quick video showing how to light the TIKI® Brand Wood Pack for a low smoke fire!  

Entertaining outside is now a year-long activity thanks to smokeless fire pit improvements. Making s'mores in the summer or staying warm on a cool night, your outdoor fire pit's temperature plays an important role. But how hot can a fire pit get and what impacts the temperature?  Several factors contribute to a fire pit's heat: style, size, and fuel.    Style Wood burning fire pits are available in a variety of styles, sizes and materials. These materials ultimately determine how hot the fire itself gets.   People use stone or brick for built-in pits and metal for standalone options. Standalone options can reach temperatures between 600 and 1,000 degrees. Higher quality materials and the design of the fire pit help disperse that heat correctly.    Size Bigger pits generally produce more heat. Why? Because you can add more fuel and get more oxygen to them, meaning they will burn hotter. Large or small, TIKI® Brand has a smokeless fire pits to fit any outdoor space.     Fuel The type of fuel you use for your fire will determine the fire's temperature.   Wood is a popular choice for its natural and rustic feel. It not only provides warmth but creates a cozy ambiance with crackling sounds and mesmerizing flames.   If you prefer a cleaner and more convenient option, propane can be a great alternative. Propane fire pits are easy to use and require minimal effort to ignite and control the flame. They offer the advantage of adjustable heat settings, allowing you to customize the temperature according to your preference. Additionally, propane fires produce less smoke and ash, making them a cleaner option for your outdoor space.    For those seeking a hassle-free, instant fire-starting experience, there are TIKI® Brand Wood Packs. These packs provide a quick and easy way to ignite your fire pit without the need for additional fuel or kindling. Simply place a pack in your fire pit, light it up, and enjoy a hassle-free fire experience.   Ultimately, the fuel choice you select depends on your personal preference and the requirements of your outdoor space. Consider factors such as convenience, cleanliness, and the desired temperature range when making your decision. Regardless of fuel type, always prioritize safety and ensure you follow the instructions for proper usage and maintenance.  To get the desired heat, use quality materials, the right size, and appropriate fuel. Then create a cozy and warm atmosphere for gatherings and simply enjoy the mesmerizing flames.  

Being outdoors has a variety of wellness benefits that go far beyond a gathering with friends. To get you started, here are a few ways time around your smokeless fire pit can help with your personal wellness.  The Power of Natural Flame  We spend each day around a lot of artificial light, whether from screens or indoor lighting which can take a toll on our bodies. Natural firelight on the other hand can have a positive impact on your overall health. Its benefits even include reducing headaches and blood pressure.  Self-Care Outside  In the busy world of today, it can be hard to take time out to care for ourselves. However, even small acts of self-care can have a major impact on your health. And when you take that self-care outdoors, you can further amplify the rewards!  Did you know multiple studies have shown that the flame and glow of a fire can help reduce blood pressure?  A hiking or camping trip is great, but having your own outdoor space to escape the day is a wonderful thing. Make the space your own with tiki torches and a fire pit. Or hang string lights with mosquito repellency to set the mood and avoid mosquito bites. If you're reading this indoor right now, this is your sign to get outside!      Make Time for a Laugh Spending time with family and friends is a great form of self-care. First breakout the board games, cards and snacks. Then, get in touch with some of your favorite people and plan an evening to enjoy just being together in your backyard.  Don't forget your smokeless fire pit for extra warmth on those chilly evenings.      Repetition is Key Studies show it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic (a habit). Can you make a plan to have your coffee every morning in the backyard? Or always chat with the kids after school on the patio?  We hope your focus on wellness will become a life-long pursuit! And, of course, an outdoor fire pit can help. The TIKI® Brand smokeless Fire Pits is easy to assemble, meaning you can spend less time stressing and more time relaxing.

When working on creating the backyard of your dreams, you cannot forget about the focal point of your yard. A fire pit lets your guests gather and relax; find your perfect size and shape below. Fire pits are not one-size-fits-all. Every outdoor living space is unique, and your pit should complement it. Whether you have an expansive yard or urban environment, TIKI® Brand offers a fire pit perfect for you.  For the best possible experience think about comfort, convenience, and safety. When determining which pit works best for you, consider placement, amount of wood desired, type of wood and portability. If you do not have the space for a permanent pit, consider something smaller that can easily move around the yard. TIKI® Brand Fire Pits fit the whole family and are easily stored when not in use.  For a lightweight and portable option, try the TIKI® Brand Social Fire Pit. Its compact and chic design is perfect for camping trips, tailgates, or the backyard. For larger gatherings, the TIKI® Brand Reunion Fire Pit seats 8-10 and is perfect for hosting. After deciding on the size of your outdoor fire pit, choose a shape that complements your style. Choosing the right pit shape for your backyard space can feel daunting. After all, you want it to be aesthetically pleasing and provide an enjoyable stress-free atmosphere.  Below is a list of the most common shapes for fire pits and their relative pros and cons: Square or Rectangular Most often used for built-in locations with angles, you also see these styles for propane-embedded tables. While square fire pits or fire tables fit certain landscapes, you often see these as built-in or immobile fire solutions. This can be limiting depending on your ultimate backyard goals. Chimney/Chiminea A great alternative to a wood burning patio fire pit is a chiminea fireplace. Because of the smokestack, these fireplaces are used to create a smokeless fire. The chimney sends smoke up into the air and out above the smokestack, so it does not bother your guests. Fire Bowls and Other Pedestals  Minimalist designs require placing logs on an open area. Fire bowls and other pedestals are easy and inexpensive, but they tend to produce a lot of smoke. Novelty designs usually also fall into this category so they can add some character and flare to your space. Circular Circular fire pits invite social interaction and are typically focal points of backyards. They are the most common style as they can serve a technical purpose. Because of the shape of these pits, they offer lower smoke fires by creating secondary combustion. The TIKI® Brand Patio Smokeless Fire Pit's design creates a smokeless experience.  Looking for a consistent, quick and easy fire? Try TIKI® Brand Wood Packs.  Some parting advice to consider when finalizing your purchase decision: 1. Space Is my outdoor space large enough for a 10-person pit? Do I want something that can be portable? Does the fire pit need to integrate with any other patio or landscaping features? 2. Surface Do you already have, or will you need to create a level, non-combustible base underneath? This is especially important when considering a portable fire pit. 3. Style What colors, design, and materials will look best with your backyard design? 4. Smoke How important is having low smoke? Do I need a fire pit that can create secondary combustion or is a regular wood burning fire pit sufficient?    While there is no wrong answer, hopefully the above tips help you establish the backyard oasis of your dreams.