Throw a Backyard Party

Get ready to be the talk of the neighborhood with these editor-approved summer must-haves

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Shade in a Snap

Purple Leaf pergola kits offer an affordable, easy-to-assemble shade structure—no trip to the lumberyard or home center required. The pergolas feature dark gray powder-coated aluminum and are available in a range of footprints, all standing 8 ft. tall. Each kit includes a retractable UV-protectant fabric sunshade, available in four colors.

My 10-by-12-ft. pergola shipped in a single 94-lb. box with a plethora of hardware. Upon reading the instructions, it became evident that the 3-mm Allen wrench wasn't hefty enough to drive the 150+ bolts, so I outfitted a drill with a 3-mm bit, dialing back the torque control to prevent stripping the bolt holes. With the drill, I was able to assemble the kit over my poured concrete patio in six hours on a weekday afternoon.

For the price, I'm impressed with the result. While the sunshade doesn't roll super smoothly and the lightweight frame rattles a bit in the wind, it has held up well against the elements and makes an attractive, functional patio upgrade. —Ethan O'Donnell, Family Handyman deputy editor Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola with Sun Shade, $330; Amazon, Wayfair

Pro Pool Scrubber