Canopies and Pop-Ups

Can't go to the game, race, or concert? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same tailgate party experience at home. here's what you need to make it happen

When you need to take your backyard BBQing to the next level, it’s time to invest in a meat smoker. There’s hardly a better way to get delicious, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat than a slow-cooking smoker that infuses an iconic smoked flavor into your meat. Even a cheap cut of chuck beef can end up becoming a delicious, tender roast that will impress your guests — and you can keep the price of your meal your best-kept secret! 

This guide will discuss the six types of smokers, how to use them, where to use them, how long it takes to smoke meat, and the health benefits of smoked meats. Also, you’ll discover how hardtop shelters are a must for protecting your meat smoker from the elements. 

What Is a Meat Smoker?

A meat smoker is a device that cooks meat slowly through a tried-and-true method of cooking meat under low heat and smoke. This art has been passed down from generation to generation and was once one of the only ways to preserve meat without a refrigerator. Not only was smoked meat vital for survival, but its delicious flavor has also kept it in BBQ cookbooks long after refrigerators became mainstream. There’s no denying the quality and texture of smoked meat that can only be produced by a meat smoker. 

Depending on your abilities and needs, there are several types of smokers to enhance y

The fall is a fun time to get outdoors and have a great time with the people you love hanging out with. But your fall fun doesn't have to be limited to festivals, fairs, and fishing holes: there are plenty of ways to entertain right in your own backyard.

Whether you want to have an intimate gathering with the family or a blowout party with your neighbors and friends, we have some ideas in mind. Here are our top 5 fun fall backyard activities, which can also be adapted for gatherings of any size.

Backyard Movie Night

Grab the popcorn, drinks, candy, some outdoor portable chairs, and some blankets, and turn your backyard into a movie theater! If you have a laptop and a projector, you can stream one of the latest movies onto a portable screen, a sheet, or the side of a shed. Better yet, if you have a Sojag gazebo in your backyard, you can enjoy the open air, have a roof over your head, and attach a screen to the posts or the eave of the structure. 

While a

If you’ve been part of the WFH workforce for a while, you might find yourself longing for a change of scenery. While skipping the morning commute is certainly convenient, it’s sometimes hard to stay productive with all the distractions happening inside the home.

However, if you’re lucky enough to have some backyard space, you can solve the problem with style! Backyard offices and studio sheds are a fun new trend that's catching on like wildfire. From an elaborate freestanding building to a simple shady spot on the deck, there are many ways to turn your outdoor space into a WFH space. Here are some of our top tips for creating an outdoor WFH space you’ll love.

Backyard Office Preparation: Evaluate Your Space

Before you get started, take a moment to evaluate your space. This will help you determine the ideal location for your new backyard office. One of the advantages of working outside is the ability to immerse yourself in nature. See if you can position your office so it offers you a view of your garden, a water feature, your pool, or an outdoor fireplace. You’ll also want to make sure it's located far enough away from your home and the street so you aren't distracted by noise. 

Don't forget to pay attention to where the sun is positioned at various points of the day. A little bit of sun is great, but you don’t want to swelter under harsh rays day after day.

In most cases, you won’t need a ton of space. An eight-by-ten-foot structure should work fine. Remember, many cubicles are only six feet by six feet. If you can come up with at least that much space, you can enjoy working outdoors!

Here are a few other things you'll need to consider as you plan out your space. 

Temperature and Shade

When designing a backyard office, choosing a cool, shady space is critical. Glare on your laptop will make working difficult and the eye strain can cause headaches. If you’re always hot and uncomfortable, you also won’t