Updated October 18, 2026

Good decisions begin with clear information.

About Backyard Shortlist

Backyard Shortlist is an early-stage editorial project helping homeowners plan outdoor upgrades. Our initial focus is saunas and pergolas, with a broader project matcher for exploring other categories. We do not sell, install, finance, or service equipment.

How the guidance is produced

Our initial content is AI-assisted and editorially assembled from practical planning considerations and publicly available manufacturer information. We distinguish catalog research from hands-on experience: we have not tested the products mentioned. Manufacturer pages are a starting point for verification, not independent proof of quality. Our matcher uses predefined rules; it does not inspect your property or search live product inventory.

Affiliate disclosure

We plan to apply to affiliate programs and may later earn a commission when a reader buys through a clearly identified affiliate link. No affiliate tracking links or sponsored placements are active as of this update. We do not claim a relationship with any brand merely because it is mentioned. Future compensated links will be disclosed near the relevant recommendation.

Privacy and saved plans

The current matcher processes answers in your browser. It does not send those answers, your budget, or contact information to Backyard Shortlist, manufacturers, or lead buyers. If you choose “Save this plan,” the resulting plan is stored in your browser's local storage on that device. It remains until you clear it or clear browser data. Anyone using the same browser profile may be able to reopen it.

The current site has no newsletter sign-up, quote-request submission, advertising tracker, or site-added analytics. The hosting provider may process technical request information such as IP address and access logs to deliver and secure the site. External websites have their own policies when you follow their links. No name, email address, phone number, or precise location is needed to use our matcher.

Limits of the guidance

Budget bands are visitor-selected targets, not quotes. Product fit, availability, operating cost, local rules, structural suitability, and health or safety questions require independent verification. We do not guarantee savings, rental income, property appreciation, approvals, or product performance.

Contact

A public business contact channel is being set up. Until it is active, this site does not accept quote requests or personal information. Please direct product-specific questions to the manufacturer or retailer.