WES Blog

Your second home, that summer place, is no farther away than the backyard. And where better to spend an evening as the sun sets and a breeze cools down the overheated city?

Rachel and Joe Allen are in the process of turning their backyard into a suburban oasis. They’re putting in a swimming pool and adding a patio and outdoor kitchen, along with new landscaping. They’ll bring in deck furniture to sit beside the pool, casual seating pieces and a new gas fire pit.

“We’re looking to create an outdoor-living environment and expand our livable space,” Joe Allen said. “We had a nicely landscaped yard, but there was no feature to draw you outside.”

High gasoline prices and a halting economy may have some families rethinking their vacation plans for this year and instead investing in new patio furniture and other accessories for at-home leisure and dining.

Patio-furniture manufacturers have improved on recent trends. And, people are extending their homes by bringing more seating outside.

Outdoor living is definitely on the rise. Global Industry Analysts Inc. predicts that, by 2015, U.S. consumers will spend more than $4.4 billion on outdoor furniture.

Americans have long loved to picnic in their backyards, adding outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands to the landscaping. But more and more, they’re making the great outdoors their summertime living room, as well.

Another trend that continues to gain traction is the fire pit, a perfect gathering spot for chilly evenings. They’re fueled by wood or propane and are turning up in both coffee and dining tables.

And many outdoor-furniture manufacturers are going “green.” Telescope Casual Furniture has a line of outdoor furniture made from marine grade polymer (MGP), which is completely recyclable and quite durable.

Original article by Dixie Reid

Backyard grilling is an American pastime. Choosing which grill to buy can be a challenge, and it is true: you get what you pay for.

Today’s most popular and versatile gas grills have lights, accessories, side burners and different fuel options: gas, propane and charcoal. Stainless-steel grills are also the most popular.

But buyer beware. Stainless steel is a process not a product. Many grills look alike when they are new, but over time, and not that much time, it is very obvious which is the better grill. So shop with a magnet because actual stainless steel isn’t magnetic. If your magnet sticks to the grill, keep on shopping.

High end outdoor grills

Grill technology makes a difference whether you’re looking for a backyard grill for minimal grilling or a professional-grade gas grill.

When you are talking about high grill temperatures, good materials are essential. That’s why better grills cost more, $600-$1500. Higher heat means better cooking, grilling, searing and more consistent temperatures, but it also means the grill needs to be built better. In high end outdoor grills, customers will begin to find American-made products. There is a resurgence in American-made grill products. American consumers are growing more wary of manufacturing and quality-control standards.

The costlier the grill, the more it has to offer. When you start looking at grills around the $2,000 range, they are even better, heavier and hotter, around 1,000-degrees. These grills will often last 20 years or more, and customers that buy these grills love their grill. Food tastes better when it is cooked on more expensive grills.

There is a definite difference in the flavor and juiciness of the food; and if you are building a built-in grill, you must consider higher end grills. In Massachusetts we have seen an increase in outdoor entertainment areas and built-in grills are back. Many homeowners in the Metrowest area are putting in full-size outdoor kitchens. The best grill for an outdoor kitchen is based on your needs, how often you grill, and what you grill.