WES Blog

In this economy there's not much leftover spending money, backyards are the vacation of choice for many. Just open the door and there you are!

How to make your backyard a relaxing and fun refuge? The experts say good lighting, fire pits and good seating and/or dining spaces are essential. Don't forget the grill.

Making the backyard a fun place to relax will cost some money, but it will always be there, so it is an investment.

Is there space in the backyard for a mini-kitchen? A complete outdoor grilling area where you can cook a full meal is the new hot item in homes; entertaining and cooking while you and your family and friends are enjoying your wonderful backyard. 

How about patio furniture? For a comfortable outdoor space, get rid of the old folding patio chairs. OutdoorSeating that is comfortable, and that you like, not seating that is on sale, is important if this is to be your new vacation spot. Buy patio furniture that is waterproof and won't need sanding and staining or painting on a regular basis.

Even some summer evenings can get cool so fire pits are a great investment. There's nothing like a controlled fire in your backyard to enjoy on a regular basis. An in Massachusetts, gas fire pits are easy work and they extend your summer into the cooler nights of fall.

If you need help deciding what will work for your space, visit us at The Fireplace and Grill Shop at West Sport, conveniently located near Natick, Framingham and Marlborough. We can help you with ideas and design, and we’ll come to your home to measure too.

The demand for outdoor kitchens is heating up as the sluggish economy forces families to spend more time entertaining at home.

Five years ago, outdoor kitchens were rarely heard of here. But over the past year, the demand has skyrocketed.

People are spending more money on their homes rather than taking elaborate vacations. They want to make investments in their homes that will increase the resale value later on when they can sell.

At its most minimal, an outdoor kitchen can consist of a grill, work surface, and dining area, but additional amenities can maximize its use and appeal.

An outdoor refrigerator allows you to keep cold food and beverages right next to the grill or pool area. A side burner is another handy option – you can grill kabobs and boil corn without having to run back and forth to the house.

When it comes to features, homeowners are tailoring their spaces to their lifestyles and including little luxuries. Cooks are adding ice-makers, pizza ovens, ceramic Japanese style grills, outdoor rotisseries, and smokers.

Another popular item is a 'kegerator,' ( by  Twin Eagles) a cold tap for a beer keg, and granite is the top choice by customers for countertops.

If you plan on using your kitchen year round, consider an overhang to shelter the area from rain. Overhead lighting and a firepit can create a comfortable atmosphere, even on chilly days.

When entertaining a big crowd, outdoor kitchens allow you to keep everyone outside, and let you to mingle with your guests while cooking, to be a part of the party.

Homeowners are also spending on decks and stone paver patios.

West Sport in Sudbury works with grill manufacturers, paving companies and contractors to help you design the best outdoor kitchen and living space for your needs and your yard. Complete with a stone patio, outdoor kitchen, deck, firepit and landscaping, West Sport can also help incorporate furniture placement.

Drive by West Sport on route 20 in Sudbury and see the beautiful built in grill by Twin Eagles on our newly built patio.

Original article on SiLive.com by Sharon Cohen

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