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A backyard oasis

Natural gas brings convenience and comfort to outdoor living spaces.

By Tonya McMurray

S tay-at-home orders, social distancing and a global pandem-
ic’s realities have sparked increased interest in outdoor
living spaces.
“People are at home far more than ever and are interested in
expanding their living space to provide more options for the family,” said
Emily McGee, director of communications, Hearth, Patio and Barbecue
Association (HPBA). “We are hearing from our members that they are
seeing an increase in demand for outdoor products, especially grills
and outdoor heating devices such as heaters, fire pits and fire tables.”
With more time at home, many homeowners turned their focus to
home improvements, said Kathy Rogers, category director, Hearth &
Home Technologies Inc.
“Outdoor spaces have been growing in popularity in the last 10 years,”
she said. “Given the current situation, the desire for expanding the out-
door space has really become a strong focus. Homeowners are finally
getting to the remodeling projects they’ve been putting off, and that
includes the outdoor space.”
The National Association of Realtors reports that outdoor entertain-
ing upgrades can add significant value to the home and provide people
with a large return on their investment.
“Outdoor is truly an expansion of the home,” Rogers said. “It adds
square footage as well as equity for a fairly small investment. With today’s
environment, it provides a relaxing space for families and close friends
to gather. It truly creates a space to escape all the pressures society is
currently facing.”

BuIlDING thE OutDOOR ROOM
The first step to creating an outdoor living space is to decide what
elements to add.
“We believe that creating more usable living space is of interest be-
cause it allows for more activities, whether it is grilling a meal, watching
a sporting event on TV or even socially-distanced get-togethers,” McGee “We are hearing from our members that they
said. “It is critical that the homeowner really consider exactly what the are seeing an increase in demand for outdoor
space will be used for and the amount of room available before making
purchases. Will this be an outdoor kitchen? Do you want this to be a products, especially grills and outdoor heating
place to hang out and even work? Watch TV? Have a few neighbors over devices such as heaters, fire pits and fire tables.”
while staying more than 6 feet apart?” — Emily McGee, director of communications,
Many consumers turn to natural gas to fuel their outdoor living
spaces, banking on the comfort and convenience of a reliable, clean Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association

Spring - Summer 2021 ❙ naturalLiving 09
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