Living large outdoorsPatio furniture gets bigger and more like what you'd use inside

BY LAURIE A. CERNY Special to the Gazette Furniture and accessories for today's outdoor living are a little bit about what's worked in the past and a lot about being bigger and better.

Furniture for the patio, the deck and around the pool now goes beyond your average bistro table and chairs. Many of the sofas and loveseats, lounging chairs and chaises, coffee tables and end tables may be made for the outdoors, but they look like they could be used inside.

Adding outdoor lighting in the form of lamps and chandeliers, as well as patio rugs in classic patterns and designs can help to complete any outdoor space.

"The patio has become an extension of the family room, dining room and kitchen," said Tom Oldfield, a partner at Hodgson Light, Log & Patio, 250 Mall Drive in Portage. "After the winter, we've had to get out and enjoy it. Do more than just look at a table and chair set; there's so much more you can do."

Wicker is back

Wicker has made a comeback with a bang and is available in more than classic white. Manufacturers offer wicker sets and settees in beige, chocolate and an array of other earth tones. Cushions in patterns and rich colors ranging from browns and greens to goldenrod and coral, have brought a new look for an old standby that surpasses the cottage look of wicker sets of the past.

In addition, cushions are UV-protected for longevity, and all-weather-resin wicker can endure both the sun and the rain.

Oversized tables, umbrellas

Many of today's outdoor table surfaces are quite large, with some tables measuring more than 60 inches in diameter. In stone and marble construction, they are significant pieces of outdoor furniture.

Like tables, umbrellas -- both in freestanding and offset models as well as those set in tables -- have gotten larger. They range in size from 7 to 9 feet in diameter.

Dressing up umbrellas is another popular trend. An array of umbrella accessories is available, from lights to jewelry to tea-light chandeliers to centerpieces.

Another trend is toward bar sets and bar-style seating with high gathering tables.

Storing today's large outdoor pieces, is something to consider before making a purchase. "You don't want to overlook it," said Kraig McCauley, owner of Texas Corner's Ace Hardware, 7129 West Q Ave. "It's nice to have it, but you have to remember storage."

Prices on some large pieces also can be a factor. McCauley said homeowners could easily spend $2,000 on a set. One strategy is to buy something each year. "Do a piece at a time," he said.

Gazebos and more

Nonpermanent gazebos have more substance than their predecessors did. Many styles feature heavy wood or metal frames with water-repellent and UV-protected fabric. Mosquito netting with zipper closures also is available. In addition to traditional gazebo styles, there are barzebos, which include a bar; pergolas and gazebo-style tables.

New twist on fire pits

Although fire pits have been popular for several years, there are several new styles on the market.

One option is a fire pit built into the middle of a patio table. It comes with a cover so the table can be used without the pit.

Customers can choose from a variety of fire-bowl styles that have faux marble, slate or stone ledges for fireside seating. And those who don't have room for a fire pit but want the look of an open fire can get a fire urn to use on the top of a patio table.

Grills

Stainless steel remains popular in outdoor grills, as do the amenities many manufacturers continue to feature, such as multiple burners, side burners and rotisseries. A slight tweak on the stainless models is the texture finish some manufacturers are offering this year. Textured colors range from grays to browns.

Kettle-style grills remain a strong niche in the grill market, and the Big Green Egg is emerging as the granddaddy of them all.

Stan Sackett, owner of Sackett Brick & Fireplace, 1303 Fulford St., started to carry the grill after he tasted something his neighbor had cooked on it. "I have the Green Egg in my store because of my neighbor," Sackett said. "It's like the last grill you will ever need."

The grill is made of a thick ceramic, which serves as insulation and holds the heat inside as it cooks. It is known for steakhouse-style searing of food.

Kris and Tyler VanderVeen have owned their Green Egg for two years. They use it three or four times a week at their Mattawan home. "I like it (the Green Egg) for the taste of the food; it tastes like it's been cooked outdoors," Kris VanderVeen said.

Outdoor lighting

Table lamps, post-style lamps and chandeliers are among the outdoor-lighting options available. Some operate by solar power; others require a power source, either hard-wired for permanent operation or UL-listed for wet or damp locations.

Hardscaping

A big outdoor-living trend is creating defined spaces by hardscaping.

Sackett said dry-stacked retaining brick, pavers or cement blocks can help to create low walls that define seating and grilling areas. Some designs include built-in seating and areas for outdoor lamp lighting, either solar or hard-wired.

"When all you have is a slab of concrete, it doesn't really do much for your space," Sackett said. "To define this space, a lot of times hardscapes will do this.

"It's all about making an outdoor environment. There are so many elements. It's not just about a place to cook; it's a place to hang out."