As millions of Americans prepare their outdoor spaces for the summer, a new study from Saber Grills highlights just how much homeowners value their backyards. The survey of 1,500 U.S. homeowners found that 83% consider their outdoor living area the favorite place in their home. The backyard is one of the most used spaces in American households—second only to the kitchen—and is far more popular than the game room, formal living room, or dining room.
While formal interior rooms such as dining rooms and traditional living rooms have declined in popularity, outdoor spaces keep rising in importance. According to Saber’s OutdoorLiving2014 study, 81% of homeowners describe their outdoor area as the heart of the home.
“It doesn’t matter if a home is valued at $75,000 or $775,000—if you’re an American homeowner, you take pride in your outdoor space and see it as an essential part of your home,” said Rob Schwing, General Manager of Saber Grills. “Homeowners use their backyards to relax and reconnect with family—much like the kitchen.”
Given that emotional and functional importance, it’s not surprising that 51% of homeowners update their outdoor space as often as their favorite interior rooms. The study also found a rising trend in men taking lead on outdoor decorating decisions: 30% of male homeowners say they are solely responsible for designing their outdoor area. Top items on men’s wish lists for 2014 include a pool or hot tub, and nearly all say they can’t live without a grill. Reflecting modern needs, access to Wi‑Fi now ranks among the top five most requested features for outdoor living spaces.
Baby Boomers who live in older homes—largely concentrated in the South and Midwest—are especially engaged with their outdoor spaces. This group tends to equip their yards with TVs, Wi‑Fi, and special lighting. Many Boomer households own at least two grills and are adventurous entertainers, often trying new recipes and hosting groups of five or more guests.
“We’ve dubbed this group ‘super relaxers,’” Schwing added. “For them, the outdoor area is a major factor in choosing a home, and they invest in making it comfortable. They’re shaping how outdoor spaces are used and decorated.”
Regional highlights from the survey include:
– Midwestern homeowners are the most active with their outdoor spaces: they update and accessorize most frequently, and 75% report using their outdoor area throughout the week.
– The most desired outdoor addition nationwide is a pool or hot tub. Homeowners in the South and West are especially likely to list an outdoor kitchen among their top three wishes.
– Residents of the South and Northeast host the largest gatherings, typically entertaining more than five people.
– Southerners are most likely to own two or more grills, while Northeasterners typically own just one.
– About 40% of outdoor cooks describe themselves as average grillers, but more than 30% of Northeasterners consider themselves “confident” grillers.
For more detailed survey findings, consult the original Saber Grills OutdoorLiving2014 report.