Outdoor Living

In just three months, this retailer changed his business strategy to focus on the total backyard experience.

These two builders have transformed their businesses from simply pool and spa stores to one-stop shops for backyard solutions. Here’s how they did it.

Recent studies reveal shade structures are set to take off among homeowners, millennials in particular.

What’s the difference between a pergola and a ramada? What’s a belvedere, and what the heck is a loggia? Consider this your dictionary for all things backyard shade.

Customers love fire elements — in fact, many builders say it’s the most common requires in their new pool designs. Here, we explore the trend in depth and learn why it won’t burn out anytime soon.

In this showroom, vignettes highlight the many ways hot tubs and outdoor living go hand in hand.

Retail expert Ted Lawrence explains what consumers are loving in the outdoor living category.

Installing underwater speakers? Builder Paolo Benedetti offers expert advice to keep in mind.

Why do some landscapes create a deeply emotional response, and others don’t? A landscape designer shares his perspective, as well as advice for your future design work.

A second-generation pool pro finds thinking beyond the water's edge is rewarding both creatively and financially.

A custom builder shares his journey into poolside AV systems.

Outdoor living expert Scott Cohen shares his strategy for designing outdoor kitchens: Focus on what's on the menu.

From fuel types to aesthetics and placement, we discuss the breadth of design possibilities fire pits provide.

Modular slides offer pre-fabricated convenience as well as the customization required to create a sophisticated design that melts into the landscape.

These small, yet versatile pools provide an ideal solution for homeowners with limited space.

A look at how digital design technology has evolved and changed the pool and spa industry

Shade structures represent oppportunities for added revenue and creative design treatments, but first you have to remember to look up.

Gas, charcoal and wood pellet grills — what are consumers looking for?

BGE draws passionate grillers.

Composite decking materials, meant to simulate wood, can offer significant advantages.

Treating the pool as a venue for outdoor living can present profitable design opportunities.

Hot tubs are eyesores no more — today's spa design is all about making a statement in the backyard.

A Long Island landscape lighting designer works to define the outdoor experience at night.

Pool construction is an art form, a craft and an exercise in overcoming obstacles. Like most art, there is a large element of sacrifice and struggle.

A Georgia designer/builder pushed his creative and technical limits on this complex and ambitious project.

Modular kitchens offer a customizable solution for budget-conscious customers and space-strapped retailers.

An Idaho physician digs a pool and lives to tell about it.

Take a look at the basics of setting up outdoor audio systems.

Native Floridian Brett Holland explains his collaborative approach to backyard design.

New financing options are making it easier for customers to say "yes."