This is the fourth year that Hearth & Home has asked specialty retailers to provide details on products they carry that relate to the Outdoor Room. It doesn’t matter whether their main line is hearth, patio or barbecue products, it’s our belief that these dealers could benefit by at least examining the potential of some of these products to their business and bottom line.

Timing of such an expansion couldn’t be better than right now. Consumer Confidence hit 82.2 in May, then leaped to 85.2 in June. That’s the highest level it has reached since January 2008.

Take a look at this chart and you’ll see which products have gained the highest penetration among your peers. As the numbers get higher – say above 50 percent – you can be assured that many – thousands – of other retailers are having success in the category.

Firepits are the hottest product in that list and, in our opinion, will remain so for a number of years. For a relatively small expenditure, consumers can purchase a product that will provide them with an outdoor lifestyle.

Thirty-two percent of your peers tell us they presently sell and install outdoor kitchens, while 33 percent provide design services for customers interested in Outdoor Rooms.