While home category retail spending continues to scratch and claw its way back to pre-recession levels, research into new home building and remodeling trends, social factors, demographics and technology advancements continue to indicate a strong future for the outdoor living category. Here are some of the supporting factors.

1. Outdoor Living Spaces Are Common in New Home Construction

More than half of all residential architects believe outdoor living features play a more important role in new home sales now than just two years ago. In fact, 63% of architects report that outdoor living spaces are the most common “special function room” in home construction.

2. More Than Half of New Homes Are Built with a Deck

While new home deck versus patio construction varies substantially by geography, today more than half of all new homes are built with a deck. The number has been increasing for several years and has finally hit the tipping point.

3. New Home Buyers Purchase Outdoor Living Products Soon after Moving

New home buyers tend to spend more on appliances, furnishings and property enhancements during the first two years after closing on a house in comparison to non-moving owners. Outdoor living furnishings, especially outdoor furniture, now are often a part of new mover purchases. Casual furniture, particularly dining sets and conversation groups, are the most common outdoor space purchases.

4. Outdoor Furniture Sales Growth Exceeds All Other Furniture Categories

While all outdoor living categories have fared well, outdoor furniture sales growth during the past ten years has been particularly strong. Now about $4 billion in sales, the category’s 50%+ growth is well ahead of every other furniture category, including sofas, chairs, bedroom, dining and entertainment furniture.

5. Twenty-Five Percent of Current Homeowners Plan to Remodel Their Outdoor Space

New homebuyers aren’t the only ones requesting outdoor living spaces. According to the 2014 Houzz & Home Study (conducted among Houzz users), more than a quarter of homeowners are staying in their homes longer and plan to remodel or enhance their outdoor space.

6. New Technologies and Products Extend the Outdoor Living Season

With the growth in mobile technologies—smart phones, laptops, tablets and e-readers—consumers are no longer tethered to heavy products and cords, making it easier to bring electronic entertainment and work outdoors. Innovative technologies such as radiant outdoor flooring, which keeps the flooring at least 38 degrees, and durable fabric walls and curtains increase the comfort of outdoor spaces and extend the season.

7. Design Trends Continue to Blur the Lines between Indoor and Outdoor Living

Companies that offer durable all-weather products, architects and remodelers on Houzz, a number of Pinterest users, and numerous blogs, television shows and magazines have promoted the diminishing distinction between indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories by focusing on transitional design elements that bring the outside in and the inside out.

What is your current perception on the future of outdoor living spaces? Let us know in the comments below.