Balconies, porches and decks can be some of the greatest factors for renters choosing a vacation property. Capitalize on your home's appeal to nature lovers or sun goddesses by extending your living space outdoors. Furniture:
	First, consider the number of people your house can accommodate. Just like your living area indoors, if your house sleeps 6, make sure you have enough outdoor furniture to seat 6. You might even want to have additional seating in case your renters (or your own family) have guests when visiting the home.
Owners should choose outdoor furniture that works for their property type, whether it is a tropical condo or a rustic cabin. While the appearance of your furniture deserves quite a bit of attention, the comfort is equally important if you are expecting renters to relax outside. Adirondack chairs are popular choices for lake homes and cottages, but a glider might offer a more comfortable alternative. Swings or rocking chairs are also a nice touch. An umbrella is useful for providing shade for a more comfortable dining area. Consider adding some smaller tables as well, so renters have somewhere to set their drink or book while relaxing outdoors. Purchasing the cheapest outdoor furniture might not be a wise decision if you expect it to get a lot of use. It might be worthwhile to invest a bit more so that it holds up to the elements and extra wear-and-tear, and, in the end, will last longer. Barbecues: Your renters might take advantage of your outdoor area to enjoy their meals. Barbecuing is a popular pastime, so you should give some consideration to charcoal vs. gas grills. (See article Why Add a Barbecue Grill to Your Vacation Rental Property.) The taste of the food might be a factor for when your family comes to visit, but consider the space and the cost before purchasing a barbecue grill. Large charcoal grills should not be on a small patio, but an electric grill is fine for a smaller space. Electric or gas grills provide some added convenience since they cook the food more quickly, but they are also more expensive. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, might be cheaper at the start, but the fuel is more expensive. You probably won't save much money in the long run with a charcoal grill, so ultimately the decision comes down to your space and personal preference. The barbecue grill is another aspect of outdoor living where you shouldn't buy a low end product. Make sure you purchase a durable grill so that it cleans easily, doesn't rust and lasts a long time. It is also important to provide some basic tools and a grill brush for your renters to use.

Outdoor Fireplaces: Some homeowners might want to make their outdoor space more usable year-round by adding an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces can range from a chiminea, to a fire pit or an actual built-in fireplace. While outdoor fireplaces are an added bonus for vacation homes in cooler areas, beware of the maintenance associated with them as well as the risks. There might be laws and regulations regarding outdoor fireplaces (or fire restrictions in drought areas), so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Like some other amenities, an outdoor fireplace offers a nice touch, but it also means more rules for renters and possibly more worry for the owner.

What have you done to create a unique outdoor living space at your vacation rental? "Have both a full length front deck with furniture and covered gazebo out back door housing hot tub with a couple chairs as well. I offer both seating on my front deck and seating beside my hot tub which is under a covered gazebo." -Homeowner, Asheville, NC (VRBO #20261) "We put white rope lights around the railing of our decks. We've installed horseshoe pits, cedar log swings, gliders, lounge chairs, park model charcoal grills, outdoor stereo speakers, etc. Also we select wrought iron tables and chairs for outdoor living due to their strong construction and durability, ease of maintenance (spray paint every other year to freshen up) and appearance of quality to guests. If you want to provide cushions, store them in a deck box to keep them in the best shape." -Amy, Pigeon Forge, TN (HomeAway #177793, VRBO #134504, VacationRentals.com #33414) "Added new furniture for "in the sun" and "in the shade" areas. Added a grill and paved picnic area on a concrete pad near new landscaping" -J, Orange Beach, AL (VRBO #141902) "It is located in a condominium complex. We have two large areas where guests can BBQ and eat by the beach." -Anonymous holiday rental owner "Added a small table between rocking chairs and a picnic table." -Brent, Pigeon Forge, TN (HomeAway # 173042, VRBO #104646) "Choose furnishings to maximize ocean view: bar height chairs. Provide a variety of seating choices: traditional table/chairs, chaise lounges. Provide shade. Not enough! Very difficult to maintain/get cleaning to clean outdoor spaces. Marine environment with no hose access (condo)/irrigation..." -Melinda, Oceanside, CA (VRBO #60821, VacationRentals.com #4110) "We have a cute and charming screen porch. My renters love it, quiet place to sit and read. Our oversize country front porch is another favorite up the guests. Of course poolside is also a favorite."  -Anne Marie, Palmetto Dunes, SC (HomeAway #308189, VRBO #8956) "Small deck on our condo, we put a table with 3 chairs and another small drink table with 2 rocking chairs and a gas grill." -Christy, Keystone, CO (HomeAway #160986, VRBO #112577) "I built an entire outdoor space: roof deck for sun; tiki hut for outside cooking, outdoor tv, small bar area, deck for jacuzzi with outside shower. And I am just a small owner operated triplex." -Margarita, Charleston, SC (HomeAway)

Why Add a Barbecue Grill to Your Vacation Rental Property? A barbeque grill is something families on vacation expect, especially for properties in summer destinations.   The Pros and Cons of Adding a Swimming Pool to Your Vacation Rental Considerations for building a pool at your vacation home.   The Top-Searched Vacation Rental Amenities Which amenities are at the top of travelers' lists?   7 Things to Clean Regularly at Your Vacation Home Cleaning prolongs the life of many appliances. Here's a list of things to consider cleaning.

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