Here’s a little bit of a trick question for you: What’s the difference between an indoor and an outdoor living room? Answer: The walls!

This may seem like an obvious answer, but there really is no big difference in what people do in their living spaces, whether they’re inside or out. They like to eat (barbecue), relax with their favorite beverages — possibly in front of or around a fireplace — and they like to entertain with friends and family. But instead of being surrounded by walls covered in tapestries or pictures, you’re looking at beautiful landscapes and extended views. Things just feel healthier and more relaxing when you’re outside enjoying the open air.

Of course you can enjoy outdoor living on a nice deck or patio. However, to create a true outdoor living room you need to incorporate a deck or patio roof addition. Only then will you be able to add the lighting, heaters, and other amenities to really spend some quality time enjoying outdoor leisure activities in less-than-perfect weather conditions. Think playing cards together into the evening or watching ball games while barbecuing. Pesky showers, scorching sun, and evening chill cannot stop you!

(Client Feature: Gary Gansar Loves His DeckTec Deck)

Much has been made in recent years about the mature and boomer segments of the population desiring to downsize their home or living space. Once again, it’s not exactly what you think. This may be true to some degree — however, in many cases, what is often happening is that people are eliminating seldom-used rooms, like formal living and dining rooms, in favor of outdoor living spaces where they can entertain and relax frequently with friends and family. Nowadays, there’s just an increased awareness of outdoor living, as evidenced by how you have to navigate around displays of barbecues and outdoor furniture entering the grocery store before you can even get to the milk.

Perhaps that’s why outdoor additions like decks and outdoor living rooms have become some of the highest returning home improvement investments you can make. In addition to that, nothing increases marketability and differentiates your home more than a quality custom living space. A beautifully crafted outdoor space where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy time with friends and loved ones is truly an asset that bears invaluable returns for many years to come.

(Learn More: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Custom Outdoor Deck Project)