Many Home Show vendors utilize their products in displays showing their creativity. Outdoor living areas, such as this patio, are a strong trend in both new builds and home renovation, says Teresa Groves, executive officer of Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga, which sponsors the Tri-State Home Show.

More than 225 vendors will display the latest in home products and services across 470 booths at the 48th annual Tri-State Home Show, which opens Friday, Feb. 28, in the Chattanooga Convention Center.

"We like to say everything for your house is under one roof," says Teresa Groves, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga, which sponsors the expo. "Homeowners should come visit the Home Show if they are planning to do anything to their homes."

Kristin Randle is counting on the Home Show to get word out about her company, Mission Stone & Tile on East Main Street, which opened in Chattanooga last June.

"We carry a lot of natural stone -- marble, granite and travertine -- as well as a lot of porcelain tile and glass mosaic. We specialize in importing tile and mosaics. A lot of our custom mosaics are made just for us, so we are the only place people can get them. The items we are showing at the Home Show will be some that are unique to our store."

Groves says outdoor living spaces are wildly popular with homeowners right now, and visitors to the Home Show will see several examples.

Among them will be a double patio area created by brothers Barrett Fischer and Reynolds Fischer, co-owners of Fischer Landscape Co. Last year they built a raised patio with plants and water features.

"This year there will be a couple of different patio levels," says Barrett Fischer, "with a bridge that crosses a creekbed."

The landscaper says the time and effort to present a beautiful outdoor living space is worth it to them because "we think we get back what we put into it. The show reaches a good audience."

"The display shows our creativity -- what we can do in a 20- by 30-foot space. If we can do this with a concrete floor, imagine what we can do with your home."

Fischer says folks coming to the home show are looking "for the most bang for their buck. Right now, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces are really big, but consumers have to figure out what is most cost-efficient. Sometimes we may suggest building an outdoor living space in stages: This year put down the paver patio. Next year add the outdoor fireplace."

Groves says vendors at this weekend's Home Show will display kitchens, baths, countertops, flooring, windows, doors, roofing, lighting, siding, interior design and more. Many of them will offer giveaways or Home Show specials.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.