I think it really depends on your preference as far as patio furniture goes. We really wanted wood furniture, and wanted something that would age well with little or no maintenance, and finally went with teak furniture from Wood Classics. We saved some money by ordering it in pieces and putting it together ourselves (my dh actually really enjoyed the project) and also by picking it up at their factory (only an hour or so away). We've had it a year and it has started to weather to a light tan - eventually it will turn a greyish and that's the look we wanted so it works for us. Don't have to cover it and will probably spray it down with their recommended deck cleaner in a few weeks, that is about it for maintenance. We've been extremely pleased with the company and with the quality of their product, FWIW. For the grill, I looked into a bunch and finally went with the Weber Genesis Gold, which comes in either a liquid propane or a natural gas model. Again, only had it about a year, but have been very pleased. Very sturdy and very uniform cooking. Maybe it's just me, but I've noticed that most of the cooking resources rate the Webers very highly, whereas the Consumer Reports type mags like them but rate less expensive ones more highly (or at least did last year). We cook a lot and are somewhat particular, so I finally went with the Weber and wouldn't change the decision. Hope that helps! Here is a link that might be useful: Wood Classics

I'll let others chime in as I have not yet placed an order with a NC store but I've found their prices to be cheaper than what retailers near NYC are charging. Some of the places mentioned are Boyles and Rose Furniture from NC and Lex furniture in Kentucky. Shipping is based on weight of the items. Are you looking for manufacturers of BR furniture for the long term and manufacturers of kids bedrooms and sofas for short term?

From your description, it sounds like you and your hubby might like the Mission style of furniture. Stickley is the company to go to for Mission style. Very well made. (I have a Stickley dining room set.) It will probably fit right into your budget and it's the type of furniture that will still be in style 50 or 100 years from now.

Henkel Harris is still in business. It would be a great shame if American consumers let such a sterling company go out of business. Henkel Harris's reproduction furniture follows period styles and dimensions. Material, workmanship and quality are superb. Finishes on their pieces are legendary. Every piece in their collection is of heirloom quality that is worthwhile to pass down to future generations. You would not find strange looking pieces like the ones made by some manufactures by modifying dimensions or "marring" details from different styles. The results often are ugly and comical. In my mind, getting Henkel Harris pieces is next best than paying top dollar for authentic antique period furniture. About 30 years ago we did extensive research for our first serious furniture and decided on Henkel Harris. We are very glad back then we stretched our budget and got some fine pieces. Over the years we added more pieces for different rooms. We found once we are used to the quality, details, beauty, and enjoyment from Henkel Harris furniture, it is difficult to switch to other brands and manufactures. Here is a link that might be useful: Henkel Harris