As spring selling season kicks into gear, outdoor living projects are top of mind with building pros and consumers alike. To help builders, remodelers, and dealers prepare, Envision Outdoor Living Products, manufacturer of Envision composite decking and Fairway deck and porch railings, provides an overview of some of the biggest and emerging trends to consider.
1._Outdoor Living Evolves: Overall, outdoor living is continuing on the trending path started before the pandemic. As the desire for more outdoor spaces continues to grow, we’re seeing it evolve to be even more purposeful. Homeowners desire spaces that speak to their needs and lifestyles, and are being thoughtful about planning the layouts of their decks, patios, and gardens. This is often translating into dedicated spaces for entertaining and relaxing and even a willingness to personalize with unique appliances (such as pizza ovens, smokers, and griddles), decking patterns, and décor.
2. Indoors Meet Outdoors: Creating seamless transitions from indoors to outdoors has been popular for some time, in part due to the proliferation of multi-panel windows and doors and the growing ability to match or coordinate flooring with decking materials. This trend has expanded in recent years to include the infusion of indoor comfort into outdoor spaces. We’re seeing this with decks that are visually separated into “rooms” using decking patterns, planters, or rugs; in furniture that emulates interior styles while still offering exterior performance; and in lighting, entertainment, and smart-tech options that create just the right amount of ambience, convenience, and security.
3. Health & Wellness: The need to create a home sanctuary is stronger than ever among consumers, and an outdoor living space is the perfect place to escape. Meditation and quiet areas may become more popular, so consider how those spaces can be incorporated into the design and shielded from weather and noise. Water and fire features can play a role, as well. In addition, interest in home-grown vegetables, whether a full-fledged garden or planters on the deck, is also on the rise.
4. Railings Are No Longer an Afterthought: Deck railings aren’t always part of the initial design conversation — but they should be. Beyond just the safety and boundaries they provide, deck railings can add their own “wow” factor to the outdoor living space. Whether in a bold color that brings a bit of drama, a material that preserves or enhances sweeping views, or accessories like drink rails and gates that add function and flair, the right railing options can have an important impact in the overall feel of the deck.
5. Simpler Specification: Today’s vastrange of decking and railing options means more choices for consumers — but also potentially more confusion. Manufacturers are recognizing this and delivering the same amount of options but with naming conventions and decision trees that ease selection. A growing number of online design tools, in which buyers can see how decking and railing choices will look on their actual homes, also are helping to simplify this process and avoid concerns about buyer’s remorse.
6. Easier Installation: With labor shortages still a concern, products that are more efficient to install can help keep crews moving. Pros and DIYers alike have more options than ever for hidden fasteners that deliver a seamless look, as well as for railing kits that help eliminate over- or under-ordering while saving assembly time on site. Envision Outdoor Living Products also recently introduced E-Fit™ Railing Innovations, a series of aluminum and vinyl railing products that when used together allow for installation times up to 300% faster.
7. Climate Resilience: With climate concerns top of mind, expect consumers to pay closer attention to native plants and xeriscaping options that require less water and maintenance. And in some areas, such decisions may no longer be optional.
8. Wildfire Risk: As the threat of wildfires continues to escalate in many parts of the country, it’s becoming more and more critical to design exterior spaces that aim to reduce risk. This may include creating a defensible space around the home, choosing fire-resistant plants, and carefully considering the placement of firewood storage and propane tanks, among other strategies. Decking materials also should be considered. For example, Envision Outdoor Living Products’ composite and capped composite decking materials are all Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Approved Products.
Whether they’re seeking shelter from a noisy world or more gatherings with loved ones, homeowners are increasingly turning to the outdoors to expand their footprint and accommodate their lifestyles. With the right design and forethought, small and large spaces alike can provide a sanctuary that combines both form and function.
To learn more about products that incorporate these trends and to view idea galleries and other project inspiration, visit www.envisionoutdoorliving.com.
About Envision Outdoor Living Products
Envision Outdoor Living Products, a division of Envision Building Products LLC, provides exceptional outdoor living products to create the exact outdoor space homeowners desire. Envision Outdoor Living offers a wide range of high-quality, beautiful decking, railing, and accessories for pros and consumers, including Distinction, Expression, Ridge Premium, and EverGrain composite decking; Fairway Aluminum, Steel, Vinyl/PVC, and Composite railing solutions; and LED lighting, fencing, pergolas, and more. Learn more at www.envisionoutdoorliving.com.
