2019 Outdoor Living Trends

Sustainable Solutions

There is growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives to wood decking products, which contribute to deforestation and leave a heavy carbon footprint. Composite decking, such as Trex, is made from recycled materials, outperforms wood and has fewer harmful environmental impacts.

Comfy Cozy

Among the hottest design influences is “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) — the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners to relax with hygge-inspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to warming features.

Minimal Maintenance

No one wants hours of annual deck upkeep! Unlike wood, composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold — and won’t rot, warp or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and spills wash off with soap and water.

Railing Redefined

While railing matched to the decking remains popular, more homeowners are installing complementary designs afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek, minimalist designs inspired by commercial architecture, such as Trex Signature Railing.

Cooking with Class

Outdoor kitchens are finally living up to their name with well-appointed and fully-integrated cooking stations. Expect this trend to result in increasingly functional outdoor kitchens complete with cooking islands, smokers, pizza ovens and refrigerators.

Integrated Storage

Another must-have is outdoor cabinetry that blends interior style with durability to withstand the elements. Expect to see more color-coordinated drawers and pull-out trash bins for a completely finished look.

Year-Round Enjoyment

Thanks to innovative products and design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. For example, deck drainage systems like Trex RainEscape create useable space underneath an elevated deck.

Illuminated Spaces

Outdoor lighting is another “bright” idea in high demand. Look for increased use of LED lights integrated into decks and railings to enhance the ambiance and safety of an outdoor space, and to extend the time spent enjoying it.

Decidedly DIY

More homeowners are feeling confident about building their own outdoor living spaces. Lighter weight deck boards, such as Trex Enhance, as well as innovative, easy-to-install railing panels have made DIYing a dream deck easier than ever.

High-tech Decks

Home automation is huge, so it’s only natural that the tech trend should migrate outdoors. From controlled lighting and weatherproof speakers to outdoor LED televisions, homeowners are now able to bring entire entertainment systems outdoors.