Outdoor spaces are becoming an oasis. In recent years, they’ve put the fun in functional, moving past utilitarian to become another personal design choice that can add character and value to your home.

From layout to materials to furniture, you have many choices when planning for your home’s deck. Here are six deck trends to help inspire you as you plan.

1. Cozy Nooks

Recently, there’s been an increased focus on well-being. Homeowners prioritize spending time at home and turning their backyards into personal retreats. One of the biggest features of these retreats is cozy little nooks.

Wall off a corner so you can set a chair or comfortable couch. Plants and other foliage can also create the illusion of a nook. These areas help promote relaxation and give homeowners a space to call their own. Depending on your budget, you can customize it with furniture, lights, and speakers.

2. Hot tubs

Hot tubs are experiencing a resurgence in popularity with the increased focus on wellness. They’re being incorporated directly into decks, often built into them rather than located in a separate area. This design choice helps hide the plumbing from view, making it a more seamless look and feel.

Integrating hot tubs into your deck has its pros and cons. The added weight and water exposure will require you to use more expensive materials. You’ll need water-resident deck materials. These are often treated with a simple polyurethane coating, which can help prevent rot, increase durability, and add slip resistance to promote safety.

3. Privacy Walls

Some homeowners wall off their decks on one or both sides for additional privacy. These privacy walls are becoming more popular for those who live close to their neighbors or whose decks are visible from the street or other public areas.

These walls can be permanent or removable. They’re often decorated with shelves, planters, lighting, and other elements to help tie them into the overall deck design. Some homeowners even mount a TV on the wall to help them host watch parties during game season.

4. Integrated Technology

Many decks are getting an upgrade with smart technology. Phones are being used as a hub to control automated features, including:

• Lighting: Smart lighting can automatically adapt to natural lighting or be controlled as desired.
• Awnings: Retractable covers can be added and removed based on weather conditions.
• Fire pits: You can control automated fire pits and select the fire size. You can also turn it on and off from your device or receive reminders when they are left on.
• Security: Install outdoor security systems to keep your deck and home safe.

Smart technology continues to evolve, with more options becoming weather-resistant. These elements can be integrated into your deck to elevate it and make it a hub in your home.

5. Sustainability

Homeowners continue to focus on sustainability, especially in their deck materials. They are looking for wood alternatives, including PVC and composite decking. Additionally, some are willing to pay a premium for recycled materials. As a bonus, these materials are fully recyclable when they need to be replaced. It’s a win-win for homeowners who are focused on being more green.

Other benefits of these engineered materials include increased durability and extended lifespan. They’re resistant to rotting, cracking, fading, and staining. They may even be fire resistant, which can help minimize home damage in the case of a fire. Unlike wood, they are safe to walk on barefoot without fear of getting a sprinter.

6. Design

Homeowners are using their decks as an extension of their home design. Many interior design features, including furniture style and color scheme, continue externally. This is more likely if the deck is adjacent to a particular room or space, such as the kitchen.

Conversely, others create an outdoor oasis that’s independent of any other space in the home. They use vibrant patterns or comfortable wicker furniture. They are using a variety of materials to integrate character and manage costs. Homeowners create separate areas for specific outdoor features, including designated kitchens, bars, seating, and more.

Decks can be multi-level, with recessed areas to help people gather around the fire. Decks don’t have to be uniform, flat areas anymore. Many homeowners are getting creative in designing them to meet their needs.

Conclusion

Trends come and go, so it’s important to remember to create a deck that you like. Otherwise, you’ll need to redecorate and redesign each year.

Go to Google and type in “deck contractor near me” to start designing your dream deck. Deck contractors will listen to your needs and create design options that fit any budget. You can visualize your space and develop options that fit your needs.

You no longer have to be limited to a traditional deck, so create a space you feel excited to hang out on!