The world of decking has come a long way from simple wooden platforms. As outdoor living spaces continue to evolve, so do the materials, designs, and trends that shape them. In 2024, decking is all about sustainability, aesthetics, and maximizing functionality. Whether you’re planning to install a new deck or update an existing one, staying on top of the latest trends can help you make the most of your outdoor space. Here's what's trending in the decking world this year:
Sustainable and Eco Friendly Decking Materials
Sustainability is a driving force in home design, and decking is no exception. Homeowners are becoming more eco conscious, leading to a surge in demand for sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact. The trend is toward decking products made from recycled or renewable resources:
Composite Decking
One of the biggest trends continues to be composite decking, made from recycled wood fibers and plastic. Brands like Trex and Fiberon are leading the charge, offering durable, low maintenance decking that’s ecofriendly and long lasting. Composite decking resists fading, staining, and splintering, making it a favorite for sustainability and longevity.
Bamboo Decking
Bamboo is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood decking. It’s fast growing, renewable, and incredibly strong, making it perfect for those who want a natural look with a smaller environmental footprint.
Thermally Modified Wood
This wood is heat treated to improve durability and stability, giving it the longevity of treated lumber without the need for chemicals. It’s a trending option for those looking to keep the natural wood aesthetic while reducing environmental impact.
Multifunctional Deck Spaces
Outdoor spaces are no longer just for lounging or dining—they're becoming true extensions of indoor living areas. Homeowners want their decks to serve multiple purposes, and designs are evolving to reflect that:
Outdoor Kitchens and Bars
Decks are becoming hubs for outdoor entertaining, with fully equipped kitchens, built in grills, and bar areas as part of the design. This trend allows homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space year round and makes entertaining a breeze.
Built in Seating and Storage
To maximize space and functionality, many decks now include built in benches, planters, and storage units. These features not only offer practical solutions but also contribute to a cleaner, more cohesive look.
Zones for Different Activities
Larger decks are being designed with multiple zones for lounging, dining, cooking, and even working from home. This approach helps create flow and organization while ensuring every inch of the deck is utilized.
What's trending in decking: Low Maintenance Solutions
Homeowners today want beautiful outdoor spaces without the hassle of constant upkeep. As a result, low maintenance decking materials are trending in a big way. Composite and PVC decking are favored for their easy care nature, as they require minimal cleaning and won’t warp, rot, or fade like natural wood. In addition to composite, some other popular options include:
PVC Decking
Made from 100% plastic, PVC decking is waterproof, mold resistant, and requires virtually no maintenance. It’s perfect for areas with high humidity or wet conditions, such as pool decks.
Aluminum Decking
Aluminum is lightweight, incredibly strong, and resistant to rust or corrosion. It’s becoming a popular option for those seeking a highly durable, low maintenance decking material.
Mixed Materials and Unique Finishes
In 2024, blending materials and experimenting with textures and finishes are key trends in deck design. Rather than sticking to one material, homeowners are combining wood, stone, metal, and composite for a more customized, high end look. Some ways this trend is being expressed:
Contrasting Decking Colors: Many decks now feature contrasting colors for the decking boards and railings. This two tone look can make a deck stand out and highlight certain features.
Mixed Material Railings: Combining materials like metal and glass for deck railings is becoming a popular way to add a modern, sleek look to outdoor spaces. Glass railings, in particular, are trending because they provide unobstructed views and a contemporary feel.
Textured Finishes: Decking materials with wood grain textures or hand scraped finishes are in demand for those wanting the look of natural wood with the durability of composite. These finishes add a more organic, tactile quality to decking materials.
Smart Decking and Lighting Integration
With smart home technology becoming more accessible, it’s now making its way into outdoor spaces. Modern decks are incorporating smart lighting, sound systems, and even heating elements:
Integrated LED Lighting: Deck lighting is no longer an afterthought—it’s an essential feature. LED lighting integrated into stairs, railings, and post caps enhances safety and adds ambiance. Smart, app controlled lighting systems allow homeowners to adjust brightness and colors, creating the perfect mood for any occasion.
Heaters and Fire Pits: With a focus on year round usability, more decks are being designed with built in heaters, fireplaces, or fire pits. These features extend the outdoor season and create a cozy environment during cooler months.
Outdoor Audio Systems: High quality outdoor speakers that blend seamlessly with deck structures are becoming more popular for homeowners who want to enjoy music or entertain guests without needing portable devices.
Natural and Earthy Tones
When it comes to colors, the trend in 2024 is moving toward natural, earthy tones that blend with the surrounding environment. Grays, soft browns, and deep greens are popular choices for decking materials, allowing the deck to feel like a natural extension of the landscape:
Muted Colors: Soft, muted tones like weathered grays and browns that mimic the appearance of aged wood are trending. These shades add a timeless, classic look to decks, particularly those designed to have a more natural or rustic feel.
Organic Blends: Many homeowners are opting for decking that incorporates variegated color blends, which mimic the subtle variations found in natural wood. These organic blends add depth and character to the decking boards.
Sustainability and Eco Conscious Decking
Sustainability is not just about materials—it’s also about the entire lifecycle of the deck. Eco conscious homeowners are investing in decking solutions that minimize environmental impact, from production to installation and maintenance:
Permeable Decking: Permeable or water permeable decking allows water to pass through and soak into the ground below. This is an environmentally friendly option that helps manage stormwater runoff and reduces the risk of flooding or erosion.
Solar Decking Lights: Solar powered deck lighting is on the rise, offering an energy efficient and cost effective way to light up outdoor spaces. Solar lights are easy to install and help reduce energy consumption.
Conclusion
Decking trends in 2024 are all about merging function with aesthetics. From sustainable materials to low maintenance solutions and multifunctional spaces, homeowners are seeking decks that not only look great but also enhance their outdoor living experience. Whether you're drawn to earthy tones, mixed materials, or smart tech integrations, these trends offer exciting possibilities to create a deck that’s not only beautiful but built to last. So, if you’re planning to revamp your outdoor space, consider these top trends to make your deck both functional and stylish
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