With 2024 just starting to kick off, the popularity of outdoor living isn’t slowing down. It’s also the time of year where homeowners, DIYers, and pros are starting to plan outdoor projects. Whether it’s updating an existing deck or creating a new space, knowing what’s trending can help you bring your vision to life.
A new year means there’s more deck designs, features, and accessories to learn about. Join us as we share five of the top outdoor living trends for 2024.
1. Be Ready for Any Activity with Modular Furniture
Deck and patio furniture isn’t a new idea, but there’s a growing trend for anyone who needs more flexibility.: Modular furniture can be rearranged to accommodate almost any outdoor living space. Imagine having your outdoor furniture contour to the other features on the deck instead of the other way around. Plus, if any features are added to the deck in the future, you won’t have to worry about the furniture becoming an obstacle.
In the long run, investing in modular furniture for your outdoor living space can save you money. No matter what type of activities you’re interested in, modular furniture helps give you the space to enjoy them. Since the furniture can be adjusted, it’s easier to create more of a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living spaces.
2. Fun in the Sun Is a Priority
Many outdoor living experts are predicting that people are going to spend even more time outside in 2024. Having fun outdoors is becoming a higher priority, and outdoor living spaces are being designed around it. This year, we expect to see more deck features like built-in pools, pickleball courts, and home-theater systems to watch the big game.
By incorporating one of your favorite hobbies into the space, it can encourage you to spend more time outside.
For any deck that’s built for more fun in the sun, it’s important to use composite decking that can stand up to the heat. Envision has three new colors in the Distinction Collection that feature Cool Tread Technology, which keeps the composite deck boards up to 25% cooler than the average leading competitor.
If you’re searching for ways to level up and turn your deck into the perfect spot for game days, check out our blog for five outdoor living space ideas for game days.
3. Grow Your Own Food with Edible Gardens
While gardening has always been popular in outdoor living, this year, green thumbs are turning toward growing more of their own food. Even with one planter box, you can grow enough vegetables, fruit, and herbs to use in your cooking at least once a week. By growing food in your outdoor living space, you’ll not only save money on grocery bills, but fresh food will be waiting right outside your door.
Bonus Tip: Get some extra composite decking and use it to build planters for your edible garden. Composite deck boards will absorb less moisture than traditional wood, and it will match the aesthetic of the space.
4. Add Personality with Mood Lighting
The importance of creating the right atmosphere continues this year, and we expect adjustable LED lights to be quite popular. LEDs allow you to easily change (and sometimes pre-program) the brightness and/or color of outdoor lights, so you can set the right mood for almost any outdoor living activity.
Solar-powered lights also should grow in popularity this year. These fixtures give homeowners an energy-efficient lighting option to help save on monthly bills.
With a variety of options, including string lights, floor lights, wall lights, and more, LED lights can help you bring your dream outdoor living space to life.
5. Low Maintenance Products Take Center Stage
Every outdoor living space comes with some degree of maintenance, thanks to weather and debris. But as homeowners continue to clamor for low-maintenance options, manufacturers continue to deliver. For example, there’s been a recent increase in demand for outdoor furniture without cushions. These products don’t have to be cleaned or attended to nearly as often. And the low maintenance outdoor living products don’t stop there, you can also use:
- Composite Decking: Composite deck boards require far less maintenance than traditional wood. You don’t have to stain it regularly or worry about boards rotting.
- Aluminum Deck Railing: Aluminum deck railing is known for its durability and low-maintenance qualities. You’ll have confidence that this product will perform for years to come.
- Connected Smart-Home Products: Smart-home products connect to your phone or computer and will often let you know when it’s time for maintenance. This saves you time by not having to check connected devices manually.