Grand Rapids-based Deckorators, a subsidiary of UFP Industries Inc., has released its annual report spotlighting the hottest outdoor living trends for 2024. The findings, sourced from a network of expert contractors, provide insights into homeowner preferences, highlighting a shift to multifunctional outdoor areas that cater to all-around seasonal use, as reported by DBUSINESS.
The Deckorators 2024 Outdoor Living Report outlines a move toward "functional design", where homeowners are looking to quickly adapt their outdoor spaces for various purposes. This trend demonstrates an evolution in deck designs that maximize utility and prioritize spatial flow. Homeowners are also leaning into monochrome color palettes, allowing for the injection of vibrant colors and textures through interchangeable accessories which can be changed with the trends, according to PR Newswire.
An interesting highlight is the rise of the cocktail rail, a concept that allows homeowners to replace traditional dining table settings with more informal bar rail additions, fostering a more social atmosphere on the deck. Other features like privacy walls, which double as entertainment centers and shade structures are being incorporated to balance aesthetics, privacy, and protection from the elements, according to the LBM Journal.
Notably, homeowners are beginning to seriously challenge the seasonal limitations of their outdoor environments with heaters and fire features. This comes as part of an expansive approach toward outdoor living that blurs the lines between indoor comfort and alfresco style. "Electric heaters are very popular in our area," Joe Hagen of All Decked Out in Ohio told PR Newswire. "Adding heaters to nearly any roof structure...you're able to enjoy the space an extra three months out of the year."
Another amenity gaining traction is outdoor kitchens, equipped with extended counter space and built-in appliances, emphasizing a fusion of gastronomy and social interaction—in essence, treating the outdoors as more than just a place to grill. "People are putting a lot more thought into those kitchen areas," said Sean Collinsgru of Premier Outdoor Living in New Jersey, in a statement obtained by PR Newswire. Furthermore, designer and homeowner collaborations are taking center stage, suggesting that residents are desiring a hands-on approach from the inception to the completion of their outdoor projects.
The comprehensive nature of the report aligns with Deckorators' commitment to being an industry leader by offering innovative products and insights. With the inclusion in this year's report of their Surestone™ technology, which features crushed limestone for reduced heat and virtually no thermal expansion, Deckorators is pushing the envelope in terms of what is aesthetically pleasing and technically feasible for outdoor living spaces.
