Outdoor living trends: 2025-2026
As we move through 2025 and look ahead to 2026, outdoor living continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in home improvement.
With structures like pergolas, pavilions, and outdoor kitchens expected to drive $3.35 billion in growth over the next few years, it’s clear that homeowners are prioritizing their outdoor spaces more than ever.
Even in a more cost-conscious market, homeowners are still allocating up to 25% of their home improvement budgets to their outdoor living spaces. Thoughtful investments in long-lasting, sustainable materials are thriving in the market.
Below are five major trends that are shaping the outdoor and decking market as we head into 2026.
Bold contrasts and organic shapes
This year, homeowners are leaning toward mixed materials and contrasting colors for their outdoor spaces. Deck designs are incorporating stone, metal, and even paver inlays for a layered, designer look. Darker tones like architectural black are trending, often paired with lighter accents for bold contrast. However, we are also seeing a resurgence of warmer tones as well, as consumers look to add light and warmth to their spaces.
Organic shapes are also making their mark. Homeowners are incorporating features like rounded seating, intricate inlays, and curved steps, replacing traditional rectangular layouts and creating a more organic, high-end aesthetic.
Functionality and multi-use spaces.
Due to the current economic conditions, consumers are a bit more budget conscious than in recent years. Homeowners are looking for value-added features and ways to maximize their space with multi-functional elements. In every metro area across the country, property sizes are smaller than before. With this trend, homeowners are looking to get the most out of their small spaces and available budget with modular components that serve multiple purposes, such as a patio with a built-in seat wall and planters.
In addition to maximizing space, functionality now includes conveniences and technology. Homeowners want outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of their home with all the modern amenities such as lighting, Wi-Fi, quality furnishing and accessories. Full entertainment hubs, zoned areas for dining and lounging, integrated LED lighting and hidden wiring for sound systems are on the rise as well.
Sustainability and wellness.
Health and wellness have risen to a top five focus for consumers in some markets as people prioritize self-care. Americans are looking to be balanced and in harmony with the environment and appreciate native plants and sustainable materials, such as permeable pavers. Gardening remains a popular hobby, and enthusiasts can incorporate raised garden beds or planters in their outdoor spaces.
In addition, eco-friendly composite and PVC are in high demand, with increased use of recycled content, scratch-resistant wood-like finishes, and heat-reducing technology that enhance durability and reduce maintenance, making them more sought after than ever before.
Privacy and spaces of solitude.
As property footprints are smaller than years past, homeowners are becoming increasingly intentional about carving out private, peaceful spaces within their outdoor environment, searching for aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate privacy from neighbors or their surroundings. Decorative screen panels, pergolas, plants, and other structures add an element of both beauty and functionality. To further elevate outdoor spaces, sound gardens and water features add audible privacy from neighbors or street traffic.
Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.
Homeowners are very interested in creating a continuous flow between inside and outside with flush/zero-edge thresholds. This type of transition invites homeowners and guests into the outdoor space seamlessly. By coordinating flooring and covered or screened-in decks for all-season use, the deck is now becoming a seamless part of the home in a comfortable and inviting way.
Outdoor trends and innovations are constantly changing, and as homeowners continue to invest in their outdoor spaces, the rising demand for expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments continues to grow. By staying ahead of these trends, building professionals are able to align with client expectations, providing products and services that best meet their needs.
Matthew Bruce is Vice President of Sales at Oldcastle APG.
