Trends in composite decking and outdoor living are always evolving and improving.
Based on installer and homeowner feedback, these are the things that are making your backyard unique.
The top trends on a composite deck include: installation of high end composite decking, additions of privacy walls, utilization of joist protection, locations for fire pits, and integrations of long lasting pergolas.
This article will showcase 5 popular deck trends to make your outdoor space unique.
HIGH END COMPOSITE DECKING
Not all composite deck boards are the same. The high end composite decking category showcases "real wood" visuals, enhanced embossing or grain of the board, the wide array of color offerings, and of course the durability and warranty.
Many professional deck builders recommend 4 leading composite deck board brands in the category of high end composite decking.
These High End Composite Deck Brands Include:
Trex Signature® Decking
TimberTech® Legacy Decking
AZEK® Vintage Decking
Deckorators® Voyage Decking
TREX SIGNATURE DECKING
Trex® recently launched their Signature® Decking collation which features stunning visual representation of real wood planks along with an industry leading 50 year stain and fade warranty.
Best in class "real wood" visual aesthetics.
A highly durable deck board with two on trend colors.
50 Year Stain and Fade warranty.
Trex’s brand is highly recognizable among homeowners.
A stronger cap won't scratch during installation or handling.
Trex is available at leading dealers and home centers.
Trex Signature® is available in two colors: Whidbey (gray) and Ocracoke (brown).
To find out more about Trex Signature Decking visit Trex.com
TIMBERTECH® LEGACY DECKING
This unique collection of decking combines hand scrapped textures with a warm spectrum of six colors.
The TimberTech Legacy collection is capped on all four sides for long term protection and comes with a 30 year warranty.
More information on this decking collation can be found here.
DECKORATORS® VOYAGE DECKING
The Deckorators Voyage line delivers an installer benefit of being lightweight and easy to work with. Their website states they are 35% less weight to competitor products.
The Voyage boards also feature a unique grain pattern and surface that gives us some of the best traction in wet conditions available in the market.
The Deckorators Voyage line also has the SureStone™ Technology, which delivers better expansion and contraction rates compared to other boards in the market.
The SureStone technology comes on Deckorators Voyage and Vault collections.
A good video describing the benefits can be found here:
For more information visit Deckorators.com
MOISTURESHIELD® VISION DECKING
This is some of the coolest decking on the list, literally. MoistureShield touts a 35% cooler deck board than other capped composites on the market.
Six colors in the MoistureShield Vision line make for the final decking board in our high end decking category.
High end composite decking is a popular backyard trend that will continue growing, delivering better visuals, real wood textures, and 30+ year performance warranties.
Keep scrolling for more trends.
PRIVACY WALLS
Privacy walls are an awesome way to add a little separation from your neighbors and add a unique piece to your outdoor space.
Privacy walls are typically built in a similar material as the decking. However, some companies like Barrette Outdoor Living® and Deckorators® have started making their own privacy panels.
Here is an example of Barrettes Sanibel Privacy Panel:
Barette's website offers some product details:
Limited lifetime warranty.
Many colors, designs, and shapes to fit many projects.
These panels can be used as Pergola inlays as well.
Click here for more information about Barrette's Sanibel Privacy Screen.
Deckorators Privacy Panels come with easy to assemble components and a wide array of designs. Here's an example of Deckorators Voyage Decking and their Palm Privacy Screen:
Click here for more information about Deckorators Privacy Screens.
A tip for homeowners and installers:
Discuss a privacy wall upfront so the installer can order the right length boards. There are times where you can order a 20’ deck board and use the remains for a privacy wall, saving you money. There will also need to be certain considerations on blocking and railings so make sure to mention this during the design phase.
Here are some beautiful examples of privacy wall panels that can be installed on top of composite decking.
JOIST PROTECTION
Composite decking is now available with up to a 50 year warranty. Unfortunately, the framing lumber below that decking will not last that long, unless you protect it.
Deck installers are now installing joist tape protection to maximize the life of the framing lumber through water management. This is a small up charge for significant piece of mind.
There are a lot of joist protection products on the market. We did some homework and came up with some of the best reviewed products.
The following brands were the most widely used among Pro installers:
These products are readily available at your local independent lumberyard or the same place you buy your decking boards.
FIRE FEATURES
A popular trend in composite decking projects is to add a fire pit as an added feature. The outdoor space is a place to bring the family together. A fire pit or fireplace gives you that and more.
There are some serious considerations when adding a fire feature to a composite deck. Think about where the best gathering spot will be, air flow, where the heat will travel, and definitely consult a professional if you are thinking of adding a fire feature to your existing deck.
A great way to add a fire feature is to go with a very popular Solo Stove. These can be used on composite or wood decks safely. We do recommend a fire mat below the decking to catch any embers that may fall out.
Here’s a video of a Solo Stove being used on composite decking without an issue. Please note that the proper base is attached. You can view the video by clicking the image below:
Here's another video about using a Solo Stove 2.0 on a deck with the proper gear:
PERGOLAS
A composite deck can get hot in the sun. A trend we see gaining popularity on composite decks is adding a pergola to give the homeowner some shade.
There are some very cool products available that not only provide shade but can upgrade your outdoor experience with fans, electrical outlets, automation, and more.
We’ve compiled a list of the latest and greatest available for pergolas used on decks:
StruXure by TimberTech
Trex Pergola
Fortress Steel Frame Pergola
These three pergola products can be purchased through many professional lumberyards. In many cases, they will be special order, so plan time for transit to the yard or your jobsite.
We recommend doing a thorough job when the kits arrive to ensure you have all the needed parts before assembly and installation.
DECKING TREND RECAP
Add a unique "on trend" feature to your decking projects in 2024 that will excite and amaze the neighbors for years to come.
We hope you’ve been inspired by some of the leading deck trends headed into 2024.
Leave some comments and let us know what you see trending in your backyards!
Thanks for reading.
Please like this article if you learned something new.
Decking Digest
Disclaimer:
Decking Digest does not own any of these images. All images and information are for educational purposes only. Email us with inquires for new content.
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