10 minute read
Outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more
heavy carbon footprint. Composite decking from Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing and a leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products, offers an appealing option that outperforms timber, with greater durability, less ongoing maintenance and fewer harmful environmental impacts.
Unlike timber, composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mould, and require no sanding, staining or painting. Just a quick soap and water cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it looking brand new. Plus, the lack of harmful chemicals needed to produce and maintain Trex decking makes it a safer choice for humans, animals and the environment.
Adding to its appeal, the entire highperformance Trex decking portfolio is made from 95% reclaimed timber scrap and recycled plastic film from a variety of common household items such as grocery bags and bubble wrap – meaning Trex has never cut down a tree to make its products. In fact, Trex repurposes more than 385 million kilos of plastic waste and timber scrap annually in the making of its high-performance products – making it an eco-friendly choice that clients can feel good about.
OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS THAT ARE HERE TO STAY
Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in. While homeowners have increasingly invested time and money into their gardens in recent years, this past year has seen a surge in outdoor living as homeowners everywhere adjust to a new normal by reimagining how to use and enjoy their exterior spaces.
As a result, the outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more inventive – and many are here to stay. Here are the trends that aren’t just a pandemic fad – and worth incorporating into your client discussions about garden design.
Outdoor Offices
No surprise that among the top trends is the emergence of outdoor workspaces. With working from home expected to continue indefinitely for many, contractors and specifiers still report increased interest in outdoor workspaces that can comfortably and functionally accommodate professionals. Requests for stylish sheds and back garden cottages are on the rise. Pergolas, too, are in high demand due to their versatility and affordability. A relatively easy addition to any deck or garden, a pergola creates the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Of course, its main purpose is providing shade – essential for enhancing visibility of laptop screens and devices, as well as offering rain protection and cool relief during the summer months.
Sustainable Solutions
The pandemic prioritized how most homeowners view and use their outdoor space, creating an emphasis on sustainability. In particular, there is a growing interest in ecofriendly alternatives to timber decking products, which contribute to deforestation and can leave a
heavy carbon footprint. Composite decking from Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing and a leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products, offers an appealing option that outperforms timber, with greater durability, less ongoing maintenance and fewer harmful environmental impacts.
Unlike timber, composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mould, and require no sanding, staining or painting. Just a quick soap and water cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it looking brand new. Plus, the lack of harmful chemicals needed to produce and maintain Trex decking makes it a safer choice for humans, animals and the environment.
Adding to its appeal, the entire highperformance Trex decking portfolio is made from 95% reclaimed timber scrap and recycled plastic film from a variety of common household items such as grocery bags and bubble wrap – meaning Trex has never cut down a tree to make its products. In fact, Trex repurposes more than 385 million kilos of plastic waste and timber scrap annually in the making of its high-performance products – making it an eco-friendly choice that clients can feel good about.
OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS THAT ARE HERE TO STAY
Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in. While homeowners have increasingly invested time and money into their gardens in recent years, this past year has seen a surge in outdoor living as homeowners everywhere adjust to a new normal by reimagining how to use and enjoy their exterior spaces.
As a result, the outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more inventive – and many are here to stay. Here are the trends that aren’t just a pandemic fad – and worth incorporating into your client discussions about garden design.
Outdoor Offices
No surprise that among the top trends is the emergence of outdoor workspaces. With working from home expected to continue indefinitely for many, contractors and specifiers still report increased interest in outdoor workspaces that can comfortably and functionally accommodate professionals. Requests for stylish sheds and back garden cottages are on the rise. Pergolas, too, are in high demand due to their versatility and affordability. A relatively easy addition to any deck or garden, a pergola creates the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Of course, its main purpose is providing shade – essential for enhancing visibility of laptop screens and devices, as well as offering rain protection and cool relief during the summer months.
Sustainable Solutions
The pandemic prioritized how most homeowners view and use their outdoor space, creating an emphasis on sustainability. In particular, there is a growing interest in ecofriendly alternatives to timber decking products, which contribute to deforestation and can leave a
During the past year, homes have become offices, classrooms, fitness facilities and rehearsal spaces – making space a precious commodity. One simple solution to optimize a deck project is by installing an under-deck drainage system.
Designed to divert water away from the foundation, systems like Trex® RainEscape® protect the substructure from moisture and create dry space underneath the deck’s surface using a network of troughs and downspouts. Unlike competitive products – which make use of “under joist” technology – Trex RainEscape is installed above the joists, protecting the joists and beams from moisture, water damage and deterioration and ensuring the structural integrity of the deck. The space below a deck is an oftenoverlooked area by clients that can be used for any number of purposes – from storing seasonal items to serving as bonus living space outfitted with everything from furniture, accessories and entertainment components, to workout equipment, toys and games.
Luxury Staycation
Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel, homeowner interest in replicating the sophisticated style of a luxury hotel or resort in their homes has continued to grow. Commerciallyinspired outdoor accents like fire tables, water features and industrial railing can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation.
In residential gardens, the commercial trend is seen in modern railing styles, such as Trex Signature® Railing, a durable, low-maintenance aluminium option that delivers a minimalist look. Another popular trend is cocktail railing, which uses a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail that provides a flat surface to place drinks and plates. We invented green decking. But we’re happy Contractors also predict an increase that others are recycling the idea. in the use of outdoor lighting – especially when it’s integrated in As the world’s number one decking brand, we make the environment a priority because we new and innovative ways to accent know our actions infl uence the whole industry. That’s why we’ve engineered sustainability outdoor features. The right lighting into everything we’ve done since day one. In fact, a 500-square-foot Trex® deck contains can take any garden from invisible approximately 140,000 recycled plastic bags. And by diverting more than 800 million pounds to inviting, and create the elegant of plastic fi lm and reclaimed wood each year from landfi lls, we’re able to offer you a truly ambiance of an extravagant getaway. environmentally responsible choice for your garden – as well as a beautiful and durable deck. Appeal to clients’ inclination for ecofriendly products by offering energy-Here’s to making sure what comes next is good for us all. efficient, dimmable LED lighting for Learn more about the world’s #1 decking brand at uk.trex.com. their decking, railing and stairs.
For more outdoor living trends that are influencing homeowners’ garden design decisions, visit www.uk.trex.com.
During the past year, homes have become offices, classrooms, fitness facilities and rehearsal spaces – making space a precious commodity. One simple solution to optimize a deck project is by installing an under-deck drainage system.
Designed to divert water away from the foundation, systems like Trex® RainEscape® protect the substructure from moisture and create dry space underneath the deck’s surface using a network of troughs and downspouts. Unlike competitive products – which make use of “under joist” technology – Trex RainEscape is installed above the joists, protecting the joists and beams from moisture, water damage and deterioration and ensuring the structural integrity of the deck. The space below a deck is an oftenoverlooked area by clients that can be used for any number of purposes – from storing seasonal items to serving as bonus living space outfitted with everything from furniture, accessories and entertainment components, to workout equipment, toys and games.
Luxury Staycation
Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel, homeowner interest in replicating the sophisticated style of a luxury hotel or resort in their homes has continued to grow. Commerciallyinspired outdoor accents like fire tables, water features and industrial railing can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation.
In residential gardens, the commercial trend is seen in modern railing styles, such as Trex Signature® Railing, a durable, low-maintenance aluminium option that delivers a minimalist look. Another popular trend is cocktail railing, which uses a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail that provides a flat surface to place drinks and plates. We invented green decking. But we’re happy Contractors also predict an increase that others are recycling the idea. in the use of outdoor lighting – especially when it’s integrated in As the world’s number one decking brand, we make the environment a priority because we new and innovative ways to accent know our actions infl uence the whole industry. That’s why we’ve engineered sustainability outdoor features. The right lighting into everything we’ve done since day one. In fact, a 500-square-foot Trex® deck contains can take any garden from invisible approximately 140,000 recycled plastic bags. And by diverting more than 800 million pounds to inviting, and create the elegant of plastic fi lm and reclaimed wood each year from landfi lls, we’re able to offer you a truly ambiance of an extravagant getaway. environmentally responsible choice for your garden – as well as a beautiful and durable deck. Appeal to clients’ inclination for ecofriendly products by offering energy-Here’s to making sure what comes next is good for us all. efficient, dimmable LED lighting for Learn more about the world’s #1 decking brand at uk.trex.com. their decking, railing and stairs.