Five decking trends for 2020

As fall sets in and homeowners pack up their patio furniture, many are reflecting on what steps they need to take to transform their outdoor space for next year. Accordingly, this is the ideal time for contractors to be well-versed in design trends for 2020 to help guide clients in creating their outdoor oasis, says Jase DeBoer, Senior Category Marketing Manager at Deckorators. While topping the list includes expanding living areas and creating a seamless transition between inside and outside, take note of these five hot trends.

Varied-Plank Decking

A distinctive and thoughtfully designed deck will always be a sound investment. From a style perspective, varied-plank decking is a trend that extends the look of wood flooring using various widths of decking to create a contemporary look bringing interior elements to your outdoor space. By using multi-width planks, contractors have a unique opportunity to create out-of-the-box patterns and designs for a truly custom look. Whether using a smaller 4” wide board or a larger 8” wide board, alternating widths will give a beautiful, timeless appeal to flooring and is a style that will appear more in 2020.

Complementary Colours

Canadian homeowners continue to play with complementary colour combinations. Lately, builders and homeowners are embracing the double picture frame board technique, where the outside board complements the second inside picture frame board. To find the right colour scheme, help clients pick a primary colour and then match it with an opposite shade on the colour wheel. Clients don’t have to choose colours like orange and blue, mixing and matching muted and vibrant tones is another way to achieve this beautiful effect.

Rooftop Decks

Homeowners seeking to maximize space and add a wow factor to a home are reinvigorating or building decks on upper levels, such as above garages, extended from second floor masters and even on roof-tops. Excellent design and materials are crucial if you want to create an elevated deck that will suit your clients’ needs.  Often overlooked, drainage and ventilation should be key considerations when designing and building decks. To solve these challenges, you will need a solution that will protect the boards from moisture buildup.  Deckorators Sleeper System  was created to combat both issues, plus it’s backed by a 25-year structural, 25-year stain and fade, and 25-year removal and replacement limited warranty.

Functional Lighting

Properly designed outdoor lighting extends daylight hours, allowing clients to enjoy their outdoor space well into the evening.  The right outdoor lighting will enhance the ambiance of the space, and just as importantly it adds safety to the area by illuminating deck space and improving step visibility. One popular option for this desired look is the Luna Step Light offered by Deckorators by Hinkley Lighting, as it fits seamlessly into deck stairs without stealing the spotlight.

 Easy Railings

Railings are functional and their design can truly elevate and complement an aesthetically pleasing deck and landscape scheme.  As one of the most visible deck elements, clients in 2020 are on the lookout for seamless, low-maintenance options. When working with clients to determine which railing best suits their needs, consider the view. Cable or glass railings are ideal to ensure visibility toward beautifully landscaped backyards, or decks or docks.

It’s always best to stay informed on the latest trends, products and materials in order to remain a valuable resource to your clients.