Top Trends to Transform an Outdoor Space into a Sanctuary
In these uncertain times with air travel on lockdown during COVID-19 and international borders closed, most of our summer plans include a staycation. Now, more than ever, people are looking to have an inspiring and functional space to enjoy the outdoors.
Here are some of the outdoor trends to elevate an ordinary yard into a beautiful outdoor living space.
1. Deck railings
Railings are important for safety, but they also enhance the look of a space. Cable railings and glass railings continue to be popular with homeowners. Most importantly, sleek lines are in style.
Century Aluminum Railings, for example, carries maintenance-free, easy to install aluminum railings that don't require painting, and they offer a variety of styles.
2. Composite Decking
This type of decking continues to be popular. It comes in several forms, ranging from solid PVC plastic, to solid composites using 100 percent recycled plastics, to products that blend plastics and natural wood or bamboo fibers.
Trex is one company that offers composite decking that is made from reclaimed plastic and wood materials. Most of these raw materials come from recovered plastic grocery bags, plastic film, and waste wood fiber. Trex buys approximately 300 million pounds of used polyethylene and an equal amount of hardwood sawdust each year. Both solid planks and tongue-and-groove planks are available.
Fiberon also offers an extensive line of composite decking options, and they have an “Outdoor Living Visualizer” to help you and your client plan and visualize how the finished deck will look. You can even customize the home's exterior and trim colour. Mix and match your deck boards and colours, add some railing, and instantly see the finished product.
3. Build raised garden beds or add vertical planters
Green is in. Whether your client's home is in an urban area with limited green space, or they have a large yard, get creative with adding green touches. Many people working from home have more time to test out their green thumb. Offer your clients ideas on raised flower or garden beds, or vertical planters to add a green privacy screen.
Raised garden beds can be made from stone, concrete, sheet metal, wood, feeding troughs, and the list goes on! Check out more ideas here.