The date was May 5, 1961, and Alan Shepard became the first American in space. Piloting the Mercury spacecraft Freedom 7, he flew a 300-mile, 15-minute suborbital flight. Also poised to launch was the popularity of the backyard deck. Coinciding with the space race, people began to desire more outdoor living space in their backyards, and not just to watch the stars; essentially, the deck became a replacement for the porch for many homeowners.
Unlike Freedom 7, the popularity of decks would not soon come down. If anything, the desire to create personalized outdoor spaces has done nothing but grow. Fast forward to 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, people flocked in droves to the concept of outdoor living. With travel limited and homeowners confined to their houses, more and more invested in their outdoor spaces in record numbers. And while that level of spending has somewhat cooled, investment in outdoor spaces remains robust. According to Grand View Research, the U.S. outdoor living structures market size was estimated at $892.9 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2025 to 2030.
A backyard isn’t just a yard anymore,” says Michelle Hendricks, category marketing manager for Deckorators. “Outdoors spaces are increasingly being seen as a way to upgrade a homeowner’s total living experience, increasing demand for high-quality, long-lasting and attractive decking materials. Up and down the market, homeowners are looking at the exterior of their home as an opportunity to maximize and give variety to their living space, while also adding tremendous value to their property.”
Chase Moritz, director of marketing for Envision Outdoor Living Products, also sees positive indications for the deck market. “We continue to see steady demand for outdoor living spaces and expect that trend to continue,” he says. “Homeowners have gotten very savvy about how to maximize their deck areas to fully suit their needs. This includes everything from visually designating different areas of the space for specific purposes—such as sitting areas, dining areas, and relaxation zones—similar to the inside of the home. Installers are using different color composite decking to picture-frame or otherwise differentiate these sections; furniture, fire features, planters, and other elements also are serving this purpose. Homeowners also aren’t afraid to make their outdoor spaces cozy and reminiscent of interior rooms, with nicer (yet still weather-resistant) furniture, storage, lighting, heating, shading, and more, which also expands the amount of time they can spend outside.”
With homeownership and home sales predicted to rise in 2025, Westlake Royal Building Products also anticipates growth in the decking segment, says Steve Booz, vice president of marketing. “As homeowners continue to prioritize outdoor living spaces, decks have become a cornerstone of new builds and renovations, valued for their functionality, design appeal, and ability to enhance property value with a strong return on investment. With the ability to extend livable space, decks are seen as a valuable investment that can improve the quality of life—providing a versatile setting for relaxation, entertainment and socialization—and increase the overall appeal of a home.”
This anticipated growth may not be equally spread across the entire decking segment, however, experts caution. “Wood alternative demand is forecast to grow 6.2% annually through 2025, compared to wood, which is projected to see flat growth after an elevated year in 2022, and other decking, which is expected to see a double-digit decline by volume,” explains Chris Brown, executive vice president of Culpeper Wood Preservers. “Wood share by volume is expected to decrease slightly through 2025, losing to wood alternatives as the period of inventory destocking has passed and a preference for durable, low-maintenance products continues to drive homeowner product decision-making. Demand in the Southwest, Southeast, and West is projected to grow faster than in the Midwest and Northeast. Southwest will continue to be decking’s fastest-growing region, rising more than 2% by volume through 2025.”
Still, there’s an air of caution. With the looming effects of tariffs and uncertainties about the state of the economy, some decking experts are recommending caution. Says Jessica Hewitt, director of marketing for Humboldt Sawmill Company, “We believe 2025 is hard to predict for any big-ticket item, like a new or remodeled deck. There are many unknowns with the new administration in Washington D.C., inflation remains sticky, and home prices remain high, impacting affordability for younger buyers and those with growing families. Some of these concerns may be offset by stock market gains or inheritances that are part of the so-called ‘Great Wealth Transfer’, but in general, it is hard to imagine decking sales reaching the same heights as the years between 2020 and 2022. We are, however, hopeful that decking sales will surpass 2024 levels.”
Matt Bruce, vice president of sales for building products distribution for MoistureShield, also expresses some concerns when it comes to the coming year and supply chain issues. “The sector has been heavily impacted by the fluctuating prices of materials such as lumber, composite materials, aluminum, and other metals used in railings,” he says. “Ongoing supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty have made it very difficult to maintain consistent pricing and profit margins. Manufacturers and dealers must carefully monitor and maintain their inventory levels to the best of their ability and be sure to communicate with customers as soon as possible should an issue arise.”
Advancing aesthetics and personalization
So amid this potential for growth, the question arises as to what exactly is in demand by the consumer in both design and appearance. First and foremost, decking manufacturers say, is the desire for a personalized space that integrates wellness into outdoor living. As Deckorators’ Hendricks puts it, “With rising interest in amenities such as hot tubs, outdoor showers, cold plunges, and saunas, it’s clear that homeowners are designing their backyards with health and well-being in mind. This shows a growing commitment to investing in long-term physical and mental wellness through thoughtful outdoor design.”
Part of that investment in wellness is the growing interest in biophilic design. According to Westlake Royal’s “Annual Trends Report: The Best In Home Design,” biophilic design continues to be a dominant trend, with homeowners looking to bring elements of the natural world into their living spaces. “Biophilic design not only fosters a deeper connection to nature, but also contributes to improved well-being and productivity,” explains Westlake Royal’s Booz. “Growing wellness and environmental concerns play a driving role in the demand for outdoor living space improvements and the integration of nature into both interior and exterior design. As a result, interior and exterior design trends are becoming increasingly interconnected, with homeowners seeking complementary aesthetics to blur the line between indoors and out. For decks, homeowners are coordinating their decking colors with interior hardwoods to create a harmonious, expansive feel.”
“Our contractors are noticing a clear trend: clients are choosing deck features that reflect nature,” says Deckorators’ Hendricks. “Homeowners are opting for lush greenery, abundant natural light, and gracefully curved shapes to create an immersive, nature-inspired atmosphere that helps them feel more connected with their outdoor space.”
Jennifer Johnson, business development manager at DAP (which collaborates with Bison Innovative Products in the decking space), agrees with these viewpoints and sees the desire to enhance the aesthetics of outdoor spaces with decks and the demand for low-maintenance decking options as growing trends in outdoor living. “Consumers are increasingly prioritizing the aesthetic appeal of their outdoor spaces, leading to demand for stylish and customizable decking options,” she says. “Easier and more flexible ways to build ground-level decks to expand outdoor living spaces are key—along with overcoming challenging terrains and being able to build without digging holes and pouring concrete to install footers and posts.”
It’s something Humboldt Sawmill Company’s Hewitt describes as “‘quiet luxury,’ a new term that emphasizes timelessness, understated elegance, and natural materials over splashy opulence and potentially toxic man-made products,” she says. “LBM dealers incorporating ‘quiet luxury’ into their decking inventories should focus on timeless, quality materials and tried-and-true colors over new products or colors that are untested in the marketplace.”
And while quiet luxury may be on the rise, so is budget consciousness. With the unknown future of the economy, more and more homeowners are being cautious with how they’re spending their home improvement money. “Homeowners and contractors alike desire easy to install and low maintenance product,” says Grace Bilbrough, director of marketing for ProWood. “At the same time, economic conditions are driving them towards more budget- friendly options. We believe our customers shouldn’t have to choose between these factors and we will continually work at ProWood to stay current with product innovations and competitive pricing.”
Color trends
As with other aesthetic values, colors are swaying towards lighter, more natural tones. As Culpeper Wood Preservers’ Chris Brown explains, “Decking is personal. The beauty of wood is that it can be made into almost anything you choose. Whether you want a knotty
look, a clear look, or something in between, there are options. The current treatment allows the homeowner to enhance the natural wood with their choice of color through stain, paint, or sealer.”
And while natural and classic wood colors remain popular for their ability to serve as a versatile backdrop for a variety of design styles, modern designs incorporate a diverse range of wood tones, says Westlake Royal Building Products’ Booz. “Light colors are prominent in minimalist, Scandinavian and coastal aesthetics, creating a sense of airy openness that can make even a small space feel large. Dark and gray-toned woods are a sought-after choice for homeowners looking to make a bold statement, seen in the increase of modern, high-contrast home exteriors.”
Envision Outdoor Living Products’ Moritz also sees warm tones as being more in demand. “Within the composite decking space, exotic hardwood looks will probably always be popular, but we’ve seen an uptick recently in trends toward warmer greys and browns,” he says.
Mike Onderko, director of product marketing for Trex Company, echoes Moritz’s comments. “In decking, we’re seeing a continued trend toward the lighter tones as well as much more subtle aesthetic preferences overall (streaking and embossing/graining).”
Challenges to growth
Like any segment of the LBM industry, deck building faces unique challenges. First and foremost, labor shortages continue to plague the industry. So with fewer people available to do the work, it’s become more important than ever for decking manufacturers to create products that save installation time. “As seasoned contractors retire and fewer young professionals enter the trades, labor shortages have become a challenge for the construction industry at large,” says Westlake Royal’s Booz. “Straightforward, easy-to-install products are an impactful way to help tackle this challenge, saving valuable time and effort for building professionals.”
Envision Outdoor Living Products’ Moritz also sees labor shortages as an issue LBM dealers need to pay attention to. “As has been the case for a number of years, labor is a challenge, and contractors are seeking ways to get jobs done more efficiently,” he says. “Manufacturers have been responding in multiple ways, including providing on-site and virtual training as well as creating products that are easy to install. For example, our composite decking’s non-repeating grain helps contractors avoid sorting or orienting planks on the jobsite, saving time.”
Culpeper Wood Preservers’ Brown agrees. “The amount of skilled labor for decks and porches and the labor to do the work remains challenging,” he points out. “This transcends many industries, but the trades also need focus. Outdoor projects, especially deck building, are a growing business that provides years of enjoyment for the person it is being built for.”
Beyond the labor issues, decking materials themselves pose challenges that LBM dealers need to be able to address for their customers. “Exposure to elements combined with the movement of lumber over time creates a unique challenge for deck builders,” explains ProWood’s Bilbrough. “While alternative materials aim to alleviate the pain, there is also increased material cost and a workability learning curve. And with increased investment in outdoor spaces, decking products need to perform in a wider range of climates and conditions. Consumers want products that are low maintenance but also perform (and last) in continually varied conditions.”
Consumers also are wanting products that have evolved in performance and aesthetic refinement, as they demand more from their decking, says Trex’s Onderko. “As the decking category has evolved in performance and aesthetic refinement, consumers expect more from the products. A shortcoming of all wood alternative decking is that these synthetic materials tend to get hotter on extreme days versus traditional wood. Trex has
responded to that dissatisfier with the introduction of SunComfortable heat mitigating technology. Launched initially in our premium Transcend Lineage line, Trex vows to make this feature available at all price points over time, as demonstrated in including it into two recent color additions in our entry price Enhance decking lineup (Honey Grove and Tide Pool).”
As well, manufacturers point to the fact that too many decking products lack differentiation and are becoming ubiquitous, making it difficult for LBM dealers to compete in a crowded market. “If the product is available at every big box and every lumberyard, competition is more difficult for dealers and often leads to price compression,” says Kim Guimond, chief marketing officer for Modern Mill. “Newer products that have a buzz and are quickly a fan favorite like ACRE by Modern Mill keep people coming back and give dealers an edge on having the ‘must have’ product that’s unique and buzzworthy.”
Knowledge is power
So considering these challenges, how can LBM dealers set themselves apart, and in the process, sell more decking? It begins, decking manufacturers say, by thoroughly understanding the product lines they sell. “The vast range of options for decking, railing, and accessories is a huge benefit for consumers—but also can feel overwhelming,” Envision’s Moritz explains. “Dealers can best position themselves by understanding the products they sell as intimately as possible and know how to apply those products to the customer’s decision-making process. Being able to walk the buyer through their selections to determine what is the best fit for their lifestyle, tastes, and climate can not only help put them at ease, but could lead to more upgrades, repeat business, and positive word of mouth.”
One of the best methods for learning as much about the products as possible is by relying on the manufacturers themselves and taking advantage of the resources they offer. “Lean on your decking and railing vendors,” recommends Stokes Wallace, director of independent sales for ProWood. “They can help identify market relevant products at multiple price points. Product knowledge sessions for your team can allow vendors to showcase new products and trends, while also providing education and resources to better position your team to close more sales.”
Westlake Royal’s Booz agrees with taking advantage of the manufacturers as a knowledge base. “LBM dealers can position themselves for success by taking full advantage of the comprehensive resources that manufacturers provide,” he says. “At Westlake Royal,
we go beyond our diverse product portfolio to offer a robust suite of online resources for dealers, distributors and building professionals. Additionally, our national sales team is always on hand to support distributors and installers, offering expert guidance whenever needed.”
The education doesn’t stop with the dealer, decking manufacturers say. Rather, it extends to the salespeople and customers as well, going the extra mile to educate them on the options available. “Many manufacturers offer plant tours for LBM dealers and their salespeople to learn more about their products,” says Humboldt Sawmill Company’s Hewitt. “Humboldt Sawmill Company offers ‘Redwood University,’ a chance for LBM dealers and distributors to visit our Northern California timberlands and sawmills and learn more about our products. Ongoing product knowledge support and the ability to answer customer questions is also important even after the sale is made.”
While not as monumental as the space race, the 2025 deck building season has nonetheless launched with significant momentum. Despite economic unknowns, by partnering with decking manufacturers to leverage their educational opportunities and by passing that knowledge onto their customers, LBM dealers can position themselves for significant wins in the decking space. After all, decking is the foundational element of helping homeowners create a new, updated living experience in their existing home. As Deckorators’ Hendricks puts it, “For customers looking to fall in love with their home all over again, extending their indoor living space to the outdoors can be a cost-effective and convenient way to give a home the feel of a full make-over.”
What Lies Beneath
There’s more to decks than decking these days. Alternative framing materials provide unique benefits when compared to traditional lumber. For example, deck framing that is true and flat helps eliminate callbacks due to movement or warping of deck boards. In addition, alternative framing can be lighter, and it comes with warranties that are often times equal to, if not greater than, deck board warranties.
