It’s that time of year, and after such a long, cold winter, we are all dying to get outdoors and enjoy some time on the deck.
But how many of you walked outside in the past few weeks and realized that your deck was in dire need of staining and repair, or that your outdoor living space wasn’t all that is could be?
If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Although the economy and the real estate market are showing signs of improvement, more and more people are choosing to invest in their current property and enhance their outdoor living space. This is one of those improvements that hold its value come resale time, and a new deck is typically the first place to start.
According to AIA’s Home Design Trends Survey, Q1, 2008 and NAHB, Home of the Future Study, 2007, the outdoor living market has seen a 50 percent increase in just five years. Growing interest in blended indoor/outdoor space is fueling demand for outdoor products and amenities, such as decking materials.
“Many homeowners are choosing the “staycation” route, spending more quality time in their backyards over traveling to take big summer vacations,” says Edie Kello, Director of Marketing for Fiberon, a composite decking manufacturer and IMRE client. “Enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle, homeowners want to have an outdoor living space that keeps its beauty year after year with little effort.”
There are many options to consider when building a new deck. While many people still build decks with traditional wood, the alternative decking industry has exploded in recent years thanks to the performance features that composite and PVC decking and new surface technologies offer.
“In addition to stain, fade and scratch resistant attributes, aesthetics are at the top of the list when choosing a new deck,” says Kello. “Customers considering alternative decking prefer the look of realistic wood colors and graining. The industry has evolved in recent years and there are many options available that deliver durability and beauty that lasts.”
