5 New Decking Trends 2024 – What’s Hot in Outdoor Living

What’s popular in decking trends in 2024? It sure isn’t the deck situation of yesteryear. Remember playing on your childhood deck getting a toe stuck between the deck boards because the gap was so big? Or what about the “creak, creak, creak” of the deck stairs as your teenage self was trying to sneak out of your house (or back in) on a Friday night? Or the worst, most traumatizing moments, when you misstepped while running across your deck and ended up with a huge, and painful splinter on the bottom of your heel. Heaven forbid, you stepped on a rusty deck nail and ended up needing a tetanus shot. Ah, childhood memories.

Thank God the days of rickety, poorly built decks are a thing of the past. Today, in 2024, we have come a long way to improving the quality, and appearance of decks. In fact, decks are no longer just spaces for a BBQ and a few lawn chairs. Modern decks have become an extension of our home. Outdoor living spaces equipped with full kitchens, hot tubs, fire pits, maybe even a big screen 4K Ultra HD TV and surround sound system. Decks are more popular than ever as homeowners want to repurpose their outdoor spaces to take advantage of the best of both worlds, nature and convenience.

Read on to learn how the experts at Royal Deck in Atlanta, have zeroed in on some hot decking trends for 2024 that we’re bound to see this summer in backyards across Georgia and beyond. You’re not going to want to miss these decking trends 2024:

1. Give Green a Go

Homeowners today care about the environment, and so does the decking industry. It’s a significant shift from the days when hazardous materials were the norm in deck construction. Did you know they used to use CCA-treated wood (AKA arsenic) to build decks? Thankfully today, deck manufacturing companies are taking measures to create sustainable decking materials that are not only healthy for the environment but for you and your family too. Can’t imagine having my kids and pets rolling around on a toxic deck. Here’s a closer look at the eco-friendly materials revolutionizing the decking world in 2024:

• Composite Decking: A blend of recycled plastics and wood fibers, offering durability and low maintenance while reducing landfill waste leading to a greener future.
• Bamboo Decking: Fast-growing and sustainable, bamboo provides a durable, pest-resistant decking option that’s both eco-friendly and stylish.
• Reclaimed Wood: Using wood from old structures like barns, factories, and warehouses, not only saves trees but adds unique character and history to your deck.
• Aluminum Decking: This material is making waves in 2024. Rust and decay-resistant, this 100% recyclable material promises longevity and minimal environmental impact.

It feels good to use materials that don’t further harm our planet. And choosing sustainable decking material isn’t just in style for 2024, it’s also a smart economic choice. Durable, low-maintenance materials like composite and bamboo save time and money on repairs and replacements. Plus the added environmentally-friendly aspect of your deck can boost your home value, which is a smart investment for your future, too.

2. High Tech Decks

Decks have evolved to become these incredibly fun spaces to hang out with friends and family. And deck technology in 2024 is really out of this world. Check out some of these innovative decking tech trends for 2024:

• Programmable Lighting Systems: With programmable LED lighting, homeowners can easily switch the ambiance of their outdoor space from a bright, energizing morning to a soft, romantic evening glow. You could even rep your favorite sports team with alternating team colors. These systems can be controlled via smartphone apps, allowing for endless customization.
• Outdoor Smart TVs and Projectors: The latest in weather-resistant outdoor entertainment, these smart TVs and projectors bring the comfort of your living room outside. They’re designed to be ultra-bright to combat sunny days and feature anti-glare screens, making them perfect for movie nights under the stars or catching the big game while grilling.
• Hidden Sound Systems: Advanced deck designs now incorporate sound systems that are practically invisible, with speakers built into the decking material itself or cleverly disguised as outdoor decor. These systems can offer surround sound that envelops the entire deck area, creating an immersive listening experience without the clutter of traditional speakers.
• Virtual Reality Zones: For the ultimate in entertainment, some decks are being equipped with virtual reality (VR) areas. Imagine slipping on a VR headset and being transported to a concert, sports event, or even a virtual game while standing on your deck.
• Retractable Awnings and Screens: Automated awnings and screens can provide shade or privacy at the touch of a button. Integrated with weather sensors, they can automatically retract in high winds or extend when sunny conditions are detected, ensuring the deck is always comfortable.
• Smart Grilling Stations: The heart of many decks is the grill, and the latest models are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for precise temperature control, cooking alerts, and even recipe suggestions through a smartphone app. Some even feature voice control for hands-free operation.

These high-tech innovations transform the deck into not just a space for relaxation but a hub of entertainment and smart living, redefining outdoor enjoyment in 2024. By integrating these technologies, decks can offer unprecedented levels of comfort, convenience, and enjoyment, making them the ultimate destination for family and friends to gather.

3. The Rise of Hybrid Decks

This 2024 decking trend is really hot, especially for people limited on deck or yard space. The idea of the hybrid deck revolves around creating outdoor spaces that serve multiple purposes. These hybrid decks can seamlessly transition between two different functions.

Imagine stretching it out in your outdoor yoga studio in the morning, and serving a four-course meal in your dining space in the evening. Or how about a sitting area for gatherings that transforms into an outdoor bed for a movie night, under the stars? These are some of the fun ways a hybrid deck can be used to get the most out of your deck space.

Some simple ways to create your own hybrid deck space are the following:

• Convertible furniture. Invest in furniture that can service multiple purposes, like a bench that doubles as storage space, or a table that can adjust in height to transition from a coffee table to a dining table.
• Modular seating. These sofas or chairs can be rearranged to fit the occasion. They can easily be pushed out of the way to make room for a little yoga, can be set up as a dining or lounging space, or even reimagined into a bed.
• Built-in storage. Incorporate built-in benches or ottomans with storage to hide away yoga mats, outdoor cushions, pillows, or dining sets when not in use.
• Adjustable shade structures. Pergolas, sun shades, louvered roofs, or retractable awnings allow you to control the amount of sunlight or shade making the space adaptable to different types of activities and weather conditions.

Truly, the opportunities are endless when it comes to hybrid decks. All you have to do is use your imagination to create a dual-purpose space on your deck. This decking trend in 2024 is bound to catch on, transforming the way we use our outdoor spaces in the future.

4. The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are an extremely popular decking trend in 2024 gaining traction with the many online BBQ and cooking influencers making videos in their incredible outdoor kitchens. From inspiring pizza oven designs to full-blown luxury kitchens decked out with the latest and greatest technology, these ultimate outdoor kitchens are inspiring homeowners all over Atlanta and across the US.

Another reason outdoor kitchens are taking off is the trend towards “garden-to-grill” spaces. What better way to prepare a meal than by using the freshest, organic ingredients from your very own garden? Whether you’re growing a herb garden or a fruit and vegetable garden the idea of cooking outside with our own ingredients brings us back to our roots. With today’s technology, kitchens can withstand the outdoor elements, allowing you to have all the conveniences of your actual kitchen, but outside.

5. Innovative Fire Features

Our last decking trend in 2024 is the reimagination of the fire pit. From the dawn of time, humans have been gathering around fire. There is something so soothing about staring into the gentle flicker of warm firelight. It’s the perfect place for conversation and connection. Traditional fire pits will always have a place in our hearts. But in 2024, they are getting the makeover they deserve! Here are some new and bold ways fire is being used in outdoor living spaces:

• Fire tables. Fire tables combine the functionality of a table with the ambiance of a fire pit. It’s the perfect place for entertaining, you can put out snacks and drinks while enjoying the warmth and light of a controlled fire. Designs can range from minimalist metal frames to ornate stone and concrete structures. There’s bound to be a style that suits your deck style.
• Fireplace accent walls. Imagine the dramatic effect of stepping onto a deck with the striking backdrop of a fireplace accent wall. These fire features can be used as dividers to delineate spaces in an open-plan outdoor area, adding warmth and light while also being an inspiring design element.
• Hanging fireplaces. These modern suspended fireplaces make a bold architectural statement. They can be installed in outdoor living areas or covered porches, providing heat from above and creating a cozy, inviting space, perfect for intimate gatherings.
• Water and fire features. Combining water and fire elements can create a truly mesmerizing effect. Incorporating a fire feature into a pool, pond, fountain, or water wall to blend the soothing qualities of water with the warmth and light of fire creates a memorable effect.

Adding a fire feature to your outdoor living space adds the perfect touch of ambiance, plus added warmth, perfect for those cool nights.

Hot Decking Trends in 2024 – Get it Built With Royal Deck

At Royal Deck, we have our finger on the pulse of what is hot in decking trends in 2024. Our team of designers can help dream up a space that incorporates any deck feature you desire, creating the perfect outdoor living space for you.

Whether you want built-in benches, customized outdoor kitchen designs, or the incorporation of a suspended fireplace, our professional team has got you covered. Give us a call today to learn more about the incredible decking services we provide to customers just like you, in the Atlanta area. Contact us today and get a FREE, no-obligation consultation!