Deck builders and the dealers who sell products to them should take note of an interesting survey recently conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Along with finding that the vast majority of residential clients were interested in drought-resistant, low-maintenance landscapes featuring native plantings, the ASLA's Residential Landscape Architectural Trends Survey points to the popularity of decks and porches. Topping the list of desirable outdoor design features among ASLA's residential clients? Fire pits and fireplaces. This year's survey was conducted between February and March 2018, with 808 of ASLA members responding about outdoor amenities that appeal to both single-family and multi-family owners and residents. According to ASLA, residential design is the largest market for the landscape architecture profession, with most work focused on single-family homes.
Outdoor Design Elements (ranked in expected order of popularity for 2018)
Fire pits/ fireplaces – 66.0%
Lighting – 65.4%
Seating/dining areas – 64.0%
Outdoor furniture – 59.1%
Outdoor kitchens – 58.8%
Decking (i.e., rooftop decking, etc.) – 53.6%
Grills – 50.0%
Movie/TV/video theaters, wireless/internet, stereo systems – 48.0%
Outdoor heaters – 40.5%
Stereo systems – 36.9%
Pools and spa features (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor saunas) – 36.9%
Utility Storage – 32.3%
Hammocks – 29.2%
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 28.5%
Showers/baths – 22.9%
Outdoor Structures
Enhanced railing systems (cable, glass, etc.) – 51.0%
Pergolas – 48.3%
Decks – 42.8%
Fencing – 41.5%
ADA Accessible structures (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) – 39.9%
Arbors – 37.4%
Play structures (tree houses, swing sets, etc.) – 34.1%
Porches – 32.6%
Pavilions – 32.6%
Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) – 30.0%
Gazebos – 21.0%
