1. Immersive design tools
Designing your space is the first step to creating any outdoor oasis. What was once a job reserved for professionals, many outdoor living companies are empowering their customers by providing innovative technologies that make it easy to turn their visions into reality.
Interactive planning has become a popular approach for designing realistic outdoor spaces for customers and contractors. Brands are utilizing augmented reality to help users visualize their perfect backyard, using pre-designed templates and visualization features to instantly bring ideas to life.
As more homeowners seek a customized experience, personalized integrations are expected to grow as outdoor projects become more complex.
2. Alternative fencing and decking materials
Alternative fencing and decking materials are trending in 2025, with many brands boasting long-lasting and eco-friendly technology.
Along with a longer lifespan, many alternative fencing materials, such as vinyl and aluminum, offer technologies that are resistant to rain, heat, snow, wind and insects, with some brands even boasting fire-rated boards, which can help reduce the spread of fire in wildfire-prone areas.
Composite decking is another low-maintenance option for anyone looking for an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing solution. Heat reduction technology is also becoming an industry standard, with leading manufacturers offering products that minimize heat absorption, providing homeowners with a cooler, more comfortable deck.
3. Smart outdoor living integrations
What was once considered high-tech luxury is now the standard for many homes. From voice assistants to smart lighting and even thermostats, smart technology connects everyday objects to the internet, enabling them to communicate with each other and with owners, often through automation or remote control.
With many homeowners bringing indoor luxuries to their outdoor spaces, smart tech is making its way outside. Outdoor security systems, smart irrigation systems, smart deck lighting, and voice-controlled devices like Google Home or Alexa are now common features that can be found outside.
In 2024, outdoor smart home device usage rose to 15%, while virtual assistants like Google Home and Alexa remained steady, with 41% of internet users relying on them to control outdoor smart devices. As technology continues to evolve, it’s anticipated that the adoption of smart outdoor solutions will become even more widespread.
4.Modularity
Modularity is significantly affecting the way professionals work and spans multiple product categories. Modular deck systems are on the rise, with many brands offering easy and customizable installation on any level outdoor surface. Homeowners can install a custom deck for less time, money and labor than traditional decking installation.
With this decking solution, homeowners can purchase prefab kits that are easy to assemble and can be customized to their outdoor space. Many brands also offer these kits with sustainable materials, making this an eco-friendly and durable option. Prefabricated pergola kits, which can include customizable screen panels for added privacy and customization, are also on the rise.
Additionally, hardscape manufacturers are incorporating modularity into their product design. Available in many styles, shapes and sizes, modular products are designed to work together to create a limitless number of paver patterns, seamlessly.
As technology continues to make its way outdoors, building professionals can take advantage by help homeowners identify what works for their unique outdoor space.
Joe Raboine is vice president of design for Oldcastle APG.
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