As we enjoy the summer and fall months, homebuilders, contractors and renovators are selling into a market in which consumer-facing lifestyle media are continuing a trend of encouraging prospective homebuyers and homeowners to think of their backyards and even the building envelope in significant new ways.
It’s a psychological or attitudinal trend about the home’s zeitgeist. Extending the personality of the home’s interior and rolling it out into the back and front yards.
Studies show that people have a psychological need for the experience of being outdoors, and they love the idea of having their own personalized outdoor space.
Here is the kind of lifestyle messaging that consumers are engaging with:
- Transform your patio/deck into a destination
- Bring the same intentionality to the outside of your home as you would bring to creating a personalized living room
- Think of your house as unfolding naturally into the outdoors
- Imagine the backyard as a base for exterior rooms
- Design your backyard as an oasis or retreat for renewal
- In some ways, the backyard is like having a purpose-built addition to the house
Homeowners and homebuyers will turn to builders, contractors and renovators to help realize these aspirations.
Decking
Traditional decks and patios are evolving into increasingly complex structural platforms supporting a range of activities.
There is a growing use of composite decking materials created with recycled materials and wood fibres, as well as more realistic wood textures in composites.
Composite decking boards are 95-per-cent recycled material
Trex composite decking boards for residential installation from Taiga Building boast a number of features. They are weather-resistant and require no painting or staining, and are resistant to fading, discoloration, scratching and mould. They are made from 95-per-cent recycled materials and have 50-year limited residential and fade and stain warranties.
Tanzite stone for decking and patios
The Tanzite Appalachian Collection is a stone decking system that installs with hidden fasteners so there are no visible screws. The cost, installation and deck structure are similar to composite decking. However, this product is not made of plastic; it is stone manufactured using extreme pressure and heat.
• Lifetime warranty • Low maintenance • Scratch-proof • No damage from salt • Fade free • Waterproof • Easy to clean – pressure washing won’t damage it • Easy to repair • Covers any existing deck or concrete surface • Can add creative inlay designs, including curves
Pressure-treated wood framing for decking
National Decking pressure-treated wood framing is made from sustainably harvested softwoods such as spruce, pine, fir (SPF) and southern yellow pine (SYP). Once it is milled to size and kiln-dried, it is chemically treated with preservatives under high pressure, making it more resistant to decay, insects and other types of damage. The process involves placing the lumber into a closed container and then saturating it with a preservative solution using high pressure. This helps the preservative penetrate deeply into the wood, making it more durable and long-lasting
Picket deck and glass railings
Canada Deck and Rail picket deck railings provide safety while also providing a contemporary style:
- 36- or 42-in. height railing
- 5/8th in thickness
- Glass deck railings:
- 36- or 42-in. height railing
- 6mm tempered clear, tinted or privacy glass
- Surface-mounted or fascia-mounted
Decking with a very high hardness rating
Ipe decking materials from Advantage Trim and Lumber are extremely durable with a Janka hardness of 3680. They are naturally resistant to mould, decay and termites. Ipe decking requires little maintenance, just one coat of protective finish every two years. Rich brown in colour, Ipe has a limited 75-year warranty.
Working properties: Severe blunting effect on cutters. Carbide-tipped saw-blades are recommended. Pre-drilling is necessary for fastening.
PVC decking from National Decking
National Decking offers a variety of brands in PVC decking. Engineered to withstand harsh Canadian weather elements. No warping, cracking or rotting.
National PVC decking is designed to be maintenance-free, requiring only occasional cleaning to keep its original appearance intact.
This decking comes in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes.
Composite and PVC decking
TruNorth Decking manufactures composite and PVC decking and rice hull fibre reinforced composite decking.
TruNorth Accuspan solid core rice hull composite decking is suitable for new deck applications, renovations and resurfacing of existing decks. Grooved or square edge, Accuspan is fully encapsulated and backed by a 25-year product, fade and stain resistance warranty. The reversible, dual-embossed boards are available in 12 solid and variegated colours.
Outbuildings
Outdoor backyard structures are aligning with contemporary lifestyle preferences.
One significant development is having specific purpose/function-oriented sheds/cabins for art studies workshops, fitness centres, home offices, guest suites, “she-sheds” and man-caves.
In design, there is a growing trend toward minimalist lines and the use of natural colours, as well as more wood and stone.
Bunkie Life Rockwood Bunkie 199 sq. ft.
- Made from premium J grade kiln-dried northern spruce
- All wood is pre-cut, notched and interlocking
- Pressure-treated floor sleepers
- Tongue and groove wooden floorboards and roof deck boards
- Premium window and door hardware, including keyed door handle
- Kit includes screws and nails
- Snow load rated for the northernmost parts of Ontario
- Engineer stamped drawing is available if permit application is required (nominal fee)
- Manufactured in Rockwood, Ont.
Sawmill Structures easy to assemble cabin kit
- Arrives flat-packed and wrapped on a pallet; no measuring, cutting or special tools required
- Features ID Numbered Quick Stack Spruce Log System, premium double pane Fast Fit Windows with screens and solid wood doors
- Extra thick solid wood plank floors, roof boards and beams, plus all the hardware, fasteners and door locks – and a detailed manual
Solarium/gazebo from DOMI Outdoor Living Canada
- Galvanized steel roof provides strength and durability
- The aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy for stability
- Removable PE screen panels offer the flexibility to create an open-air ambiance or shield you from insects
- Snow load up to 35 lbs sq. ft.
- Wind resistance 60 mph
- Weight 393 lbs
- 30-day money-back refund and return policy
Multi-purpose outbuildings from Backyard Escape Studios
- Units can be installed in one day
- Custom footprints and designs to fit into any available space and style
- Premium environmentally friendly stain for a quality finish and lasting results
- Can upgrade to a Live Roof Eco Shed to fully integrate the shed with the garden
- Store large gardening equipment and patio furniture with an upgrade to double barn doors
- Front walls are a full eight ft. high.
CedarShed units are made from western red cedar
- Exterior made with long lasting western red cedar
- All natural, renewable product
- Resistant to rot and decay, aromatic
- Sourced sustainably from PEFC-certified suppliers
- One-year warranty on all parts and craftsmanship
- Product lifespan 15 to 20 years or more
From outdoor offices to cabanas with these bunkies
Balance Containers accessory buildings include laneway houses, garden suites and bunkies. Bunkies are compact buildings that can be used for guest cabins, pool bars and cabanas, home gyms, hot tub/saunas, outdoor barbecues/kitchens or as outdoor offices for those who work from home.
The majority of the work is prefabricated at the production shop in Mississauga, Ont., then delivered to site for final fitting and trades. The company says it can finish the buildings up to 90-per-cent complete in shop, based on local township inspection rules.
