Outdoor living continues to be one of the biggest design priorities for Australian homeowners in 2025, evolving from a functional escape to a key extension of the home. What began during the pandemic as a practical space for fresh air has now becomes a statement of lifestyle, where comfort, style and sustainability meet to create personal outdoor sanctuaries that rival any indoor room.

“Homeowners today are thinking far beyond the basics of a patio and a grill,” says Rod Schiefelbein, Australian Market Manager of Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of composite decking and railing and a leader in outdoor living products. “They’re investing in outdoor spaces that are as thoughtfully designed and well-appointed as rooms inside the home. It’s about creating an outdoor experience.”

The latest Houzz Outdoor Trends Study reveals that one in three homeowners are upgrading outdoor areas to expand their living spaces, signaling an appetite for innovation and indulgence. With an emphasis on convenience, style and eco-consciousness, backyards are becoming bespoke retreats.

As a trailblazer in outdoor solutions, Trex is at the forefront of this movement with the insight and ability to track evolving influences in the marketplace. Based on sales and input from contractors, retailers and consumers, following are five trends expected to shape backyards in the coming year.

1. Blending Indoor and Outdoor Living

Look for the lines between indoors and outside to continue blurring to the point of being virtually indistinguishable. Homeowners are increasingly seeking innovative ways to create seamless transitions that dissolve the boundaries between indoor comfort and outdoor enjoyment. Picture sleek glass doors gliding open to reveal a deck adorned with plush seating, cozy rugs and soft accent lighting – all the warmth of an indoor living room, brought outside.

“When indoor and outdoor spaces flow effortlessly, a home feels more harmonious,” explains Zambanini. “It’s no coincidence that our latest decking offerings closely mimic the look and feel of indoor flooring. Featuring nature-inspired hues and subtle graining, these looks offer the visual continuity and elevated style that today’s homeowners are seeking.”

Another way to extend indoor comfort outdoors is with the addition of a deck drainage system, such as Trex® RainEscape®. Designed to divert rain and snow melt away from a deck, this system keeps the space beneath an elevated deck dry and usable. This allows for furnishings, lighting, appliances and electronics to be added to create a patio area with all the comfort and function of an interior room.

2. Climate-friendly Features

As climate resilience becomes a top priority, outdoor areas are being designed to withstand every season and adapt to a wide range of conditions. Homeowners want solutions that offer a year-round balance of comfort, durability, ease and style to ensure these spaces remain practical and inviting.

A recent development in the decking realm is the integration of heat-mitigating features into boards to keep the deck surface cooler than standard composite boards of a similar color. Innovations such as Trex’s SunComfortable technology are leading the way. Available in the brand’s Transcend® Lineage® decking lines, these boards are designed to make lounging and entertaining more enjoyable.*

Trex composite decking is also ideal for use near water. From poolside decks to docks and marinas, its ultra-durable, weather-resistant surface can withstand decades of high tides, sand, cannonball splashes and sunscreen without losing its luster. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it looking like-new.

“People want outdoor spaces that adapt effortlessly to their needs, no matter the climate, setting or season,” notes Zambanini. “Our Performance-Engineered products offer the ability to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style, whether you live along the salty coast, high up in snow-capped mountains or in the outback.”

3. Cozy and Curated

Homeowners are embracing the charm of smaller, purposefully designed outdoor spaces that cater to specific activities like dining, socialising or unwinding. Rather than vast, open areas, they’re opting for well-defined zones that feel cozy and inviting.

Level changes, pergolas and privacy screens are among the many ways builders are incorporating definition and architectural interest into outdoor spaces. Deck railings also play a pivotal role. Beyond safety, railings are a crucial design element that provides the frame to a backyard masterpiece. Sleek black-on-black railings continue to be a favourite choice for their modern, minimalist aesthetic, while cable railing and glass panels are ideal for optimising views.

4. Merging Comfort with Convenience

Technology is revolutionising everything at home and the backyard is no exception. With smart features designed for both ease and entertainment, today’s outdoor retreats rival the sophistication of any indoor living area.

High-tech products like app-controlled outdoor lighting, weatherproof audio and entertainment components, automated irrigation and smart security systems enhance comfort, safety and peace of mind, while features like built-in USB ports, wireless charging stations and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots ensure your backyard stays connected, whether you’re streaming a movie or tackling a work deadline in the outdoor office. Once considered indulgences, these additions are now more accessible than ever, making them essential elements for any backyard.

5. Harmonising Sustainability and Serenity

In an increasingly fast-paced world, decks and patios are becoming personal sanctuaries that promote wellness and foster a connection to the natural world. From lush gardens to yoga platforms and tranquil water features, these serene retreats provide the perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Sustainability is at the forefront of this transformation, as more and more homeowners seek to create spaces that are as kind to the planet as they are to the soul. Elements like eco-friendly decking made from recycled and reclaimed materials, energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting systems and the use of native plants not only reduce environmental impact but cultivate spaces that feel in harmony with nature.

Outdoor spaces will continue to transform and evolve, inspiring connection, relaxation and creativity. Whether a sprawling multi-level deck where every corner offers a new experience, a tranquil retreat by the water or a secluded garden sanctuary alive with greenery, the possibilities are limitless.

For more information about outdoor living trends and products, or to start planning your dream outdoor oasis, visit au.trex.com.

*Trex SunComfortable decking stays cooler than our original boards, but like all decking, it will get hot in direct sun, especially darker colors. Care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.

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Optimising an outdoor living space is one of the very best investments a homeowner can make. To help you maximise the return on your investment, here are two upgrades that are simple to install and will add meaningful value to a deck.

The first is to extend your deck life with protective flashing tape. Today’s high-performance deck boards are warrantied to last for decades, but the deck’s foundation could begin decaying within the first 10 years. This is because most substructures are built with timber, which is susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements.

When joists and bearers are exposed, water can seep into screw holes and sit on the surface leading to mould growth, rot and rust. Additionally, timber’s natural expansion and contraction can cause joinery to split and weaken over time.

Deck flashing tape is a simple and cost-effective way to protect timber from the damaging effects of weather and time. Designed to shield wood from moisture, it also helps fasteners hold longer for enhanced structural integrity.

Trex®Protect is a self-adhesive butyl tape that works on horizontal and vertical surfaces. The peel-and-stick application is simple, and the tape features a non-skid surface, making it safer to walk across during the deck’s construction.

For added peace of mind, Trex® Protect is the only tape on the market with a 25-year warranty, ensuring the substructure will last as long as the decking it supports.

The other simple recommendation is to optimise the space beneath an elevated deck. Outdoor space and ample storage are among the most sought-after home amenities. In both cases, the area beneath an elevated deck can offer an ideal solution with the addition of an under-deck drainage system. Using a network of troughs and downspouts, a deck drainage system captures and diverts water to protect the substructure from moisture and create dry, usable space under a deck.

But not all drainage systems are created equal. For maximum protection, opt for an above-the-joist system with poly or rubberised membranes that drape over joists to ensure the entire foundation is shielded from water. Once protected, the dry space beneath the deck can be used for storage or as additional living space. You can also add utilities to power lighting, ceiling fans, cooking appliances, entertainment components and more, depending on how you plan to use all that new-found space.

The possibilities are limitless, and the process is simple. Trex® RainEscape®, for instance, is an above-the-joist deck drainage system that can be installed in a few hours using a stapler, utility knife and caulk. This system is also backed by a 25-year warranty and world-leading decking brand.

Both of these upgrades add considerable function and value to a deck project without requiring a lot of additional time or cost.

For more information

TREX

• Website trexprotect.com/au
• Website trexrainescape.com

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