Top Deck Material Trends of 2024

This year, innovative decking options have emerged, offering enhanced durability, eco-friendly choices, and low-maintenance surfaces that cater to modern needs.

Whether weather-resistant composite decks, sustainable bamboo, or anti-slip PVC, these new materials look great and provide practical benefits like better protection against the elements, reduced upkeep, and increased safety. By incorporating these cutting-edge features, homeowners can create a beautiful, functional deck that stands the test of time while keeping maintenance efforts minimal.

From stylish new options to customizable systems, 2024 is the year to explore materials that meet your budget and design aspirations, ensuring your deck is high-value and built to last.

Enhanced Durability and Weather Resistance

One of the most notable advancements in 2024 is the improvement in weather-resistant decking. New treatments and coatings make decking materials more resistant to fading, moisture, UV damage, and extreme temperatures. For example, composite and PVC decking have evolved to offer even more enhanced protection against environmental factors, ensuring your deck looks great year-round with minimal maintenance.

Benefit: These innovations make decking materials more durable, reducing the need for repairs or a deck replacement and extending the lifespan of your deck.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Options

Sustainability is a major driving force behind decking material trends. In 2024, many decking options now feature recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood fibres, plastics, and bamboo. These eco-friendly deck materials provide a responsible alternative to traditional timber decking while offering durability and modern appeal.

Benefit: Opting for sustainable materials reduces your carbon footprint and ensures that your deck is environmentally responsible and long-lasting.

Improved Texture and Aesthetic Appeal

Advancements in the manufacturing process have led to more realistic wood textures in composite and PVC decking. Many of these materials now feature high-definition embossing, which mimics the natural grain of wood, offering the same luxurious look without the upkeep. Additionally, new colours and finishes are available, allowing homeowners to customize their outdoor spaces to match the style of their homes.

Benefit: These materials offer homeowners the beauty of wood without maintenance, and the expanded design options allow for greater personalization.

Anti-Slip and Safety Features

As safety continues to be a priority, decking materials in 2024 are increasingly incorporating anti-slip technology. Whether through a textured finish or the addition of slip-resistant additives, these advancements help prevent accidents on wet or slippery surfaces, making outdoor spaces safer for families and pets.

Benefit: Safer decks are a huge advantage, particularly for homes with children or pets, ensuring your outdoor space remains stylish and functional.

Low-Maintenance and Self-Cleaning Surfaces

Decking materials are becoming more low-maintenance thanks to advances in surface technology. Many new composite and PVC decks are now designed with self-cleaning properties that repel dirt, leaves, and debris, reducing the need for frequent washing or sealing. These innovations help preserve the aesthetics of your deck without a lot of effort on your part.

Benefit: Less maintenance means more time to enjoy your deck without worrying about upkeep, making it a more practical choice for busy homeowners.

Customizable Decking Systems

In 2024, there has been an increase in modular decking systems that allow for easy customization. These systems feature interlocking boards and fasteners that make installation a breeze and enable you to add new sections or features to your deck with minimal hassle.

Benefit: A customizable system gives homeowners more flexibility in designing their decks, allowing for easy expansion or changes in layout as needs evolve.

Two-Tone Decking for a Custom Look

Two-tone decking continues to gain popularity in 2024, allowing homeowners to create a striking and personalized outdoor space. By combining two complementary or contrasting colours, two-tone decks allow for creative designs that enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. This design style uses composite, PVC, or wood decking materials. Composite and PVC options offer a broad range of colour choices, while wood decking can be stained or painted in contrasting shades. Two-tone designs allow for creative expressions, combining light and dark colours or different textures to add depth and visual interest to your deck.

Benefit: Two-tone decking adds visual interest and can highlight key features of your deck, making it a stylish and customizable choice for homeowners looking to create a more personalized outdoor living space.

1. Recycled Composite Decking

Why It’s Trending: Recycled composite decking continues to dominate in 2024 due to its eco-friendly benefits and durability. Made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, these boards mimic the natural beauty of wood while being resistant to rot, insects, and fading.

Benefits: Long-lasting, minimal upkeep, eco-friendly.
Perfect For: Homeowners who want a low-maintenance deck with a stylish, natural wood look.

Cost Analysis: Recycled composite decking typically ranges from $3 to $7 per linear foot, depending on the brand and quality. Premium options can go up to $10 to $12 per linear foot.

Innovations: This year, composite manufacturers are increasing the percentage of recycled content, making it even more eco-friendly. New innovations in color technology have also led to more realistic wood-like appearances and enhanced UV resistance, reducing fading and preserving the aesthetic of the deck.

Trend Alignment: This material aligns with the growing demand for sustainable building materials and eco-friendly decking. It balances affordability with the desire for a low-maintenance and high-performance outdoor space. 

2. Modified Wood (Heat-Treated Lumber)

Why It’s Trending: Heat-treated lumber, such as thermally modified wood, is growing in popularity for its enhanced stability and resistance to warping, decay, and insect damage. This process gives the wood a sleek, modern appearance while increasing its durability.

Benefits: Natural wood look, resistant to warping and decay, low-maintenance.
Perfect For: Buyers who love the appearance of wood but need a more durable, long-lasting option.

Cost Analysis: Modified wood typically costs between $4 and $8 per square foot, making it a mid-range option between traditional wood and composite alternatives.

Innovations: Thermally modified wood has seen advancements in treatment methods, which now result in even better performance against moisture and pests. New coatings and finishes have also been developed to enhance the wood’s natural color and texture, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a natural, long-lasting deck.

Trend Alignment: Modified wood is a response to the demand for natural wood aesthetics paired with improved durability. This material fits within the trend towards long-lasting and eco-conscious materials that perform well over time.

3. PVC Decking with Natural Finishes

Why It’s Trending: PVC decking has evolved in 2024 to offer natural-looking finishes that replicate the look of hardwoods. It’s lightweight, budget-friendly, and resistant to fading, making it an attractive option for homeowners on a budget.

Benefits: Fade-resistant, easy to clean, and highly durable.
Perfect For: Homeowners looking for affordable deck materials with style and minimal upkeep.

Cost Analysis: PVC decking is typically priced between $2 and $4 per linear foot for basic models, with premium options available from $5 to $8 per linear foot depending on finish and brand.

Innovations: New PVC decking innovations include better UV protection to prevent fading, as well as more natural, wood-like textures and finishes that give homeowners a sophisticated aesthetic without the upkeep. Some brands now offer interlocking systems, which make installation faster and easier.

Trend Alignment: PVC decking aligns with the demand for low-maintenance, highly durable, and affordable materials that don’t sacrifice on aesthetics. It’s also a great option for those seeking a weather-resistant and easy-to-clean solution.

4. Bamboo Composite Decking

Why It’s Trending: Bamboo composite decking is quickly gaining popularity in 2024 due to its sustainability and strength. Bamboo is a renewable resource that, when combined with composites, offers a sleek and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood.

Benefits: Renewable, weather-resistant, stylish.
Perfect For: Homeowners who want stylish and affordable deck options that are also environmentally friendly.

Cost Analysis: Bamboo composite decking generally ranges from $3 to $6 per linear foot, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking a high-quality, eco-friendly solution.

Innovations: Bamboo decking is being enhanced with more durable composite materials, making it even more weather-resistant. The latest models are also incorporating better UV resistance, which prevents color fading and degradation over time, making bamboo a more reliable long-term investment.

Trend Alignment: Bamboo composite decking fits within the eco-friendly trend and meets the demand for renewable materials. It provides an affordable and sustainable option that still offers high aesthetic value.

5. Aluminum Decking

Why It’s Trending: Aluminum decking is becoming a surprising favorite due to its lightweight yet incredibly strong design. It’s rust-proof, slip-resistant, and fire-resistant, making it a great choice for homes in extreme weather conditions or areas with high foot traffic.

Benefits: Rust-resistant, slip-resistant, fire-resistant, weatherproof.
Perfect For: High-traffic areas or regions with harsh climates, homeowners seeking durable and low-maintenance solutions.

Cost Analysis: Aluminum decking typically costs between $6 to $12 per linear foot, depending on the finish and style. While it’s more expensive than wood or composite options, its long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements justify the price.

Innovations: The latest aluminum decking products feature integrated water drainage systems, making them ideal for areas prone to moisture and wet conditions. New powder coatings also ensure that aluminum decks can withstand UV rays, reducing fading and preserving their sleek appearance.

Trend Alignment: Aluminum is becoming a go-to choice for low-maintenance and high-durability decks. Its weatherproof and fire-resistant properties make it ideal for extreme weather conditions.

6. Synthetic Decking (Polymer Decking)

Why It’s Trending: Synthetic polymer decking is gaining traction in 2024 due to its incredible durability and low-maintenance properties. These decks are made from a mix of plastics and other synthetic materials, offering resistance to scratching, staining, and fading.

Benefits: Low-maintenance, resistant to stains and scratches, long-lasting.
Perfect For: Budget-conscious buyers looking for a high-performance, low-maintenance solution with long-term value.

Cost Analysis: Synthetic decking typically falls in the range of $4 to $8 per linear foot, with premium products costing upwards of $10 per linear foot for higher-end polymer blends.

Innovations: New synthetic decking materials are being engineered to have more realistic textures that mimic natural wood, while also incorporating improved UV protection. Additionally, many synthetic decking options now feature hidden fastening systems for a cleaner, seamless look.

Trend Alignment: Synthetic decking fits the trend of low-maintenance materials with high durability and sustainability. Its resistance to everyday wear and tear makes it ideal for families and those with pets.

7. Pressure-Treated Wood

Why It’s Trending: Pressure-treated wood continues to be a top choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on strength or aesthetic appeal. This type of wood is chemically treated to resist rot, insects, and other weather-related damages.

Benefits: Cost-effective, widely available, resistant to decay.
Perfect For: Homeowners looking for an affordable and durable traditional wood solution.

Cost Analysis: Pressure-treated wood is one of the most budget-friendly options, with prices typically ranging from $2 to $5 per linear foot depending on quality and supplier.

Innovations: Recent advancements in pressure treatment have led to more eco-friendly chemicals being used, and the lumber itself is now more resistant to wear and tear. New treatments also make the wood more stable, reducing warping and twisting over time.

Trend Alignment: Pressure-treated wood remains a popular choice due to its affordability and resilience. It meets the demand for high-performance materials at a lower price point, appealing to budget-conscious bu

8. Stone Decking

Why It’s Trending: Stone decking is a luxury option that’s growing in popularity in 2024 due to its elegance and long-lasting durability. Whether it’s natural stone or stone veneer, these decks offer a unique, high-end aesthetic that complements various outdoor styles.

Benefits: Extremely durable, resistant to weather, low-maintenance.
Perfect For: Homeowners looking for luxurious, high-end materials that provide both beauty and strength.

Cost Analysis: Stone decking is a premium option, with costs ranging from $15 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type of stone used and the complexity of installation.

Innovations: Recent innovations in stone decking include the development of lighter stone materials and stone veneer products that mimic the appearance of natural stone but are easier to to install and more affordable. Manufacturers are also introducing interlocking systems for quicker assembly and improved durability, making stone decking a more accessible option for high-end outdoor spaces.

Trend Alignment: Stone decking fits seamlessly with 2024’s focus on sustainability, luxury, and durability in outdoor living. Its natural appearance, low-maintenance needs, and eco-friendly innovations make it a preferred choice for homeowners prioritizing enduring, high-end design and the growing demand for greener options in outdoor spaces.