Deckorators Forecasts Shift to Front‑of‑Home Living, Adds Fire‑Resistant, Low‑Maintenance Decking

Deckorators spotlights front-of-home living in 2026 forecast

Industry focus: visible outdoor spaces drive product changes at UFP’s Deckorators

Deckorators, the outdoor decking and railing division of UFP Industries, releases its 2026 Outdoor Living Report and signals a notable industry pivot from backyard-only projects to front-of-home outdoor spaces such as porches and entryways. Based on contractor interviews, industry research and market analysis, the report finds homeowners prioritizing visible, daily‑use areas that deliver emotional benefits, curb appeal and long‑term value. Michelle Hendricks, Deckorators’ director of marketing, underscores that these front-facing projects boost everyday use and measurable returns while shifting contractor recommendations and product demand.

To respond to those priorities, Deckorators expands its product lineup with a clear emphasis on safety and low maintenance. The company introduces Altitude composite decking in three colors with a Class B flame‑spread rating and upgrades Vista decking with a fire‑resistant core now rated Class B. Venture decking adds a new color called Shoreline. These moves reflect contractor and homeowner focus on fire performance, durability and materials that reduce upkeep while sustaining aesthetic appeal, particularly for highly visible entry and porch applications.

Contractors report alignment with homeowners on combining practical performance with design. South Fork Decking owner Randy Steyert says homeowner demand centers on durable, beautiful outdoor investments and cites Deckorators’ products as “instrumental to delivering long‑lasting, high‑quality results.” The report stresses that safe, low‑maintenance materials and features that support daily living become selling points for contractors and differentiators for manufacturers in a competitive outdoor-living market.

Design trends shaping projects this year

Deckorators highlights several design trends shaping installations: a move from millennial gray toward darker, high‑contrast palettes; multi‑zone layouts that separate dining, relaxation and wellness areas; personalized waterfront features aimed at lifestyle enhancement and resale value; and pet‑conscious approaches to decking, railing and fencing that address wear and safety.

Implications for builders and homeowners

The report suggests contractors and homeowners increasingly agree on prioritizing visible spaces that protect investment and enhance daily life. By documenting shifting preferences and backing product changes with fire performance and maintenance improvements, Deckorators and UFP Industries position themselves to meet evolving specifications for durability, safety and curb appeal in residential outdoor living.