Business View Civil and Municipal | May 2021

8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL MAY 2021 surface that can be used for any number of purposes – from storing seasonal items to serving as bonus living space outfitted with everything from furniture, accessories, lighting and entertainment components, to workout equipment, toys and games for at-home “recess,” or even a dance floor, mirror and ballet bar! 3. Take the Plunge Another trend driven by the pandemic has been the dramatic increase in residential pools, spas and water features. Between travel restrictions and indefinite closings of community pool facilities, homeowners across the country are taking the plunge and installing swimming pools, hot tubs and ponds in their backyards. To give these additions a finished look, surround them with high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking. Unlike wood, composite decking won’t rot, warp, stain or fade and never needs sanding, staining or sealing. “Trex delivers the beauty of wood without the environmental impact, the labor-intensive upkeep or the natural deterioration over time,” says Cramer. “Plus, it’s made from 95% recycled materials and only needs an occasional cleaning with soap and water to maintain its color and aesthetic for decades.” 4. Luxury Staycation Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel over the past year, homeowner interest in replicating the sophisticated style and comforts of a luxury hotel or resort in their homes has continued to grow. From plush towels and perfectly plumped pillows to outdoor accents like composite cladding, fire tables, water features and industrial railing, commercially inspired designs can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation. “Homeowners are finding inspiration in commercial settings like upscale hotels and restaurants,” adds Cramer. “Outdoors, this trend is seen in modern railing styles, such as Trex Signature® Railing. The durable, low- maintenance aluminum railing collection delivers sleek sophistication in a range of designs, including horizontal rods, mesh panels and glass inserts.” 5. Give It a Try with DIY The DIY category exploded in 2020, encouraging homeowners to roll up their sleeves and tackle even the most challenging projects – a development experts expect to continue in 2021. Industry analysts are predicting DIY home projects and repairs will shift from a trend to long-term habit with ambitious DIYers aiming to save money and earn some serious bragging rights. Consumers who are comfortable using a hammer and a saw can upgrade their backyard with composite decking. Building or resurfacing a deck with Trex is a doable DIY project that can be completed over the course of a weekend with at least two people.