10 Outdoor Remodeling Trends to Know for 2026
See what the latest Houzz research reveals about outdoor kitchens, lounge spaces, landscaping and more
Outdoor renovations are becoming less about resale and more about everyday living, according to the just-released 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study. New findings show homeowners creating spaces that function as true extensions of the home, with lounge areas, dining zones, quiet retreats and outdoor kitchens all playing an important role. Comfort and functionality are driving decisions, and lower-maintenance landscapes and indoor-style furnishings continue to gain traction.
At the same time, outdoor projects are becoming more ambitious. Homeowners are increasingly adding shade structures, upgrading outdoor systems and building fully equipped outdoor kitchens with plumbing, appliances and storage. As projects grow more complex and personalized, professional hiring has reached a new high. Here’s a closer look at the features, spaces and priorities shaping outdoor renovations in 2026.
At the same time, outdoor projects are becoming more ambitious. Homeowners are increasingly adding shade structures, upgrading outdoor systems and building fully equipped outdoor kitchens with plumbing, appliances and storage. As projects grow more complex and personalized, professional hiring has reached a new high. Here’s a closer look at the features, spaces and priorities shaping outdoor renovations in 2026.
2. Outdoor Features and Systems Gain Ground
Outdoor feature projects remain the most common type of renovation in 2026, with 72% of homeowners making these upgrades, up 2 percentage points compared with 2024. System projects are also gaining momentum, rising 4 percentage points since 2024 to 36% in 2026. That puts them ahead of decorating projects (34%), making systems the third-most-common outdoor upgrade category, after structures (56%).
While the share of homeowners tackling structural projects has remained relatively stable, decorating projects declined by 3 percentage points this year compared with two years ago. The back of the home continues to be the primary focus for outdoor work (79%), but rooftop projects are becoming more common, rising 3 percentage points to 8%. Meanwhile, front-of-home projects (46%) and minor repairs or maintenance (16%) held steady compared with 2024.
Outdoor feature projects remain the most common type of renovation in 2026, with 72% of homeowners making these upgrades, up 2 percentage points compared with 2024. System projects are also gaining momentum, rising 4 percentage points since 2024 to 36% in 2026. That puts them ahead of decorating projects (34%), making systems the third-most-common outdoor upgrade category, after structures (56%).
While the share of homeowners tackling structural projects has remained relatively stable, decorating projects declined by 3 percentage points this year compared with two years ago. The back of the home continues to be the primary focus for outdoor work (79%), but rooftop projects are becoming more common, rising 3 percentage points to 8%. Meanwhile, front-of-home projects (46%) and minor repairs or maintenance (16%) held steady compared with 2024.
3. Plants Remain the Top Outdoor Feature Upgrade
Plants, shrubs and trees continue to top the list of outdoor feature upgrades, chosen by 74% of renovating homeowners, despite a 3-percentage-point dip since 2024.
Beds or borders (62%), paths, stairs or steps (45%) and planters (40%) are also popular additions, although planter projects declined by 6 percentage points this year compared with 2024. Patios or terraces (38%) and fences (23%) remain common upgrades, while lawn projects dropped 4 percentage points to 31%.
Meanwhile, nearly 1 in 5 homeowners is adding a retaining wall (19%), fire feature (18%) and/or water feature (18%) as part of their outdoor renovation plans.
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Plants, shrubs and trees continue to top the list of outdoor feature upgrades, chosen by 74% of renovating homeowners, despite a 3-percentage-point dip since 2024.
Beds or borders (62%), paths, stairs or steps (45%) and planters (40%) are also popular additions, although planter projects declined by 6 percentage points this year compared with 2024. Patios or terraces (38%) and fences (23%) remain common upgrades, while lawn projects dropped 4 percentage points to 31%.
Meanwhile, nearly 1 in 5 homeowners is adding a retaining wall (19%), fire feature (18%) and/or water feature (18%) as part of their outdoor renovation plans.
10 Must-Have Landscape Features Pros Recommend
4. Homeowners Lean Toward Easier-Care Plant Choices
Flowering plants remain the most popular choice for renovated outdoor spaces, selected by 82% of homeowners, consistent with 2024 findings. At the same time, more homeowners are choosing plants that require less upkeep or fewer resources. The shares selecting low-maintenance (73%), native (55%) and drought-resistant plants (49%) each rose by 3 to 4 percentage points since 2024.
Interest in supporting biodiversity also remains strong, with more than half of renovating homeowners (56%) choosing plants that attract pollinators. Meanwhile, deer-resistant plants (25%) and edible varieties (35%) both saw modest declines, dropping 5 and 2 percentage points, respectively.
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Flowering plants remain the most popular choice for renovated outdoor spaces, selected by 82% of homeowners, consistent with 2024 findings. At the same time, more homeowners are choosing plants that require less upkeep or fewer resources. The shares selecting low-maintenance (73%), native (55%) and drought-resistant plants (49%) each rose by 3 to 4 percentage points since 2024.
Interest in supporting biodiversity also remains strong, with more than half of renovating homeowners (56%) choosing plants that attract pollinators. Meanwhile, deer-resistant plants (25%) and edible varieties (35%) both saw modest declines, dropping 5 and 2 percentage points, respectively.
10 Tips for Planting a Beautiful Low-Maintenance Landscape
5. Synthetic Turf and Hardscaping Rise in Popularity
Natural grass remains the most common lawn replacement choice among renovating homeowners, though its popularity has declined since 2024. The share replacing original lawns with natural grass fell 9 percentage points to 63%, while the share replanting lawns dropped 6 percentage points to 59%.
Meanwhile, lower-maintenance alternatives are gaining traction. The share of homeowners installing synthetic turf rose 10 percentage points to 19%, while hardscaping projects increased 7 percentage points to 57%. Mulch also grew in popularity, rising 5 percentage points to 51%. Meanwhile, nearly half of homeowners upgrading their lawn areas (48%) are incorporating garden beds.
Many homeowners are also reducing the amount of grass in their outdoor spaces. Eighteen percent are reducing lawn size and 17% are removing lawns altogether, although the share reducing lawns declined by 5 percentage points this year compared with two years ago. At the same time, 23% of renovating homeowners are expanding their lawns.
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Natural grass remains the most common lawn replacement choice among renovating homeowners, though its popularity has declined since 2024. The share replacing original lawns with natural grass fell 9 percentage points to 63%, while the share replanting lawns dropped 6 percentage points to 59%.
Meanwhile, lower-maintenance alternatives are gaining traction. The share of homeowners installing synthetic turf rose 10 percentage points to 19%, while hardscaping projects increased 7 percentage points to 57%. Mulch also grew in popularity, rising 5 percentage points to 51%. Meanwhile, nearly half of homeowners upgrading their lawn areas (48%) are incorporating garden beds.
Many homeowners are also reducing the amount of grass in their outdoor spaces. Eighteen percent are reducing lawn size and 17% are removing lawns altogether, although the share reducing lawns declined by 5 percentage points this year compared with two years ago. At the same time, 23% of renovating homeowners are expanding their lawns.
Pros Share Their Top Low-Maintenance Paving and Hardscape Picks
6. Interest in Shade Structures Surges
Homeowners are increasingly adding shade structures to their outdoor spaces, with the share rising 15 percentage points to 35%. This brings shade structures’ popularity closer to that of decks, which remain the most common outdoor structure upgrade at 43%, with relatively stable adoption since 2024.
Built-in outdoor kitchens (12%) remained steady compared with 2024, while screened-in porches (14%) and built-in bars (8%) both rose by 2 percentage points.
Water-related projects showed slight declines. Swimming pools dropped 3 percentage points to 7%, while hot tubs (9%) and outdoor showers (3%) each declined by 1 percentage point compared with 2024. At the same time, wellness-focused additions such as plunge pools and saunas are emerging, with both rising to 2% of homeowners upgrading outdoor structures.
Homeowners are increasingly adding shade structures to their outdoor spaces, with the share rising 15 percentage points to 35%. This brings shade structures’ popularity closer to that of decks, which remain the most common outdoor structure upgrade at 43%, with relatively stable adoption since 2024.
Built-in outdoor kitchens (12%) remained steady compared with 2024, while screened-in porches (14%) and built-in bars (8%) both rose by 2 percentage points.
Water-related projects showed slight declines. Swimming pools dropped 3 percentage points to 7%, while hot tubs (9%) and outdoor showers (3%) each declined by 1 percentage point compared with 2024. At the same time, wellness-focused additions such as plunge pools and saunas are emerging, with both rising to 2% of homeowners upgrading outdoor structures.
7. Outdoor Kitchens Become Fully Equipped Spaces
Homeowners are increasingly treating outdoor kitchens as permanent cooking, dining and entertaining spaces rather than occasional-use amenities. Among those upgrading outdoor structures, 12% are adding or improving an outdoor kitchen, with a vast majority of that share (95%) adding one from scratch, up 7 percentage points compared with 2024. Infrastructure upgrades are also expanding, with 68% installing plumbing, electrical or heating systems, up 10 percentage points. Appliance installations rose 6 percentage points to 61%.
Storage saw the largest increase, rising 15 percentage points to 37%, while countertops remained relatively stable at 51%. Roofing additions also grew, up 4 percentage points to 25%.
Coverage patterns are shifting: Fully covered outdoor kitchens declined 7 percentage points to 44%, while partially covered spaces rose 7 percentage points to 30%. Uncovered kitchens held steady at 26%.
Cooking and entertainment features remain central to these spaces. Most outdoor kitchens include a grill (85%), followed by beverage refrigerators (62%) and sinks (59%). Nearly half include a faucet (49%), while 36% feature a cooktop and 29% include a pizza oven. Entertainment is also common, with 38% including a TV. Smokers (24%), vents (19%) and warming drawers (9%) round out the mix.
8 Things Pros Recommend for Your Outdoor Kitchen
Homeowners are increasingly treating outdoor kitchens as permanent cooking, dining and entertaining spaces rather than occasional-use amenities. Among those upgrading outdoor structures, 12% are adding or improving an outdoor kitchen, with a vast majority of that share (95%) adding one from scratch, up 7 percentage points compared with 2024. Infrastructure upgrades are also expanding, with 68% installing plumbing, electrical or heating systems, up 10 percentage points. Appliance installations rose 6 percentage points to 61%.
Storage saw the largest increase, rising 15 percentage points to 37%, while countertops remained relatively stable at 51%. Roofing additions also grew, up 4 percentage points to 25%.
Coverage patterns are shifting: Fully covered outdoor kitchens declined 7 percentage points to 44%, while partially covered spaces rose 7 percentage points to 30%. Uncovered kitchens held steady at 26%.
Cooking and entertainment features remain central to these spaces. Most outdoor kitchens include a grill (85%), followed by beverage refrigerators (62%) and sinks (59%). Nearly half include a faucet (49%), while 36% feature a cooktop and 29% include a pizza oven. Entertainment is also common, with 38% including a TV. Smokers (24%), vents (19%) and warming drawers (9%) round out the mix.
8 Things Pros Recommend for Your Outdoor Kitchen
8. Vast Majority Choose Landscape Lighting
Lighting remains the leading system upgrade in outdoor renovations, selected by 77% of homeowners. Irrigation systems follow at 58%, appearing in more than half of projects.
Security systems declined 5 percentage points this year, with 25% of homeowners incorporating them into outdoor upgrades. Audio or visual media systems and rainwater harvesting also saw slight declines, both now at 14%. Plumbing (14%) and composting systems (12%) remained consistent with 2024 levels.
Within lighting projects, landscape lighting is the most common choice, selected by 80% of homeowners. Interest in string or bistro lights (37%) and porch sconces (29%) declined by 7 and 8 percentage points, respectively, compared with 2024.
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Lighting remains the leading system upgrade in outdoor renovations, selected by 77% of homeowners. Irrigation systems follow at 58%, appearing in more than half of projects.
Security systems declined 5 percentage points this year, with 25% of homeowners incorporating them into outdoor upgrades. Audio or visual media systems and rainwater harvesting also saw slight declines, both now at 14%. Plumbing (14%) and composting systems (12%) remained consistent with 2024 levels.
Within lighting projects, landscape lighting is the most common choice, selected by 80% of homeowners. Interest in string or bistro lights (37%) and porch sconces (29%) declined by 7 and 8 percentage points, respectively, compared with 2024.
Where to Save Money on a Landscape Renovation
9. Outdoor Spaces Are Designed for Lounging, Dining and More
Lounge areas are now a defining feature of outdoor spaces, included in 83% of redesigns in 2026. These areas most commonly feature sofas or lounge chairs (71%), outdoor lighting (66%), coffee or side tables (55%) and fireplaces or fire pits (48%). Entertainment elements such as TVs or sound systems appear in 22% of lounge areas, while 13% include a bar or beverage refrigerator.
Dining areas are also popular, included in 55% of outdoor spaces. Nearly all feature a dining table or seating (90%), and many layer in additional comfort, including sofas or lounge chairs (68%) and coffee or side tables (50%). Lighting is included in 66% of dining spaces, and 49% feature a fireplace or fire pit. Functional additions such as grills (56%) and beverage refrigerators or bars (16%) support outdoor entertaining.
Dedicated reading areas or quiet retreats are present in 53% of renovated outdoor spaces, with comfort leading the design. Most include sofas, sectionals or lounge chairs (74%), along with lighting (66%) and coffee or side tables (55%). Fire features appear in 45% of these spaces, while smaller shares include beverage refrigeration (11%), outdoor showers (5%) or even treehouses (2%).
Nearly half of homeowners (49%) include dedicated gardening areas. These are most often defined by beds or borders (74%) and supported with lighting (64%). Storage or cabinetry is included in 30% of gardening zones, helping keep tools and materials organized.
3 Outdoor Retreats Designed for Comfort and Accessibility
Lounge areas are now a defining feature of outdoor spaces, included in 83% of redesigns in 2026. These areas most commonly feature sofas or lounge chairs (71%), outdoor lighting (66%), coffee or side tables (55%) and fireplaces or fire pits (48%). Entertainment elements such as TVs or sound systems appear in 22% of lounge areas, while 13% include a bar or beverage refrigerator.
Dining areas are also popular, included in 55% of outdoor spaces. Nearly all feature a dining table or seating (90%), and many layer in additional comfort, including sofas or lounge chairs (68%) and coffee or side tables (50%). Lighting is included in 66% of dining spaces, and 49% feature a fireplace or fire pit. Functional additions such as grills (56%) and beverage refrigerators or bars (16%) support outdoor entertaining.
Dedicated reading areas or quiet retreats are present in 53% of renovated outdoor spaces, with comfort leading the design. Most include sofas, sectionals or lounge chairs (74%), along with lighting (66%) and coffee or side tables (55%). Fire features appear in 45% of these spaces, while smaller shares include beverage refrigeration (11%), outdoor showers (5%) or even treehouses (2%).
Nearly half of homeowners (49%) include dedicated gardening areas. These are most often defined by beds or borders (74%) and supported with lighting (64%). Storage or cabinetry is included in 30% of gardening zones, helping keep tools and materials organized.
3 Outdoor Retreats Designed for Comfort and Accessibility
10. More Homeowners Turn to Pros for Outdoor Renovations
Professional involvement in outdoor renovations has reached a new high in 2026, with 71% of homeowners hiring a professional, up from 65% in 2024. Landscape contractors remain the most commonly hired, rising 5 percentage points to 26%.
Hiring levels for general contractors (17%), landscape architects or designers (15%), painters (10%) and fencing specialists (8%) remained relatively stable. Design-build firms saw a modest increase, rising 3 percentage points to 5%. Many homeowners also work with stone, paver and concrete specialists (20%) and masonry specialists (14%).
Kitchen designers or remodelers, interior designers and lighting designers are each hired by 2% of homeowners for outdoor projects
The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study looks at homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or have recently completed an outdoor renovation. The online survey was fielded to 1,191 U.S. Houzz users between April 25 and May 6, 2026.
See more results and download the full study
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Professional involvement in outdoor renovations has reached a new high in 2026, with 71% of homeowners hiring a professional, up from 65% in 2024. Landscape contractors remain the most commonly hired, rising 5 percentage points to 26%.
Hiring levels for general contractors (17%), landscape architects or designers (15%), painters (10%) and fencing specialists (8%) remained relatively stable. Design-build firms saw a modest increase, rising 3 percentage points to 5%. Many homeowners also work with stone, paver and concrete specialists (20%) and masonry specialists (14%).
Kitchen designers or remodelers, interior designers and lighting designers are each hired by 2% of homeowners for outdoor projects
The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study looks at homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or have recently completed an outdoor renovation. The online survey was fielded to 1,191 U.S. Houzz users between April 25 and May 6, 2026.
See more results and download the full study
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
Deteriorated or broken outdoor elements remain the top renovation trigger among homeowners, holding steady at 41%. At the same time, more homeowners are upgrading their outdoor spaces to make them more accommodating, with that share rising 3 percentage points since 2024 to 25%.
Meanwhile, resale-focused renovations continue to lose momentum. The share of homeowners renovating to improve resale value dropped 3 percentage points to 15%. And the share citing finally having the time to renovate also declined 3 percentage points, to 24%. Other motivations, including personalizing a recently purchased home (20%) and acting on recent inspiration (19%), remained relatively stable.
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