Decked out from coast to coast: Top outdoor living trends for 2014

(BPT) - From genteel porches in the East to sleek, seaside balconies in the West, the popularity of outdoor living spaces is poised for significant growth from coast to coast with industry analysts predicting it will be a $5.7 billion market by 2016. Reinforcing these projections, 63 percent of architects cite an outdoor living space as the most popular special function room in housing construction, according to the American Institute of Architects. Whats more, theHearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reports that homebuilders list decks among the top three features most requested with new home buys.

Decks and porches are now considered true extensions of a homes living space, says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex Company, the worlds largest manufacturer of high-performance wood-alternative decking and railing. People are showing increased interest in maximizing the function, comfort and personalization of their outdoor spaces and are realizing that its far more economical to expand their living space outside than to enlarge or renovate their homes interior.

As planning and preparation for the 2014 outdoor living season begins, the experts at Trex offer a glimpse into the national trends that will be emerging outside homes across America in 2014.

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Decked out from coast to coast: Top outdoor living trends for 2014