Page 60 - Green Builder March-April 2021 Issue

Inside

Out

Natural setting.
Alfresco living
spaces allow
peaceful
outdoor
reprieves within
an urban
Homeowners have enhanced their outdoor lifestyle, as well
as a safer way
living areas at record rates during COVID-19. to gather with a
few loved ones
Expect that trend to continue. during the
pandemic.
COURTESY OF FIBERON

BY SARA GUTTERMAN in 2020, with homeowners spending an average of $17,140 (up from
HE PANDEMIC HAS FORCED CONSUMERS to cut $12,000 in 2019).
back on discretionary activities such as dining out, Outdoor living projects have commanded the lion’s share of those
recreation and travel, and spend more time at home. dollars, as COVID-19 amplified the desire to connect with nature, and
As a result, for many people it’s been the perfect time as homeowners have relied on outdoor spaces to gather safely with
to tackle home improvement projects that they’ve loved ones. Leading the charge? Decking projects. Homeowners are
T eyed for months, if not years. building new decks and replacing old ones to make them attractive
According to COGNITION Smart Data, Green Builder Media’s spaces for entertaining, working and relaxing.
market intelligence division, remodeling projects rose by 75 percent According to Patrick Barnds, senior vice president of product

58 GREEN BUILDER March/April 2021 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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