The game is playing on the outdoor TV, the fire pit is warding off the chill, and the smell of dinner is drifting from the open-air kitchen. This doesn’t have to be a vacation destination. It could simply be Tuesday night in a backyard designed for your life.
2026 is shaping up to be the year outdoor living grows up. Homeowners across Ankeny are done with basic concrete slabs. Instead, they are investing in spaces that function like true extensions of their floor plan, usable all year round.
As Ankeny outdoor living contractors with nearly 30 years building decks, porches, and patios, here is what we are seeing on the ground this season.
1. Entertainment Walls & Tech Integration
As Ankeny porch contractors, we’ve noticed a lot of homeowners want something like a second living room. They want to have game days outside or enjoy a holiday movie night. And it’s for situations like this that an entertainment wall is a must.
You could add a TV bracket and call it a day. But many homeowners are going a step further, with hidden wiring, surround sound, and smart lighting built into their covered porches and three-season rooms from day one.
2. Fully Equipped Outdoor Kitchens
A standalone grill in the corner won’t cut it anymore. Ask an Ankeny patio builder and they’ll tell you that today's outdoor kitchens are about full functionality. That means adding features like refrigerated drawers, pizza ovens, dedicated vent hoods, and ample storage.
Materials have to be tough enough for Iowa winters but look good after sustaining season after season. We’re seeing a lot of stainless steel and natural stone that ages gracefully.
3. Climate Control for Year-Round Use
Let’s be honest: Iowa weather is unpredictable. If you want to maximize the use of your outdoor living space, climate control is non-negotiable.
Ankeny porch builders like us are installing overhead heaters and built-in fireplaces to keep those spring and fall evenings cozy. Fire pits act as the perfect gathering anchor, while ceiling fans keep the air moving on humid July afternoons. As porch builders, we often look to incorporate glass windows to extend the season, or screens to prioritize airflow.
4. Architectural Details That Make Statements
Homeowners are increasingly wanting their homes to feel different than their neighbors’. That’s why we often hear homeowners asking for "character." So we’re seeing things like big, statement timber posts because they give you that modern-rustic look instantly.
We are also seeing people pay way more attention to ceilings. Instead of open rafters, we’re closing them up with tongue-and-groove wood to make the space feel finished. It’s all about mixing textures. That means things like smooth metal railings against natural stone columns, or smooth tile floors against warm wood beams.
5. Low-Maintenance Composite Decking
Composite is still king, but the technology has gotten even better over time. The new colors that Ankeny deck companies are seeing purchased for coming 2026 projects are warmer and more natural, mimicking the look of real hardwood without the hassle.
We are also seeing a trend toward built-in furniture. Think benches and bars constructed right out of the very same deck material. Even on covered porches, composite is beating out wood as the go-to material choice. And it makes perfect sense, too, because this is a great way to have a structure with a 25-to-50-year lifespan and nearly zero maintenance.
5. Outdoor Relaxation Retreats
Outdoor living is no longer limited to daytime patios and dining spaces—homeowners are designing full-scale relaxation retreats. Hot tubs and pool decks are emerging as must-have features in 2026 as families look for ways to unwind, entertain, and enjoy their outdoor spaces year-round. These areas extend the home’s footprint and turn backyards into destination-style environments that feel like boutique resorts.
Custom deck designs around hot tubs and pools offer seamless transitions from water to seating, sunbathing, or entertaining areas. Elevated platforms, privacy screens, pergola structures, and integrated lighting add style and safety, while low-maintenance decking materials keep everything looking beautiful with minimal upkeep. The result is an inviting retreat you can enjoy year-round, from summer swim days to winter hot tub evenings.
7. Sustainable Material Choices
People care about their footprint, and that shows in the materials they choose. Homeowners are increasingly going for eco-friendly composites while lighting their spaces with low-energy LEDs.
But the biggest sustainability factor is durability. By building structures designed to last 30 to 50 years, we drastically reduce waste and replacement costs down the road.
Need an Ankeny Deck Builder Near You?
Knowing the trends can help you decide where to begin. But if you really want to make the most of your outdoor space, you need a porch, patio, or deck design that will solve your specific problems and suit your lifestyle.
So if you’re looking for inspiration, we’d recommend first that you check out our gallery to see how these trends translate into real projects throughout Ankeny.
If you want to go deeper, you can also download our free design guide for more planning details.
And if you’re ready to start working with a pro today, it would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation. Call Harold Cross and his team at 515-203-8734, or contact us using our online form.
