Homeowners are no longer thinking about their backyards as afterthoughts. Nowadays, they’re more like extra rooms of the house. And it’s not hard to see what you might do with an extra room. You can entertain lots of guests or simply relax with your family. It’s all possible with a Johnston, IA, outdoor living contractor there to help you build the right space.
Today’s outdoor spaces consider comfort, function, and style from the moment the design begins to the moment the last screw goes flush to the final board. Archadeck of Central Iowa is here to design custom spaces around the way each family lives. We do this all day, every day. And in that time, we’ve seen a lot of trends. Here are the ones that Johnston homeowners are loving this year.

Trend #1: Low-Maintenance Composite Decking
Composite decking has become the default request, and it is easy to understand why. It takes forever to fade and it’s stain-resistant. The finish holds up fine through January freezes and sweltering Julys. And you seldom have to do maintenance.
The range of colors has also come a long way. Choose from warm browns to weathered grays. It’s hard to go wrong. For a Johnston IA deck builder, composite decking is the material most likely to still look great a decade from now.

Trend #2: Covered Outdoor Living Spaces
Covered decks, covered porches, and pergolas let homeowners use their space when the sun is blazing or a summer storm rolls through. Add a ceiling fan for airflow and outdoor lighting for the evening, and a covered structure stretches your backyard hours well past what an open deck allows. A covered porch in Johnston, IA is one of the most requested upgrades we see.
Trend #3: Outdoor Kitchens and Entertainment Areas
Hosting has moved outside for good. Built-in grills, counter space, refrigerators, and beverage stations are all popular these days. That’s because they turn decks into places where the cook is part of the party instead of stuck inside at the stove.
Now imagine an outdoor kitchen with a dining area. Perhaps mount a television for the game and wire in a few speakers. This gives you an easy setup that makes hosting friends and family easy from spring to fall.

Trend #4: Multi-Level Outdoor Living Designs
More homeowners are asking for layered designs rather than a single flat platform. You could do the same. It’s easy these days to combine a deck with a patio. That’s how you can create separate zones: one for dining, one for lounging, one gathered around a fire pit. Stepping the space to follow the grade of the yard improves the flow from indoors and out and makes even a modest lot feel like a resort.
Custom layouts like these are popular for a reason. They’re a great way to get the most function out of your yard while making sure it looks its best. A trusted Johnston, IA, deck builder can help you map out the zones so they all flow together as they ought to.
Trend #5: Personalized Design Features
Details are what make spaces feel personal. You have more room than ever to leave your mark on your outdoor spaces.
Cable railings keep sightlines open, built-in benches save floor space, and privacy walls carve out a quiet corner. You can have integrated lighting, decorative columns, or a unique stair design. And you can tie it all back to your home’s architecture.
In short, you have lots of choices. And a good Johnston, IA, deck contractor can help you sort through these choices so you can settle on the ones you like best.
Why Work with a Johnston, IA, Outdoor Living Contractor?
The great thing about trends is that they provide a starting point. But making them work on your specific lot is the job of an experienced design-build company. As a Johnston, IA, porch builder and deck builder, we start with a custom design consultation. Then we plan the project, a process which includes handling building codes and permits on your behalf.
When we choose materials, we go with ones that will work in Iowa’s climate. The manufacturers back the materials and we back the craftsmanship with long-term warranties. The whole project will be managed from start to finish by Archadeck, so you’ll have one point of contact.

Let's Build Something Beautiful, Together
Today’s best backyards are built for comfort and function. That means you can enjoy your outdoor spaces for far more time than plain decks make possible. A seasoned Johnston, IA, deck builder can help you prioritize the features worth the investment, so the space pays you back every season.
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. You can also see the full range of what we build across Johnston and the metro on our outdoor living pages.