PALO ALTO, Calif. – Homeowners are increasingly approaching outdoor renovations as long-term lifestyle investments rather than projects aimed at boosting resale value, according to the latest outdoor trends report from Houzz.
The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study found that just 15% of homeowners renovating outdoor spaces cited improving resale value as a motivation for their projects, down three percentage points from 2024. Instead, homeowners are focusing on creating functional outdoor living areas that support everyday activities and serve as true extensions of the home.
More than four in five homeowners undertaking outdoor renovations are incorporating lounge or seating areas into their projects, making it the most common type of outdoor living space at 83%. Dining areas followed at 55%, while quiet retreats or reading areas accounted for 53% of projects. Gardening spaces and outdoor cooking areas were included in 49% and 48% of renovations, respectively.
“Homeowners are investing in outdoor renovations with long-term lifestyle goals in mind,” said Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. “We’re seeing a shift away from resale-driven upgrades toward spaces that support everyday routines and blur the lines between indoors and out, from outdoor dining and cooking to reading retreats and lounge areas.”
The study also found growing demand for professional assistance as projects become more complex. Seventy-one percent of homeowners hired a professional for outdoor renovations in 2026, up from 65% in 2024 and the highest level recorded by the study. Landscape contractors remained the most commonly hired professionals, used by 26% of homeowners, followed by stone, paver and concrete specialists at 20%, general contractors at 17%, and landscape architects or designers at 15%.
One area seeing notable growth is the addition of outdoor structures. Shade structures increased 15 percentage points from 2024 to reach 35% of projects, while decks remained the most common structural upgrade at 43%. Outdoor systems such as plumbing, electrical and heating installations also gained traction, rising to 36% of projects and surpassing decorating-focused upgrades.
Outdoor kitchens continue to evolve from occasional-use amenities into permanent cooking and entertaining hubs. Among homeowners upgrading outdoor structures, 12% added or renovated an outdoor kitchen. Nearly all outdoor kitchen projects (95%) were built from scratch, up seven percentage points from 2024. More than two-thirds of those projects included infrastructure improvements such as plumbing, electrical or heating systems.
The study found outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with 85% featuring a grill, while 62% include beverage refrigerators and 59% incorporate sinks. More than one-third also include televisions, underscoring the growing role of outdoor spaces as entertainment destinations.
Landscape preferences are also shifting toward lower-maintenance and environmentally conscious solutions. Synthetic lawns increased 10 percentage points to 19% among homeowners replacing original lawns, while the use of native plants, drought-resistant species and pollinator-friendly landscaping all posted gains compared with 2024.
The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study surveyed 1,191 U.S. homeowners who were planning, in the midst of or had recently completed an outdoor renovation project. The survey was conducted online between April 25 and May 6.
