LANDSCAPING
EARTH-INSPIRED LIVING N
Oliver Stanley speaks to Trex to learn which gardening and landscaping trends we can expect to see for Spring and Summer 2026
ature-driven, earth-inspired colourways will set the tone for outdoor living design in 2026. That’s according to Trex, the composite
decking manufacturer.
The manufacturer reports that natural sandy and soft grey shades have led sample requests throughout 2025, signalling continued demand for subtle, organic aesthetics in outdoor projects.
Trex’s Biscayne shade remains the top seller across its portfolio - a light coastal brown featuring a realistic wood grain, influenced by the mangrove landscapes of Florida. Part of Trex’s Transcend Lineage range, which launched in the UK market at the start of 2024, Biscayne has maintained strong demand throughout the year, suggesting it will continue to appeal to homeowners planning deck projects in 2026.
Lee Heitzman, Trex’s UK and Ireland market manager, says: “Biscayne remains a firm favourite with UK homeowners. Its premium finish and authentic grain deliver the calm, timeless aesthetic that homeowners want to achieve a natural looking outdoor design. Trex’s second most-requested shade for 2025 was Island Mist, a cool blend of silver tones, designed to emulate the naturally weathered look of driftwood.
“We’re seeing consistent interest in nature- inspired neutrals,” Heitzman continues, “but there has been a subtle shift within that palette. While two of our top-trending colours remain unchanged, Rocky Harbor has been overtaken by Calm Water, suggesting that homeowners are leaning toward slightly deeper, moodier grey tones for their outdoor spaces. Low-maintenance spaces are increasingly
in demand, with homeowners looking for attractive gardens that don’t require regular upkeep. Designs for low-maintenance spaces focus on incorporating durable materials along with resilient planting options to reduce the time, cost and effort required to keep gardens looking their best throughout the year. Simon Parry, director of Simon Parry Gardening and Landscaping, says: “Composite decking is a popular option for low-maintenance design schemes, offering long-term durability and requiring much less upkeep compared to timber alternatives. Resistant to fading, warping and rotting and requiring no staining or sanding, composite can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.”
Extending the home
“Gardens are now seen as an additional ‘room’ in the home, with outdoor living set to continue increasing in popularity throughout 2026. Homeowners are using their gardens to host family and friends, creating spaces that function as additional living rooms, dining areas and outdoor kitchens.
“To blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, we’re using colours and styles that complement the homeowner’s inside space, creating a seamless ‘flow’ from inside to out.
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“To create the freedom for people to use their outdoor area as they please, we incorporate covered seating and decking areas for use in all weathers and rather than use built-in furniture, we opt for seating that can move as and when needed.
Zoned deck designs
Another trend that’s become apparant for this Spring and Summer is intentional zoning within outdoor spaces, Parry says. “Elevated decks, terraced deck levels and clearly defined zones such as dining, cooking, lounges and garden transitions are increasingly popular for maximising use of sloped or irregular terrain. This trend positions the deck as a functional design feature that shapes the garden and connects garden features (like planting beds and paths) with outdoor living spaces.”
“Homeowners are increasingly treating decks and patios as garden spaces in their own right. More people are layering greenery directly onto decking areas through container gardening, built-in planters, and vertical plant displays, blending functional outdoor living with lush, plant-rich environments. This trend makes decks feel more inviting and garden- connected while softening hardscape surfaces with colour, texture, and fragrance.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2026
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