New Year, New Deck: Eco-Friendly Trends for 2026

The start of a new year is always a time to refresh, set goals, and reimagine living spaces. For Denver families who value sustainability, one of the most rewarding upgrades is investing in an eco-friendly deck. As 2026 begins, outdoor living continues to evolve toward greener materials, energy efficiency, and family-focused designs that combine style with environmental responsibility. Centennial Custom Decks has long championed sustainable decking solutions like Trex and other recycled materials, helping Colorado homeowners build spaces that are as good for the planet as they are for family gatherings.

If your resolution this year is to create an outdoor space that aligns with eco-friendly values, here are the top trends shaping sustainable decks in 2026.

Why Eco-Friendly Decking Matters in Denver

Denver’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle inspire many homeowners to consider how their choices impact the environment. Families want outdoor spaces that:

• Last longer: Reducing waste and avoiding frequent replacements.
  
  
• Use recycled content: Giving new life to plastics and wood fibers otherwise headed to landfills.
  
  
• Require low maintenance: Less use of harmful stains, sealants, and cleaners.
  
  
• Support healthy living: Safe, non-toxic materials for children, pets, and the environment.
  
  

Composite brands like Trex now manufacture decking from 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and plastic film. This not only reduces landfill waste but also results in a product that can withstand Denver’s intense sun, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles far better than traditional lumber.

Eco-Friendly Decking Trends for 2026

1. Composite Decking Made from Recycled Materials

Composite continues to lead the eco-friendly decking market. Trex and similar brands use reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastic film to create durable, splinter-free boards. In Denver, where freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc on wood, composites provide a longer lifespan and reduce the need for chemical sealants.

2026 trend: More color and texture options that mimic exotic hardwoods—without the environmental toll of deforestation.

2. Energy-Efficient Lighting

Deck lighting has shifted toward sustainability. LED lights consume up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and smart systems allow homeowners to control brightness, color, and schedules from their phones.

2026 trend: Solar-powered step and railing lights designed for Denver’s 300+ days of sunshine per year. These extend deck usability without increasing energy bills.

3. Sustainable Framing Solutions

Steel framing is gaining traction as the long-term eco-friendly alternative to pressure-treated lumber. Unlike wood, steel does not rot, warp, or require chemical treatment.

2026 trend: Hybrid builds where composite boards are paired with steel framing, creating decks that can last 50 years or more, compared to 10–15 years for traditional wood.

4. Multi-Functional Outdoor Living Spaces

Eco-friendly isn’t just about materials—it’s also about how families use their decks. Designing multi-functional spaces reduces the need for extra construction and maximizes enjoyment of one sustainable investment.

2026 trend: Integrated seating, storage benches, and outdoor kitchens designed to limit excess materials while boosting functionality.

5. Locally Sourced & Low-Impact Materials

More Denver homeowners are asking about locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions. Natural stone accents, sustainably harvested wood for railings, and regionally produced composites are on the rise.

2026 trend: Blending composites with reclaimed materials, such as salvaged wood for decorative features, to create eco-conscious yet stylish designs.

Family-Friendly Benefits of Sustainable Decks

For families, eco-friendly decks offer more than environmental peace of mind—they deliver everyday advantages:

• No splinters: Safer for children and pets.
  
  
• Non-toxic finishes: Eliminates exposure to harmful sealants and stains.
  
  
• Low upkeep: Families spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying their deck.
  
  
• Long-term savings: Reduced repair and replacement costs over decades.
  
  

Centennial Custom Decks has seen how families benefit from making eco-conscious choices that also improve daily living. A sustainable deck isn’t just a green investment—it’s a lifestyle improvement.

Sustainable Design Features to Consider in 2026

• Rainwater capture systems: Deck drainage systems that redirect runoff into barrels for garden use.
  
  
• Green décor: Potted plants, vertical gardens, and integrated planter boxes built into railing systems.
  
  
• Outdoor heating alternatives: Energy-efficient infrared heaters or propane fire tables designed with lower emissions.
  
  
• Recyclable furnishings: Outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic or responsibly harvested wood.
  
  

By combining sustainable materials with eco-conscious design features, homeowners create decks that reflect both environmental awareness and modern style.

FAQs About Eco-Friendly Decking in Denver

Is composite decking really eco-friendly?

Yes. Brands like Trex are made from up to 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and recycled plastic film. They also last longer than wood, reducing landfill waste.

How long does a composite deck last in Denver’s climate?

With proper installation, composite decks typically last 25–30 years, compared to 10–15 years for wood. When paired with steel framing, lifespan can exceed 50 years.

Does eco-friendly decking require maintenance?

Minimal maintenance is required. Composite decks need simple cleaning with soap and water, unlike wood, which requires staining and sealing every 1–2 years.

Is steel deck framing sustainable?

Yes. Steel is recyclable, long-lasting, and eliminates the need for chemical treatments required for wood framing. Its durability makes it an eco-conscious choice for Denver’s freeze-thaw conditions.

Can eco-friendly decks still look stylish?

Absolutely. Composite decking now offers a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes that mimic natural wood while maintaining modern, low-maintenance appeal.

What eco-friendly upgrades pair well with a sustainable deck?

Solar lighting, rainwater systems, and recycled-material furniture are excellent additions to complement an eco-friendly deck build.

Building Toward a Sustainable Future

As 2026 begins, eco-friendly decking is no longer just a trend—it’s the standard for families who want safe, stylish, and sustainable outdoor living. In Denver, where climate extremes demand durability, composites like Trex paired with steel framing provide the ultimate blend of resilience and environmental responsibility.

Centennial Custom Decks is committed to helping families design outdoor spaces that reflect their values while enhancing their lifestyle. By choosing eco-friendly materials and thoughtful designs, you not only invest in your home but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

This year, let your resolution be more than a home upgrade—make it a step toward sustainable living.