Homeowners keep spending on backyard upgrades despite economic uncertainty

U.S. homeowners are still pouring money into patios, decks and other outdoor living projects in 2026, even as economic uncertainty weighs on spending. The trend matters because remodeling demand and DIY activity remain strong, with builders and sellers responding to buyers who want more usable space at home. Why it matters: - Homeowners are prioritizing outdoor living spaces instead of delaying projects, signaling continued demand for remodeling and backyard upgrades. - The trend supports spending on patios, decks, landscaping, outdoor kitchens and DIY improvements at a time when broader consumer budgets remain under pressure. - Builders are also adapting to buyer preferences by adding more outdoor living features to new homes. What happened: - Practical Backyard said U.S. homeowners are continuing to invest in home and outdoor living projects despite economic uncertainty. - The company highlighted remodeling and backyard improvement trends ahead of and through 2026. - Eddie van Aken, founder of Practical Backyard, said many homeowners are choosing to improve the space they already have rather than move. - Van Aken said homeowners are focusing on projects that make outdoor spaces more useful and enjoyable. The details: - The National Association of Home Builders reported that homeowners spent about $670 billion on remodeling projects in 2024. - Roughly 20 million households completed home improvement projects in 2024, according to NAHB data. - Industry forecasts expect residential remodeling activity to keep growing through 2026. - Recent industry surveys show landscaping, outdoor living projects, patios, decks and backyard upgrades among the most popular projects planned for the next year. - A 2024 NAHB survey found that 86% of homebuyers want a patio and 81% want a back porch. - Industry experts say interest is also strong in outdoor kitchens, covered dining spaces, fireplaces and pergolas. - Recent surveys indicate landscaping, outdoor maintenance, deck improvements and other backyard upgrades remain common DIY projects planned for 2026. - Practical Backyard publishes guides, reviews and educational content on outdoor living spaces, garages, gardens and patios. - The company says its coverage includes backyard projects, patio improvements, garage tools, garden equipment and practical DIY solutions for U.S. homeowners. - Practical Backyard lists its website as PracticalBackyard.com. - The company also provided social media links for Facebook and Pinterest . Between the lines: - The backyard upgrade trend suggests homeowners are treating outdoor areas as functional living space, not just decorative add-ons. - Strong demand for patios and porches points to a durable preference for indoor-outdoor living, which can shape both renovation budgets and new-home design. - DIY activity staying strong may reflect homeowners trying to control costs while still making improvements. What’s next: - Residential remodeling activity is expected to continue growing through 2026. - More builders are likely to keep adding outdoor features as buyers ask for usable space beyond the home’s interior. - Homeowners are expected to keep favoring practical, entertaining-friendly backyard projects over larger moves or major relocations. The bottom line: - Even with economic uncertainty, the backyard remains one of the clearest places where U.S. homeowners are still willing to spend.