Demand for Outdoor Living Space & Decking Creates Development Trend in Vancouver

The increasing demand for outdoor living space is seen all over North America, but cities like Vancouver help drive this trend with its mild climate, gorgeous views and abundance of talented designers, developers and products created specifically to best build a deck.

Local specialty building products like Duradek vinyl deck membranes help to accomplish the ideal outdoor living space with the fundamental element of reliable waterproof protection. This takes care of an important, practical necessity for decks and balconies, but the cascading business effect of this trend reaches landscape architects, builders, designers and artisan craftsmen working with decking, fencing, masonry, and retailers with décor.
According to the Vancouver Sun article “Vancouver Home Buyers Fuel Outdoor Living Trend”, one condo developer is even favouring large balconies over space for a dining table and a second bathroom. They key is to make outdoor space livable, regardless of whether it is a single family home or a large multi-residential condo.

“We are seeing the trend affect the architecture in neighbourhoods as well,” said interior designer and project manager Benjamin Simpson, who works largely with west-side Vancouver’s $2 million-plus single-family homes.

“Modern, flat roof construction allows for large rooftop patios that have been a huge selling feature for the spec homes we have designed,” said Simpson, co-owner of Blank Canvas Interiors. Simpson claims that clients used to spend half as much on their exterior budget than indoors but “now it’s almost par,”. Sixty percent of Simpson’s clients now ask for exterior design – five years ago it would have been half that.

A product like Duradek vinyl decking is the most fundamental investment for accomplishing this design trend with its roof grade waterproof protection. Duradek is a roofing membrane and walking surface in one, and provides reliable waterproof protection without the need for ongoing maintenance, which is a huge advantage to homeowners to save them the cost and time involved in higher maintenance waterproofing systems and deck surfaces.

Vancouver building experts have known and trusted Duradek for decades. Local building celebrity Shell Busey has recommended Duradek vinyl decking from way back on his House Smart television segments, his House Smart Referral Network, and as recently as last month in a Vancouver Province column “Ask Shell”. In this instance, Shell was recommending Duradek’s Tiledek membrane above traditional torch-down roofing for waterproofing under a stamped concrete roof deck.

In a high-rainfall climate, Vancouver building professionals have to be confident that their waterproofing is handled expertly. That is where Duradek has earned the reputation for reliable waterproof protection. Originating in BC over 40 years ago, Duradek knows the waterproofing and aesthetic value of their decking product…but Duradek also knows that no matter how great a waterproofing product is, it has to be installed correctly to perform as intended. This is why Duradek is only available as an installed product through its network of trained, waterproofing professionals throughout North America.

If you are planning on creating new outdoor living space or renovating an existing deck or balcony, be sure to consult with a Duradek vinyl decking expert before you begin your project….and remember, Not All Vinyl is Created Equal.

NOTE TO THOSE IN THE VANCOUVER, BC AREA:

Be sure to plan to visit Duradek at the fall Vancouver Home & Design Show in its new home at the Vancouver Convention Center West. You’ll find Duradek at booth #122 and it’s a great opportunity to see the latest Duradek patterns and colours first hand and talk to someone about your decking needs. Hope to see you there!