The yard, the white picket fence, the big deck for entertaining and grilling. These familiar images have long been synonymous with the American dream of homeownership. But in recent years, outdoor spaces have taken on even greater meaning.
After COVID-19, the desire for functional, comfortable, and connected outdoor living spaces surged. 75% of COGNITION Smart Data survey respondents said their outdoor living areas played a key role in helping them maintain peace of mind and a sense of normalcy. This shift has inspired homeowners and builders alike to reimagine what outdoor living can look like.
At VISION House Austin, this evolution is on full display. The home’s thoughtfully designed outdoor area demonstrates how materials and design can work together to support comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility. One standout feature is the deck: an expansive, low-maintenance space built to accommodate everything from family barbecues to quiet mornings with coffee.
To better understand how decking has adapted to meet today’s needs, we spoke with Samara Toole, Chief Marketing Officer at the AZEK Company, whose TimberTech decking is featured at VISION House Austin.
“Our products, depending on the collection, are warrantied to last up to 50 years,” Toole said. “That kind of longevity minimizes waste and the need for full deck replacements over time. And because they don’t require sanding, staining, or sealing, they also save homeowners time and reduce the use of water and chemicals.”
Designed with resilience in mind, the Advanced PVC Decking used at VISION House Austin is also built to withstand climate-related stressors such as fire and flooding. It has a Class A flame spread rating, is compliant for use in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas, and features an ignition resistance designation. Making it the safer choice than traditional wood decking in high-risk zones.
“It’s inherently water resistant and built to stand up to tough weather conditions,” Toole added. “Plus, because it's made from up to 65% recycled materials, it’s a more sustainable choice without compromising performance.”
What’s more, the deck at VISION House Austin offers the look of real wood with none of the upkeep. Thanks to color streaking and board-to-board variation, the aesthetics are just as impressive as the performance.
Whether you're building new or upgrading an existing space, the VISION House Austin deck is a great example of how outdoor living can be both aspirational and attainable.
Watch the full video to learn more about the deck featured in VISION House Austin.