FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

Houzz survey predicts rise in outdoor living renovation

Words: David BenincasaThe third annual Houzz & Home Landscaping Study Survey revealed a continued rise in demand for outdoor renovation. The survey covered historical and planned projects, the motivations behind these projects, and regional and age differences in priorities and spending.

Regarding past spending, patio or landscape additions or renovations have been among the top five projects completed in the last five years, with an average national cost of $9,545. The average time taken in the planning process was 6.6 months.

Of those surveyed, 30% plan to hire a landscape professional in the next two years. More than half (56%) of those planning a project want to make their yard more entertainment-friendly. While the majority of planned landscaping projects include a patio (69%), nearly half of homeowners undertaking a landscape project are adding a fire pit (48%).

In terms of preference by age, millennials are more likely to install a fire pit in the future (21%, compared to 16% of older groups) and less likely to install a new patio (39%, compared to 46%).

For more than half of homeowners (55%), planned projects are intended to resolve problems in their yard. The top issue for all regions was correcting drainage issues, indicating marketing opportunities for permeable pavers nationwide. The number two priority for the West involved water shortage, indicating opportunities for permeable paver systems that are designed to include water harvesting and reuse. The number two priority for other regions included privacy problems in the East and erosion in both the South and Midwest, indicating opportunities for retaining walls in those regions.
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More