Over the past few years, Canadians have rediscovered their backyard – literally. Lockdown and travel restrictions have forced many people to spend more time closer to home and in their own outdoor spaces.
It is a trend that shows no sign of abating. According to HomeStars’ most recent reno report—an annual look at renovation trends among Canadian property owners—more than a third of Canadians say they are spending more time outside than before the pandemic.
It’s focusing heavily on making outdoor living spaces great.
“People are emphasizing their own personal space,” says Jonathan Lewis, regional sales manager all season fencing, “With the housing boom, we are also seeing a lot of people moving into new homes, and backyards are top of mind. They need fencethey need Ornament, People are really looking at how to make these places enjoyable.
HomeStars found that two-thirds of those planning a home renovation said they plan to make improvements to their backyard. And given the way Canadians enjoy nature and the outdoors, it’s no surprise that the vast majority – 78 per cent – said sustainability is an important consideration in their home improvement.
“We’re having a conversation globally about how we’re going to treat the Earth’s resources because they’re finite,” Lewis says. “It puts sustainability at the forefront of how people think about everything, including their homes.”
timeless design
There is growing awareness that the best way to manage waste is not to create it in the first place. For Lewis, reducing the need for future reno work is an important way Canadians’ focus on sustainability is being reflected in their landscaping priorities.
“We’re seeing a lot more timeless design,” he says. “Simple, clean lines and earthy colors—muted browns, charcoals, tans, grays. It’s a very clean look now, something people won’t grow tired of in a few years.
built to last
To that effect, Lewis says, customers are also thinking about the sustainability of their choices. Although wood has long been a popular choice and can last in cold climates, the natural material tends to deteriorate over time, making it less reliable than PVC.
“The wood looks great when you put it down, but after a few years you get all kinds of weathering,” he says. “It tends to crack and split and rot. And if your deck or fence wears out, you have to replace it, and that means more impact on natural resources.”
As a result, Lewis says synthetic materials like PVC are becoming more popular. “PVC is designed to last a lifetime. It is designed to withstand minor impacts such as UV exposure, strong winds, rain, snow, and hail. Basically, it should last as long as your home.” Designed to last.
Lewis also notes that the production of PVC—which comes in a variety of finishes and colors, and resembles wood—is more environmentally friendly than some people think. “We have a closed recycling and reuse system,” he explains. “We take back all unused material from our customers so that it does not end up in landfill. We clean up the cut offs and reprocess them so we can reincorporate the material.” The brand’s emphasis on sustainable manufacturing processes means fewer trees are cut down for lumber and higher-grade vinyl is used. A great deal doesn’t end up in the landfill.
All Season Fencing is working toward manufacturing vinyl outdoor products that are made from 50 percent recycled window-grade vinyl by 2026.
Sourcing From Your Own Backyard
Choosing local products over those shipped from far away is another important strategy for reducing one’s carbon footprint. When it comes to backyard renovations, Lewis says there’s a growing interest in materials that don’t have to travel far.
“All Season Fencing is 100 percent Canadian owned and operated. Everything is designed and manufactured in North York, however we are expanding to Trenton, Ontario to ensure we can meet the high demand.
Between a local supply chain and easy installation, Lewis says PVC offers another big bonus. “The whole fence can go up in a day,” he says. This means property owners can start enjoying their new outdoor space sooner.
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