Outdoor Living Trends for St. Louis Homeowners

What are the most popular outdoor living trends in St. Louis right now?

The most popular outdoor living spaces in St. Louis combine functionality, comfort, and long-term durability. Homeowners are investing in custom concrete patios, attractive pool decks, outdoor gathering areas, and low-maintenance designs that let them enjoy their backyards year-round.

Popular outdoor living trends include:

• Expanded patios for entertaining
• Decorative and stamped concrete finishes
• Custom pool deck installation
• Outdoor fire features
• Integrated seating areas
• Multi-level outdoor spaces
• Low-maintenance landscaping
• Outdoor kitchens and dining areas

Once upon a time, the average “backyard” was a utilitarian space where people put their outhouses, ice houses, and sheds. Everyone had a pile of junk they kept for “just in case” scenarios, usually behind the aforementioned shed.

And lawns? Those were a symbol of wealth, a sign that you weren’t dependent on crops to grow food and could afford to pay someone to keep that lawn growing. Only wealthy people could afford to lounge around outside. The working class? Well . . . they worked in it. 

 But in the late 30s, the middle class emerged, the working class had a bit more money, and many moved to cities because that’s where the work was. More families could afford homes thanks to government-backed loans. And they wanted outdoor areas for their kids and pets to play. Architects and construction companies saw this and began building homes that included outdoor areas.

Buyers snapped them up. With more leisure time, they began treating their backyards as more than a space to store stuff they didn’t want anyone to see. Lawns became a thing.

And over time, so did patios, outdoor cookouts, and for some, swimming pools.

Across St. Louis, homeowners continue to transform their outdoor areas into extensions of their homes, creating comfortable spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and spending time with family. And from this, the phrase “outdoor living space” was born.

From custom concrete patios to modern poolside retreats, today's outdoor living spaces in St. Louis are designed with both beauty and practicality in mind. Whether you're in Chesterfield, South County, or elsewhere in our region, investing in your outdoor space can increase both your enjoyment of your property and its overall value.

Outdoor Living Spaces Are Becoming Outdoor Rooms

One of the biggest trends in outdoor living spaces in St. Louis and other cities is the shift toward creating defined outdoor "rooms."

Instead of a simple slab behind the house, homeowners are designing spaces with specific purposes. A patio may include a dining area, a conversation space around a fire feature, and a separate section for grilling or outdoor cooking.

This approach creates a natural flow and helps families get more use from their outdoor areas throughout the year.

Decorative Concrete Continues to Lead the Way

Concrete remains one of the most popular materials for outdoor projects, and for good reason.

Modern concrete can be customized with decorative finishes, textures, and colors that complement nearly any architectural style, including exposed aggregate, broom-finished surfaces, stamped patterns, and other decorative options.

As a result, many homeowners looking for concrete patios in St. Louis are choosing custom designs that blend seamlessly with their homes and landscapes.

Pool Decks Are Becoming a Backyard Focal Point

Swimming pools remain a desirable feature throughout St. Louis County, but homeowners are paying more attention than ever to the space surrounding them.

Today, pool deck installations in St. Louis often focus on creating a complete outdoor experience rather than simply providing a walking surface around the pool. Homeowners want attractive gathering areas, comfortable seating zones, and slip-resistant surfaces that can withstand years of use.

Concrete pool decks remain a popular choice for their durability, design flexibility, and straightforward maintenance.

Low-Maintenance Designs Are in High Demand

Many homeowners love spending time outdoors, but few enjoy constant upkeep.

That is why low-maintenance materials and custom designs have become major priorities. Durable concrete surfaces, efficient drainage solutions, and strategic landscaping choices help reduce ongoing maintenance while preserving the space's appearance.

For busy families, a well-designed outdoor living area provides more time for relaxation and less time spent on maintenance.

Outdoor Spaces That Add Long-Term Value

Homeowners in Chesterfield and throughout the St. Louis area are increasingly viewing outdoor improvements as long-term investments.

Professionally installed patios, walkways, retaining walls, and pool decks not only enhance daily living but can also improve curb appeal and contribute to property value. The key is choosing quality materials and experienced contractors who understand how to create surfaces that withstand Missouri's changing weather conditions.

Create an Outdoor Space You'll Enjoy for Years

The best custom concrete patios in St. Louis are designed around the way families actually live. Whether you're dreaming of a larger patio for entertaining, planning a pool deck installation in St. Louis, or exploring ideas for a complete backyard transformation, the right design can help you enjoy your home more every day.

Ortmann Concrete Creates Custom Outdoor Living Spaces in St. Louis

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Our team designs and installs outdoor living spaces in St. Louis and throughout the region. We handle custom concrete patios, pool decks, walkways, fire pits, and more.

Contact Ortmann Concrete today to discuss your vision and schedule a consultation.

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