Home Renovation Trends That Prioritize Durability as Much as Beauty
DIY home renovations should look beautiful AND last a long time.
Every homeowner wants their space to WOW them when they walk in the door. But here's the problem most homes run into…They get distracted by fancy renovations that look great on day 1 but fall apart by year 3.
Wait, there's hope!
Homeowners are starting to prioritize materials and designs that offer lasting performance AND serious style factor.
In fact…
These home renovation trends are easy to keep up with
They help maintain your property value
They work for nearly every budget
What you'll learn:
Why durability is the name of the game this year
How acrylic light transmittance makes things better
5 durable home renovation trends to consider
How to pick materials that won't give you headaches
Why Durability Is Dominating Home Renovation Discussions
Homeowners aren't just jumping on trends that won't last. NAR's Remodeling Impact Report found 23% of homeowners ranked durability and long-lasting results as one of the most important factors when considering a home renovation project. That puts it right up there with beauty and curb appeal.
Which makes sense when you think about it…
The Center for Housing Markets Research predicts home renovation spending will reach $524 billion by early 2026. Homeowners aren't going to spend that kind of money on upgrades that are going to wear out fast. With more people looking to "improve not move", homeowners are renovating with the intention of staying in their homes longer than generations before them. They expect their renovations to last.
Here's the reality:
Durability = save money and headaches down the road. Smart homeowners are looking at how long something will last before they choose that coastal blue paint colour.
Acrylic Light Transmittance Is Making Things Better
You know acrylic when you see it. It's everywhere from skylights to shower enclosures. The only problem? Most homeowners don't even realize they're enjoying the benefits of acrylic light transmittance.
Here's the deal…
Acrylic light transmittance is the reason so many homeowners are opting for things made with acrylic. Clear acrylic allows up to 92% of visible light to pass through it. To put that into perspective, that's more light transmittance than standard glass. Glass typically has about 80% light transmittance for the same thickness of material.
Acrylic gives you rooms filled with natural light without losing that impact strength.
And when homeowners start researching things like shatter resistant plexiglass sheets with high acrylic light transmittance rates, it's a no-brainer. High quality acrylic panels provide crystal clear transparency while being way more impact resistant than glass. They won't break into sharp shards if something were to hit them.
Want to know the coolest part?
You can find acrylic just about anywhere now. And its durability doesn't go unnoticed by homeowners doing research on their next renovation project.
5 Durable Home Renovation Trends You Can Trust
Now onto the good stuff. These home renovation trends cover style and function. They're what homeowners are putting their money on right now. Look at each trend and see if it makes sense for your home. If it does, great! Stop reading and go renovate.
Otherwise, keep reading and learn about each trend.
Windows and Panels That Can Take a Beating
Broken glass is one of the most common household repairs. And they're expensive too. By using acrylic or polycarbonate panels for things like windows, back patio coverings and skylights you reduce that risk significantly.
Not only do these materials provide great acrylic light transmittance. But they also stand up to UV rays, resist fading and won't yellow over time like regular glass does. They're ideal for high traffic areas, kids play rooms or homes in storm prone areas.
Invest in Engineered and Composite Flooring
Who doesn't love hardwood floors? They go with any decor and always wow first time guests. But if you have them in your kitchen or bathroom you know they can suffer. Scuff marks, stains and water damage are all too common.
Thankfully there's a solution. Engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl planks offer homeowners the same beautiful floors with a lot less maintenance. These options hold up to moisture, won't scratch as easily and can look beautiful for over a decade.
Remember…
The goal here is to choose flooring that will stand up to whatever you throw at it.
Anything With Fibre Cement Siding
Want to upgrade the outside of your home but don't want to lose sleep over maintenance? Fibre cement siding is having a huge year.
This durability powerhouse is designed to resist rot, fire, termites and even harsh weather. Not to mention it can be manufactured to look like real wood, stone or brick siding… Without the upkeep required of those materials. Fibre cement siding can last you 30 to 50 years after a single installation with little to no maintenance.
Talk about impressive…
Quartz Is King When It Comes to Countertops
Marble countertops are gorgeous. But they require constant sealing and chip at the drop of a hammer. Not to mention they stain super easy. Enter quartz countertops.
They give homeowners that high end look without all the annoying maintenance. Quartz is non-porous which means coffee spills, red wine and cooking oils won't stain your countertop. Not to mention it holds up against scratching and heat better than natural stone.
If you cook or spend a lot of time in your kitchen, quartz is the way to go.
Metal Is Shining When It Comes to Roofing
Okay this one most people forget about…but metal roofing is huge.
Gone are the days of shiny silver roofs. Metal roofing now comes in every color and style to match your home. What you may not know is metal roofing can last 40-70 years. Traditional asphalt roofing shingles only offer 15-20 years of life. By making the switch, you save money in the long term and keep your home cooler during summer months.
Choose Materials That Will Last
Renovations start with choosing a material. If you choose wrong, you could be renovating that kitchen again in 5 years.
Take these questions into consideration before choosing any material:
How long will it last?
How much maintenance does it need?
Will it stand up to the weather where you live?
If it's transparent, how much light will pass through? (aka Acrylic light transmittance)
Answer these questions and you'll set yourself up for a renovation you'll enjoy for many years.
Wrapping Up
Home renovations can be durable without skimping on beauty. In fact, they should!
Durability is becoming more popular as each homeowner realizes that materials matter. Materials like acrylic panels, quartz countertops, fibre cement siding and metal roofing are just a few examples of things you can renovate with that look amazing and perform even better.
Let's do this again real quick:
Homeowners are looking for renovations that offer durability and style
Acrylic light transmittance makes acrylic one of the best materials you can use
Impact resistant materials are just plain cost-effective
Materials matter and can help you protect your property value
Every renovation decision should be made with longevity in mind
If you've started your renovation journey and found some awesome materials, go renovate! There's no time like the present and your future self will thank you.