Decking Trends to Avoid in 2026 | MD & VA
Monday, April 13, 2026
Posted in: SCREENEZE screening system
Friday, April 10, 2026
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You’re probably here because you’re tired of the “normal” screened porch problems: sagging screens, ripped corners, loose staples, and the idea that a small tear means calling a contractor (again). If you’re building a new screened porch—or renovating one in Montgomery County, MD or Fairfax County, VA—a no-spline screen porch system is one of the cleanest upgrades you can make for long-term durability and easier repairs.
Friday, April 10, 2026
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In 2026, Maryland and Virginia homeowners are embracing eco-friendly composites, multi-level designs, and integrated outdoor kitchens. Design Builders has spent nearly two decades building custom decks across Montgomery County and Fairfax County, observing firsthand which trends deliver lasting appeal and functionality for DMV homeowners seeking to maximize their outdoor living spaces.
Posted in: infrared heaters, outdoor living, outdoor living spaces, Infratech outdoor heaters, Infratech, outdoor heaters, Infratech infrared heaters, outdoor heating systems
Thursday, April 09, 2026
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If you love your porch or patio in October but abandon it by November, you're not alone. In the DMV, the "shoulder seasons" are long — and the right outdoor heating strategy can turn a screened porch, deck, or outdoor kitchen into a true outdoor room you'll actually use. Design Builders installs infrared heaters on many of its projects — and if you're still planning your screened porch build, our Definitive Guide to Luxury Screened Porches in the DMV covers heating as part of the full design picture. Let's talk infrared heaters.
Posted in: Decks and Patios, infrared heaters, outdoor living, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living spaces
Tuesday, April 07, 2026
If you’re researching an outdoor kitchen in 2026, the “wow factor” isn’t just a bigger grill or fancier stone. It’s how the outdoor room functions—how easily you can cook, host, clean up, and keep everything safe in real Mid-Atlantic weather.
In 2026, the most valuable outdoor kitchen technology upgrades for Maryland and Northern Virginia homeowners are smart cooking controls (WiFi/connected grills and temperature probes), safety automation (gas shutoff + leak detection), and climate-smart comfort features (responsive ventilation, lighting, and heating). The best systems are designed as an integrated package—appliances, cabinetry, electrical, ventilation, and lighting—so everything works together reliably through hot, humid summers and variable spring/fall conditions in places like Bethesda, Clifton, Urbana, Chevy Chase, and Falls Church. Design Builders walks you through your options.