Inside the HGTV® Smart Home 2025: How Trex Transforms Outdoor Living

Ever wondered what goes into designing the ultimate modern home? This year, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the HGTV Smart Home 2025, where cutting-edge innovation meets Texas charm. Nestled in the heart of San Antonio, this stunning home is a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern design, thoughtfully crafted to embrace indoor-outdoor living. From the earliest design sketches to the final finishing touches, every detail was chosen to create a space that’s as stylish as it is functional—even in the sweltering Texas heat.

And when it comes to the outdoor experience, Trex is at the center of it all. From the durable, low-maintenance decking to sleek, modern railing, outdoor kitchens, and stylish furnishings, Trex products were carefully selected to bring this vision to life. Get ready to step into the outdoor spaces that make this home truly smart.

Why Trex? The Smartest Choice for Outdoor Living

Poonam Moore, the designer behind this year’s HGTV Smart Home, emphasized that the smartest feature of the outdoor space isn’t just the technology—it’s the materials.

From heat-resistant decking* to sleek cable railings, built-in deck lighting, and a space-saving spiral staircase and more, every Trex element was chosen to create a stunning, functional, and effortlessly livable outdoor space.

Trex Transcend® Lineage® Decking in Jasper: A Bold, Moody Choice for Texas Heat

One of the standout features of this outdoor retreat is the use of Trex Transcend Lineage decking in the rich, moody Jasper shade. This warm, deep-toned decking was selected for its versatility, durability, and timeless appeal. “Selecting materials isn’t just about trends; it’s about longevity,” says Poonam Moore, Designer of the HGTV Smart Home 2025. “The Jasper shade harmonizes beautifully with the HGTV Smart Home’s design, creating a long-lasting aesthetic that can withstand the test of time.” But beauty isn’t the only reason she picked a shade from the Lineage® decking line. Thanks to Trex’s SunComfortable™ technology*, this decking stays cooler underfoot—an absolute game-changer for Texas summers.

Trex Signature® X-Series Cable Railing: Sleek, Minimalist, and Unobstructed Views

For a home that embraces open-concept design, the Trex Signature® X-Series Cable Railing was the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces. “The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of cable railings allow the surroundings to be the focus, not the railing,” shares Moore. “It gives the space a modern, almost invisible look, making it perfect for the modern design of the HGTV Smart Home, where openness and transparency are key elements to the overall vibe.” With durability and low maintenance in mind, this railing not only adds a contemporary edge but also ensures that the views—especially from the upper deck nestled in live oak trees—remain front and center.

Trex Deck Lighting: Setting the Mood for Outdoor Entertaining

No outdoor living space is complete without the right lighting, and Trex deck lighting was added to elevate the ambiance of the HGTV Smart Home’s exterior. “Lighting is the secret ingredient in any great design, and Trex deck lighting takes it to the next level,” says Moore. “It’s functional, and it illuminates the decking and railings in a way that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere as the sun sets.” Beyond aesthetics, Trex lighting enhances safety and functionality, making the outdoor areas welcoming long after dark.

Trex Outdoor Kitchen: The Ultimate Entertaining Space

San Antonio’s warm climate makes outdoor cooking and dining a must, and the Trex Outdoor Kitchen is designed for effortless entertaining. “The goal was for the outdoor kitchen to feel like a natural extension of the overall outdoor living space,” says Poonam Moore, Designer of the HGTV Smart Home 2025. “We achieved this by selecting materials and finishes that mirrored those used in the decking, railings, and other outdoor features.” Paired with a pass-through window for convenience and premium materials that withstand the elements, this Trex Outdoor Kitchen is a chef’s dream.

Trex Pergola: The Perfect Blend of Shade and Style

At the HGTV Smart Home 2025, the Trex Pergola provides a striking architectural element while offering much-needed shade for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. Designed to seamlessly integrate with the home’s Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, it enhances both form and function by defining lounge areas, creating shaded dining spots, and adding dimension to the backyard oasis.

Constructed with premium, low-maintenance materials, the Trex Pergola is engineered to withstand the harsh Texas climate without fading, warping, or rotting. Unlike traditional wood pergolas, it requires minimal upkeep while maintaining its sleek and sophisticated appearance. Whether adorned with lights, paired with Trex Outdoor Furniture, or surrounded by climbing greenery, the Trex Pergola is a smart and stylish addition to any modern outdoor space.

Trex Spiral Stairs: Space-Saving & Stylish

One of the most striking architectural elements in this outdoor retreat is the Trex Spiral Staircase, which connects the upper and lower decks while adding a bold design statement. “My design was inspired by the desire to maximize space, connect the upper deck with the lower deck, and add a visually striking element to the outdoor areas,” says Moore. “It’s not only space-efficient but also creates a dynamic architectural feature that draws the eye and enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.”

Trex Outdoor Furniture & Fire Table: Luxury Meets Comfort

The Trex furniture and fire table are the finishing touches that transform this backyard oasis into a true outdoor retreat. Moore shares, “The furnishings are a blend of beauty, comfort, and versatility. Not only do they look stunning, but they’re also incredibly practical, allowing for easy rearranging to create fresh looks whenever desired.” The Trex fire table creates a cozy gathering spot, perfect for relaxing under the stars. “The fire table becomes a focal point where you can gather with loved ones, share stories, and soak in the beauty of the home and its serene backyard,” Moore adds. “It’s a space that invites you to unwind, and I can already picture the wonderful memories that will be made here, whether it's enjoying a quiet evening or hosting friends under the stars!”

Bringing It All Together: A Cohesive & Smart Outdoor Design

With every Trex element working in harmony, the HGTV Smart Home 2025 boasts an outdoor space that feels like a true extension of the indoors.

The result? A cohesive, inviting outdoor living space that encourages relaxation, connection, and effortless entertaining.

The Standout Feature: A Bold, Moody Decking Choice

While every Trex product played a role in creating this stunning backyard retreat, the rich, dark Jasper decking stands out as a design-defining element.

Experience the Future of Outdoor Living with Trex

The HGTV Smart Home 2025 proves that smart outdoor living isn’t just about technology—it’s about choosing high-quality, durable materials that enhance your home’s beauty, functionality, and comfort.

From the heat-resistant* decking to the minimalist cable railing, outdoor kitchen, lighting, and furniture, this space is a perfect blend of modern luxury and Texas charm.

Looking to transform your own backyard? Trex offers everything you need to create a low-maintenance, stylish, and long-lasting outdoor oasis—no matter where you live.

*Our SunComfortable™ products with heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color. Although engineered to be more comfortable, they can still get hot to the touch when direct sunlight and high temperatures converge for extended periods of time. On such days, care should be taken.