Planning for Profit: How to Prepare for a Successful Outdoor Living Season in 2026

While 2025 may still have some gas in the tank, the most profitable contractors and dealers are already planning for 2026. Why? Because spring doesn’t wait—and neither do high-paying customers.

A successful outdoor living season starts long before the ground thaws. It begins with smart forecasting, strategic inventory planning, and securing your spot in the production queue for custom structures like pool houses, pavilions, and pergolas.

Here’s what you should be thinking about now:

• Review past performance. What sold well in 2024 and 2025? What trends are emerging—outdoor kitchens, dual-purpose garages, luxe poolside retreats?
  

• Talk to your reps. Lead times can make or break your season. Get on the schedule now to lock in priority production slots and avoid costly delays when spring hits.
  

• Upgrade your displays. Winter is the perfect time to revamp your showroom, build a new display pavilion, or add signage that reflects the premium quality of your offerings.
  

• Market before the rush. Don’t wait until April to start your lead gen. Launch ads, update your website, and send emails to past clients now so your spring schedule fills early.
  

• Think margins. Premium structures mean premium profits. Make sure your 2026 lineup includes high-end options with strong upsell potential.

The bottom line?

The contractors and dealers who win the season are the ones who plan ahead. Whether you’re booking installs, prepping a new showroom, or placing your first wholesale order, the moves you make this fall and winter will shape your results all next year.

Want help mapping out your 2026 strategy? Contact the Oasis Group today—we’re here to help you plan smarter, sell more, and build profit into every season.