IBS 2026 Recap: Outdoor Living Is Evolving
We just wrapped up an incredible few days at IBS 2026.
Across conversations with designers, builders, and dealers, one thing stood out: Homeowners are no longer thinking of outdoor kitchens as separate spaces. They want a seamless extension of the home. Spaces where doors stay open, windows slide back, and the kitchen flows naturally outside.
That shift is raising expectations — not just for design, but for how projects come together.
Here’s a look inside our booth at IBS:
As outdoor living continues to evolve, expectations are increasing.
It’s no longer just about adding an outdoor kitchen — it’s about delivering a space that feels intentional, cohesive, and aligned with the home.
At the same time, builders and designers are under pressure to move faster and simplify the process.
- Streamline planning and quoting
- Reduce project timelines
- Deliver more without adding complexity
That balance — better design with less friction — is where the biggest opportunity lies.
Three Ways to Work with WeatherStrong
As project demands continue to evolve, builders and designers need solutions that can flex to different timelines, design goals, and customer expectations. From factory-assembled cabinetry to assembled-on-site solutions, WeatherStrong® is built to support how you design, build, and sell.
At WeatherStrong®, we’ve built our offering around 3 simple collections: Custom Collection, Stock Collection, and Island Collection.
Custom Collection - Designed for How Designers Create
At IBS, we saw strong engagement around the WeatherStrong® Custom Collection — the foundation of our brand.
Designers were especially drawn to our expanded color display, featuring 17 premium finishes and 4 signature door styles, giving them more flexibility to create outdoor spaces that feel fully connected to the home.
We also heard a growing demand for wall cabinetry in outdoor kitchens, allowing for more functional storage and a more complete, built-in look.
Custom Collection is built to support that level of design, offering:
- Factory-assembled construction for a faster, more streamlined installation
- A wide range of finishes and door profiles to match interior styles
- The ability to create fully integrated outdoor spaces
And now, with full integration into 2020 Design and ProKitchen catalogs, it’s easier than ever for designers to plan, present, and sell WeatherStrong as part of their everyday workflow.
Stock Collection - Built for Speed and Simplicity
One of the most talked-about introductions at the show was our Stock Collection program — designed to move projects forward with simplified decision-making.
Stock Collection focuses on:
- Assembled-on-site (AOS) construction to simplify delivery and installation
- A curated selection of high-demand styles and finishes
- Ships out of our factory in 2 business days
We also introduced WeatherTop compact laminate countertops, available within the Stock Collection, to further streamline the process and reduce the need to source additional materials.
By shipping quickly and assembling on-site, dealers can navigate tighter job sites, reduce damage risk, and keep projects moving efficiently.
The response was clear — dealers are looking for ways to reduce decision fatigue, shorten timelines, and win more jobs.
Stock Collection is built to do exactly that.
👉Learn more about our assemble-on-site solutions.
Island Collection - Complete Outdoor Kitchens, Simplified
With cabinetry, appliances, and WeatherTop countertops working together, Island Collection was introduced as a simplified way to design, present, and sell a complete outdoor kitchen.
Designed as a single-SKU solution, WeatherStrong® Island Collection helps dealers showcase the full space and make it easier for customers to quickly understand the vision.
- A complete outdoor kitchen solution, simplified into one package
- An easier way to present and sell the full space
- A clear path from concept to close
With WeatherStrong® cabinetry, Jupiter grills, side burners, and outdoor refrigeration, dealers can deliver a cohesive outdoor kitchen experience — all from one partner.
Introducing Jupiter: Expanding the Outdoor Kitchen
Another key highlight at IBS was the introduction of Jupiter outdoor appliances.
With the addition of grills, side burners, and outdoor refrigeration, WeatherStrong® now supports more of the outdoor kitchen — not just the cabinetry.
Jupiter outdoor appliances are designed to work seamlessly across Custom Collection, Stock Collection, and Island Collection, giving dealers the flexibility to build complete outdoor kitchens around any project.
The response at the show was strong, as dealers look for ways to streamline projects while delivering more for their customers.
Complete the Space
Outdoor kitchens aren’t just about cooking — they’re about how people gather, host, and spend time together. To help bring the full space together, we also introduced new additions designed to complete the outdoor experience.
WeatherStrong® Barstools: Factory assembled and available in four colors and two height options, our barstools are designed to complement outdoor kitchen layouts while simplifying the final details of a project.
- A cohesive look across the entire space
- No assembly required
- Fewer items to source from multiple suppliers
We also previewed a WeatherStrong® TV Lift Cabinet, designed to bring entertainment into the outdoor space while protecting electronics from the elements.
While still in development, the response was strong, reinforcing the demand for fully integrated outdoor living solutions.
Launch timing is to be determined.
What’s Coming Next
IBS also gave us the opportunity to share new concepts and product directions — and gather feedback from the people who use our products every day.
The response was incredibly positive.
While many of these innovations are still in development, that feedback is already shaping what comes next. Dealers can expect new products, expanded offerings, and continued innovation in the near future.
If you didn’t make it to IBS, we’d still love to connect. Whether you’re expanding into outdoor or looking for a better way to deliver your next project, our team is here to help.
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