Do Decks Increase Property Value?

Many homeowners value their decks for providing a comfortable space to spend time outside. Well-designed decks can also add value to a home because they provide more outdoor living space for relaxing, grilling, dining, and entertaining friends and family.

But how much value a deck adds to a home depends on its size and design, the materials it’s made of, the quality of the build, and what buyers in the local market want. A deck that fits naturally with the home and yard can be a valuable home improvement, while an oversized or poorly planned deck may not deliver the same return.

Here’s what homeowners should consider before building a deck.

A deck expands the usable space around your home without adding a full indoor room. A deck can make the backyard more functional by creating the indoor-outdoor connection many homeowners want and a space to relax with outdoor furniture.

From a resale perspective, a deck can increase a property’s value and make the home more appealing to prospective buyers. Your exact return on investment (ROI), however, will vary based on material costs, labor costs, market demand, location, and the deck’s design.

There’s also value that goes beyond resale. A deck gives you a dedicated place for:

• Grilling and outdoor kitchens
• Entertaining friends and family
• Hot tubs or spas
• Built-in planters and other seasonal features

You may eventually sell your home, but until then, you get to enjoy the outdoor living space yourself.

A deck should feel proportional to your house and yard size. Thoughtful deck design considers traffic flow, furniture placement, deck orientation, stairs, railings, and how people will move between the home and backyard. A multi-level deck may make sense on a sloped property, while a simple single-level design could work better in a smaller yard.

A professionally built deck that feels solid underfoot is likely to make a better impression than one with uneven boards, loose railings, or questionable framing.

Permits, footings, railing requirements, framing, and connections all matter. Working with a qualified contractor can help make sure the finished deck is built with long-term performance in mind.

Regional deck ROI can vary. In areas where outdoor living is a major part of how homeowners use their properties, a functional deck may be especially appealing.

For St. Louis homeowners, that means thinking about changing seasons, sun exposure, shade, weather resistance, and how the deck will be used throughout the warmer months.

Deck material affects the upfront cost, appearance, maintenance requirements, and lifespan of your project:

• Wood decking provides a natural look and comes in varieties such as pressure-treated wood, which is a traditional, budget-conscious choice, and ipe wood decking, which provides the natural look with impressive density and durability, although material costs can be higher.
• Composite decking combines long-term durability with lower maintenance. Products such as a Trex composite deck or TimberTech composite decking are popular options for homeowners who want the look of wood without regular staining and sealing. Many composite products also incorporate recycled materials.
• PVC decking is another low-maintenance option. It resists moisture and eliminates many of the maintenance concerns associated with traditional wood.
• Steel framing is an alternative to treated lumber for the deck structure. Steel is stronger and will not rot or decay. It has a class A fire rating and will last longer than wood structures. Products from New Castle Steel use recycled material and carry a 50-year warranty.

When comparing deck materials, consider maintenance costs, lifespan, and the manufacturer’s limited warranty. Depending on the product, transferable warranties may also be worth considering if you expect to sell your home.

Decks aren’t the only way to upgrade a backyard. Patios, porches, and landscaping upgrades can all create a more functional exterior design.

A backyard patio can work especially well for flat yards and ground-level entertaining. A covered patio adds weather protection, while a deck can be a better solution when you need to accommodate elevation changes or want the outdoor living space to connect directly to an upper floor.

Some properties even combine decks and patios to create separate areas for dining, a hot tub, outdoor storage solutions, or seating.

The better choice depends on your property, budget, and how you want to use the space rather than which project sounds more valuable on paper.

There’s no single perfect season for every deck project. Planning ahead, however, gives you more time to make decisions about deck material, layout, framing, and features.

If you plan to sell your home soon, building a new deck might not be an option due to timing or budget constraints. Instead, if your home already has a deck, focus on making sure it is safe, clean, and well-maintained. If you plan to stay in your home, however, prioritize the existing deck’s durability and your own outdoor living goals over short-term resale value. This can mean re-staining or replacing parts of your deck that show natural wear-and-tear.

If adding value is one of your goals, start with a deck that makes sense for the house rather than trying to squeeze in every possible feature.

Smart planning decisions can help:

• Choose a deck size that fits your home and yard.
• Compare wood, composite, and PVC deck materials based on long-term costs.
• Consider how deck orientation affects sun and shade.
• Leave room for future expansions or enclosing your deck.
• Follow local permit and railing requirements.
• Use durable framing and quality decking materials.
• Plan space for the features you will actually use.
• Keep the design consistent with your home’s architecture.

DIY your deck only if you have the experience, tools, and understanding of local building requirements to do the work safely. A professional deck builder can help with structural planning, material selection, permitting, and installation.

If you’re thinking about adding a deck, start by choosing a design that fits your home, yard, and how you want to use the space. From there, compare materials based on your budget, maintenance preferences, and long-term plans to make sure the finished space is built for lasting use and enjoyment.

When you’re ready to build, Outdoor Living Inc. can help you plan and install a custom deck that complements your home and creates more room for relaxing, dining, and entertaining outdoors. Contact Outdoor Living Inc. for a free estimate, call 314-798-7728, or visit the Kirkwood showroom to start planning your new outdoor living space.