Building a deck in your backyard is a great way to expand your living space in a beautiful and functional way. But, will it increase the value of your home? The answer is that it depends. The first factor you have to consider is the material you use for your deck.
Beyond that, the features of your deck will also play a role in the impact your outdoor space has on your home’s overall value. Let’s dive a little deeper into both factors so you have a better understanding of how to build a deck with the best return on investment.
High-Value Deck Materials
The two most common decking materials are composite and wood. Generally speaking, both materials offer a similar return on investment, making them comparable in that aspect.
Composite Decking
Here at Deck Guru, we proudly offer Trex composite decking. On average, composite decking offers around a 63% return on investment, making it a great option for your deck. While it is a bit more expensive upfront than wood is, it requires much less maintenance and is designed to last much longer.
So, while you may invest more into your deck initially, composite decking can cost less over the life of your deck. This can appeal to more potential buyers, leading to a higher home value.
Wood Decking
On average, wood decking offers a 66% return on investment, so it’s about even with composite decking. And, as we mentioned above, it’s generally a lower-cost option. This makes it an attractive choice, especially if you’re trying to renovate your home on a budget.
However, since it’s susceptible to damage from moisture and pets, it will degrade more quickly and require hands-on maintenance over the years. So, while a new wood deck can increase your home’s value initially, it can lower the value after a few years if you don’t take care of it.
Deck Features That Can Increase the Value of Your Home
The features of your deck also play an important part in how much your outdoor space can impact your home’s value. As a general rule of thumb, the more your deck can appeal to the masses, the more value it will add to your home. So, if increasing your home value is your primary goal, you’ll want to stay away from features that are too unique.
Some deck features that add resale value include:
- Built-in fire pits
- Outdoor kitchens
- Pergolas
- Built-in seating
- Safety railings
- Built-in fire pits
Of course, at the end of the day, it’s your home and it should fit your needs. But, if you design your deck with functionality in mind and incorporate a few of the features we mentioned above, you can build an outdoor space that you love and that improves the value of your home.
Build a High-Value Deck for Your Home in Northern Virginia
Now that you know more about the deck materials and features that can help increase the value of your home, you can start thinking about how to upgrade your backyard in a way that makes sense.
When you’re ready to take the next step, the Deck Guru team is here to walk you through the process. Contact us today to request a free estimate.
