Should You Add A Wood Deck To Your Home Before Selling?

A backyard deck is a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends, whether you're enjoying a cup of hot chocolate on a cool fall evening or grilling hamburgers on a warm summer day. Building a wood deck seems like a great idea, but is it worth it if you're about to sell your home? According to Remodeling, a wood deck will provide a 65% return on the money spent to build it. That rate is higher than the 62% return from building one made of composite materials. It's also a higher rate of return compared to other common home improvement projects, such as a kitchen or bath remodel. This research indicates that a majority of homebuyers find a wood deck to be an attractive feature when they are looking for a new house.

The reason for this appeal has to do with the fact that more people are interested in expanding their outdoor living spaces than ever before. Spending time in a natural setting feels refreshing and uplifting, and enjoying a relaxing ambience outside has become a favorite pastime for many people. Of course, there are a variety of ways to design an outdoor space, so what are the benefits (or drawbacks) of adding a wood deck to your home before you place it on the market? Here are some points to consider before you begin this project.

A wood deck lays the foundation for an inviting outdoor space. For example, a wood deck with an outdoor kitchen and plenty of seating sets the stage for the perfect neighborhood barbecue. Providing comfortable cushions and pillows creates a cozy and relaxing environment for guests. When potential buyers tour your home, they immediately begin to imagine themselves and their family members in the space, as well as how it could be arranged to accommodate their needs. The presence of a wood deck that will increase their living space and offer endless opportunities to relax and entertain will likely be a welcome sight.

However, there are also a few reasons why a wood deck would not be an appropriate addition to a home. Wood needs to be maintained in order to stay attractive and also to stay structurally safe. It must be sealed against water damage to prevent it from weakening from exposure to the elements. It must also be protected from damage caused by termites or other insects. Sunshine and rain will cause the stain to fade and wear off over time, requiring regular care such as weatherproofing and re-staining. Not every homebuyer will appreciate the maintenance required for a wood deck.

One alternative is to build a deck made of the composite materials mentioned earlier instead. This type of structure will not need the same maintenance that a wood deck requires. It does not suffer as much wear and tear from sunshine and precipitation, and it is not vulnerable to damage from insects or other pests. Composite decking will also last longer than wood decking, making it a better investment in the long run.

Keep in mind that a wood deck is less expensive to build and it does command a higher return on investment than its composite counterpart. The question to consider is how soon your home will be placed on the market after building this addition. If you decide not to sell your home right away, it may be worthwhile to add a composite deck in order to save money on maintenance while still enjoying the benefits of expanded outdoor living space. However, if you plan to list your home soon after adding this new structure, then building a wood deck is the most cost-effective choice for your newly-listed home.