What is a deck?
These highly sought-after home features can boost your resaleif properly maintained.
What is a deck?
Credit:John Granen
These elevated structures have long been a gathering placefor homeownersand their families and neighbors.
They provide an area for dining and socializing and can add value to your home if properly maintained.
A good deck can be a huge selling point.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
John Granen
What is a deck?
Decks are typically made with a variety of pressure treated lumber or other composite materials.
Cosby says that the most common wood types for decks are pine, followed by redwood and cedar.
Credit:John Granen
You might also see hardwoods such as ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood used.
Decks differ from porches and patios, though you might find people using the terms interchangeably.
Of course, the definition can change as you add features to your deck.
Credit:Susan Gilmore
It can become a porch when there is protection overhead.
The term deck can also refer to a concrete pad surrounding anin-ground pool.
Your deck might also require a railing for safety, depending on where you live.
Does a deck boost property value?
A livable outdoor space is prized on buyers lists as they house hunt.
Should you build a deck?
Instead, consider adding a deck if you plan to use it and if your budget allows for it.
Thecost of building a deckwill vary based on the materials you chose to use, Cosby says.
Generally, pressure-treated pine will be the least expensive option when it comes to lumber.
Redwood and imported hardwoods tend to be the most expensive, he says.
Composite decking might be more expensive, but it can last up to 50 years.
I recommend re-sealing your deck every one to two years.
Cosby suggests looking for a mold- and mildew-resistant solution and toavoid using bleachfor this job.
Decide on the right positioning for your deck based on the features and positioning of your property.
Consider the surrounding environment like trees and position of the sun.
Falling leaves and debris will need to regularly be swept or washed off, Kiel says.
The sun could bake the deck and you may not ever use it if you cant enjoy it.
Youll also want to prevent access underneath your deck so animals cant nest there.
Before you build, be sure youre fully aware of local ordinances and zoning laws.
Typically, building a patio is cheaper than building a deck.
However, a deck tends to add more value to a home than a patio.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?Angi.
