8 Advantages of Adding a New Deck to Your Home

Adding a new deck to your home can greatly enhance your outdoor living space and provide numerous benefits for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. With the average lifespan of a deck being 10-15 years, many homeowners need to replace an aging or deteriorating deck.

Investing in a new deck is a smart upgrade that can increase your home’s value, expand your usable square footage, and create an inviting outdoor oasis for relaxation, entertaining, and quality time with loved ones.

As the weather warms up, now is a great time to consider upgrading your outdoor space with a brand-new deck built to your specifications. Read on to learn more about the top eight advantages of adding a new deck.

1. Added Living Space

A new deck adds valuable square footage to your home without the high cost of a home addition. This extra outdoor living space can be used for entertaining, dining al fresco, relaxing outdoors, and more. With the right deck furniture, lighting, and accessories, you can create a comfortable, inviting outdoor room perfect for gathering with family and friends. An elevated deck also provides better views of your yard, garden, or landscape features.

2. Flexible Design Options

One of the best aspects of building a new deck is that you can customize it to suit your needs and preferences perfectly. Decks can be built in various shapes and sizes, with multiple levels, integrated planters or benches, privacy screens, pergolas, and other design features. You can choose from decking materials like pressure-treated lumber, composite, or exotic hardwoods in various colors and grain patterns. Railings, stairs, lighting, and other finishes can also be selected to reflect your style.

Consulting with top deck contractors ensures your vision is realized accurately and professionally. A qualified deck pro can help you design your ideal outdoor living space.

3. Increased Home Value

Installing a new deck is one of homeowners’ best returns on investment. According to multiple studies, the ROI for patios and decks can exceed 100% based on the size and materials used. The 2018 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors found that patios can recover 102% of their building costs on average, with the 2016 version of this report estimating recoup rates as high as 106%. Remodeling Magazine also reported in 2007 that adding a wooden deck is the most cost-effective home improvement project for a mid-range home.

With the average cost of a new deck around $10,000, you can expect to recoup nearly all or even more than your investment if you sell your home. Curb appeal is also enhanced with an attractive, well-built deck, making your home more desirable.

4. Improved Safety and Security

Over time, old decks can become unstable and unsafe due to deterioration and damage. Replacing an aging deck with a new, properly constructed one enhances safety for your family.

Proper deck footings, structural support, decking materials, railings, and code-compliant stairs will ensure your new deck is secure and built to last. Proper lighting and eliminating dark corners underneath also improve nighttime visibility and security. Also, consider adding a gate, access control system, or video monitoring for additional peace of mind.

5. Lower Maintenance Requirements

If your existing deck is splintering, cracking, or showing other signs of wear, it likely requires continual maintenance and repairs, which can be costly, labor-intensive, and frustrating. A new deck built with quality materials will look better and save you time and money on annual maintenance.

Modern decking materials, such as composites, resist cracking, splintering, mold, and mildew. New, durable finishes and weather-resistant woods require less upkeep. And proper installation and construction techniques will prevent issues like pooling water or premature rotting.

6. Improved Energy Efficiency

Strategically placed new decks can help reduce home energy costs. Installing a new deck with proper insulation, vapor barriers, and ventilation improves energy efficiency. And enclosing a deck or installing decking with spaced boards allows heat to radiate into your home on colder days.

A deck located on the south, east or west side of your home provides shade in the summer, helping reduce air conditioning costs. A deck with an overhead canopy also creates a cooling zone around your home. In the winter, a south-facing deck allows desirable solar heat gain into your home, reducing heating costs.

7. Enhanced Outdoor Enjoyment

The right new deck creates the perfect spot for you, your family, and your friends to relax, dine, play games, exercise, and make lasting memories outdoors. You can decorate your deck with comfortable, weather-resistant furniture, accent lighting, planters, and other accessories to create your ideal sanctuary. An outdoor kitchen, fireplace, hot tub, or other amenities take your deck enjoyment to the next level.

A new deck can offer simple pleasures like enjoying morning coffee, reading a book, doing yoga, grilling dinner, stargazing, or curling up by the fire pit. A multi-level or large deck also provides plenty of room for gatherings, parties, or quiet contemplation.

8. Increased Overall Health Benefits

Spending more time outdoors on your new deck can enhance your physical and mental well-being for you and your loved ones. According to a 2019 study, spending 120 minutes a week outdoors is linked to better health and wellness.

Exposure to fresh air, sunlight, and nature on your deck reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Your deck is also perfect for doing yoga, cardio, strength training, or other exercises.

Your deck can become a culinary hub with a grill setup. This provides an opportunity for cherished family time and encourages healthier dining options. Imagine savoring freshly grilled meals under the stars. Rather than resorting to takeout, you can relish home-cooked, nutritious meals prepared right there. Ultimately, shared outdoor activities, such as a family barbecue, strengthen bonds and foster deeper relationships.

Conclusion

Adding a new deck expands your home’s livable space, functionality, and visual appeal while providing numerous lifestyle enhancements. Careful planning allows you to create the ideal deck tailored to your needs. With flexible layout options, customized features, and the latest decking materials and construction techniques, today’s decks provide safety, security, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. For superior craftsmanship and expertise in designing and building the deck of your dreams, be sure to hire a professional, licensed deck construction company. With a stunning new deck, every day is a chance to relax and make the most of your outdoor oasis.