A new deck can completely change the way you experience your home. It creates a place to gather with family, entertain friends, enjoy Michigan’s warmer months, and spend more time outdoors.
But before investing in a new outdoor living space, many homeowners ask an important question: Will a new deck increase my home's value?
As a Greater Lansing deck builder, we've spent more than 20 years helping homeowners throughout Mid-Michigan create outdoor living spaces that fit their homes and lifestyles. We've seen how the right combination of materials, creativity, and craftsmanship can turn a basic backyard into an extension of the home.
In this article, we'll explain how much value a deck can add to your home, which factors influence ROI, and how to maximize your investment:
- What Is the Average ROI of a New Deck?
- Does the Type of Decking Material Affect ROI?
- How Does Deck Design Affect Return on Investment?
- Which Deck Features Add the Most Value?
- How Do Maintenance and Construction Quality Affect ROI?
- What Deck Investment Mistakes Can Reduce ROI?
- How Can Homeowners Maximize the ROI of a New Deck?
What Is the Average ROI of a New Deck?
The return on investment for a deck depends on several factors, including the materials used, the complexity of the design, and the quality of the construction. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition recoups approximately 60.1% of its cost, while a composite deck addition returns approximately 83.8% through added home value.
While a deck may not return every dollar spent, choosing the right materials and investing in quality construction can significantly improve the long-term value of your home. A well-designed deck also provides years of enjoyment before you ever consider selling.
However, ROI is about more than resale alone.
A deck also provides:
- More functional living space
- Improved outdoor entertaining options
- Better connection between your home and backyard
- Increased enjoyment of your property
A homeowner who builds a deck and enjoys it for 10 or 15 years before selling has received value throughout the entire time they own the home.
Family cookouts, graduation parties, evenings around a fire table, and quiet mornings with coffee outside all become part of the investment.
The goal isn't simply to build a deck that looks good in a listing photo. It's to create a space your family will enjoy while also improving your home's long-term appeal.
Does the Type of Decking Material Affect ROI?
The material you choose has one of the biggest impacts on your deck's long-term value.
While pressure-treated wood remains a popular option because of its lower upfront cost, composite decking often provides greater long-term value because of its durability and reduced maintenance.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated lumber can be a great option when properly designed, installed, and maintained. A properly built wood deck provides a functional outdoor living space and can help improve your home's appeal.
However, homeowners need to understand the ongoing maintenance involved.
A wood deck should be:
- Cleaned regularly
- Lightly sanded when rough areas appear
- Sealed with a penetrating stain every other year
- Inspected for moisture damage
Without proper maintenance, wood can:
- Turn gray
- Absorb moisture
- Split and splinter
- Break down faster
Some homeowners choose wood because it costs less upfront. But over time, the cost of cleaning products, stain, sealant, and maintenance materials adds up.
Composite Decking
Composite decking requires a larger upfront investment but can provide stronger long-term value.
Many composite products are designed to resist:
- Fading
- Staining
- Cracking
- Warping
- Splintering
- Insect damage
Unlike wood, composite decking does not require regular staining or sealing. For many homeowners, the ability to spend more time enjoying their deck and less time maintaining it is a major benefit.
Composite materials can also provide greater appeal to future buyers because they offer the look of a finished outdoor living space without the maintenance concerns of traditional wood.
The better the materials, the greater the potential return.
How Does Deck Design Affect Return on Investment?
Bigger doesn't always mean better when it comes to deck design.
Some of the highest-value decks aren't the largest; they're the ones designed around how a family actually uses their outdoor space.
A thoughtful design can make a deck feel more comfortable, functional, and connected to the rest of the home.
Create Spaces for Different Activities
A well-designed deck can feel like multiple outdoor rooms instead of one large platform. Depending on your goals, your deck may include dedicated areas for:
- Dining
- Grilling
- Relaxing
- Entertaining
- Enjoying a view
Multi-level decks can be especially effective because they naturally separate different activities while creating visual interest.
For example, one level may provide space for a dining table, while another creates a comfortable area for lounge seating or conversation.
Design Around Your Property
The best deck designs work with the home and landscape instead of competing with them.
A deck near a pool can improve the overall outdoor experience by creating a comfortable place to relax between swims. A waterfront deck may benefit from glass railings that preserve the view while still providing safety.
The goal is to create a seamless connection between:
- The home
- The backyard
- Existing landscaping
- Outdoor features
When everything feels connected, the deck becomes a true extension of the home.
Plan Around Your Furniture
One of the most overlooked parts of deck design is planning for the furniture that will actually be used.
Before construction begins, homeowners should consider:
- How many people typically gather outside
- Whether they need space for dining furniture
- Where the grill will be located
- How guests will move through the space
- Whether additional seating will be added later
A deck can look large on paper but feel cramped once furniture, a grill, and outdoor accessories are added.
A professional design process helps ensure the finished space feels comfortable instead of crowded.
Use the Space Below an Elevated Deck
For elevated decks, homeowners may be able to create additional value by making use of the area underneath.
A system like Trex RainEscape can help transform the space below a deck into a dry, usable area.
That space could become:
- A covered patio
- Outdoor storage
- A protected seating area
- A place to keep outdoor furniture
Instead of having unused space below the deck, homeowners can create another area their family can enjoy.
Which Deck Features Add the Most Value?
The most valuable deck features are the ones that improve how you use the space.
Rather than adding features simply because they look impressive, think about what will make your outdoor area more comfortable, functional, and enjoyable.
Grill Bump-Outs
For homeowners who regularly cook outside, a grill bump-out can create a dedicated cooking area without taking away valuable entertaining space.
Benefits include:
- Keeping the main deck area open
- Improving traffic flow
- Creating a safer grilling location
- Making outdoor cooking easier
Built-In Seating
Built-in benches can add both function and visual appeal.
They provide additional seating without requiring large pieces of outdoor furniture that take up valuable floor space.
Built-in seating can also help create a more customized appearance that feels intentional and connected to the overall design.
Outdoor Lighting
PC: Trex
Lighting allows homeowners to enjoy their deck long after the sun goes down.
Popular options include:
- Lighted stair treads
- Handrail lighting
- Post cap lights
- Accent lighting
Beyond appearance, lighting also improves safety by making stairs, walkways, and gathering areas easier to navigate.
Cocktail Railings
PC: Trex
For homeowners who enjoy entertaining, cocktail railings provide a convenient surface for drinks, appetizers, or decorations.
Small details like this can make a deck feel more prepared for gatherings with family and friends.
Glass Railings
PC: Trex
For homes with a scenic view, glass railings can provide safety without blocking the landscape.
They are especially valuable for properties near:
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Golf courses
- Wooded areas
A clear railing system can help homeowners enjoy the view while maintaining the safety benefits of a traditional railing.
How Do Maintenance and Construction Quality Affect ROI?
A deck's long-term value depends on more than the materials chosen. Proper maintenance and professional construction play a major role in protecting your investment.
A beautiful deck that isn't maintained or installed correctly can lose value quickly.
Maintenance Protects Your Investment
If you choose pressure-treated lumber or cedar, regular maintenance is essential.
Homeowners should:
- Clean the deck regularly
- Inspect for moisture damage
- Apply a penetrating stain and sealant as needed
- Address small issues before they become larger problems
Avoid using thick paint or shell coatings that sit on top of the wood.
While these products may look appealing at first, moisture can become trapped underneath. Over time, that can lead to bubbling, peeling, and deterioration.
A quality penetrating stain helps protect the wood while allowing it to breathe.
Construction Quality Matters
Even premium materials will not perform properly if they are installed incorrectly.
We've seen situations where composite decking was installed using improper fastening methods. For example, some contractors drive standard construction screws through the surface of composite boards.
This creates several problems:
- Damages the appearance of the deck
- Can compromise the protective surface
- May void manufacturer warranties
- Allows moisture to enter over time
Proper installation is just as important as choosing the right material.
A professionally built deck should include:
- Proper footings
- Correct framing
- Appropriate joist spacing
- Secure connections
- Safe stairs and railings
- Proper permits and inspections
These details protect your investment and help ensure the deck remains safe for years to come.
What Deck Investment Mistakes Can Reduce ROI?
A deck is a major investment, and the choices made during planning, design, and construction can have a lasting impact on its value.
The goal isn't just to build a deck that looks good when it's finished. It should also perform well, remain safe, and continue adding value years down the road.
Choosing Materials Based Only on Price
Budget is always an important consideration, but the lowest upfront cost doesn't always create the best long-term value.
A less expensive material may require:
- More frequent maintenance
- More repairs over time
- Earlier replacement
- More time spent caring for the deck
When comparing materials, consider the total cost of ownership, not just the initial investment.
A composite deck may cost more upfront, but the reduced maintenance and longer lifespan can make it a better value over time.
Hiring Without Researching the Contractor
The contractor you choose can have just as much impact on your deck's ROI as the materials you select.
A properly built deck should be:
- Designed for your home
- Built to current building codes
- Installed according to manufacturer requirements
- Completed with proper permits and inspections
Before hiring a deck builder, homeowners should research:
- Licensing and insurance
- Previous projects
- Customer reviews
- Experience with similar deck designs
Saving money with an inexperienced contractor can create expensive problems later.
Overlooking Long-Term Use
A deck should be designed around the way your family lives today and how the space may be used in the future.
Before construction begins, consider:
- How many people will regularly use the deck
- Whether you host gatherings
- Whether you need space for outdoor furniture
- Whether storage or covered space would be helpful
A thoughtful design helps ensure the deck remains functional instead of becoming a space that looks nice but rarely gets used.
How Can Homeowners Maximize the ROI of a New Deck?
The best return on a deck investment comes from combining quality materials, smart design, and professional construction.
Homeowners can maximize their ROI by focusing on a few important areas.
Choose Materials That Match Your Goals
The right decking material depends on your priorities.
If you're looking for the lowest upfront cost and don't mind ongoing maintenance, wood may be a good option.
If you want a deck that maintains its appearance with less upkeep, composite decking may provide greater long-term value.
The best choice is the one that fits both your budget and how you want to enjoy your outdoor space.
Design Around Your Lifestyle
The most valuable deck is one your family will actually use. Think about how you spend time outdoors and build around those activities.
That may include:
- A larger dining area for family meals
- A grill station for cooking
- Lighting for evening gatherings
- Built-in seating for entertaining
- Covered space for protection from the weather
The goal is to create an outdoor living space that feels like a natural extension of your home.
Work With an Experienced Builder
A deck is not a project where cutting corners pays off.
An experienced contractor can help you:
- Select the right materials
- Create a functional layout
- Solve design challenges
- Build according to code
- Protect manufacturer warranties
Professional guidance helps ensure the deck you build today continues adding value years into the future.
Next Steps to Building or Remodeling Your Deck in Greater Lansing
A new deck is more than an outdoor structure. It is an investment in how you enjoy your home today and the value your property can provide in the future.
While the exact ROI depends on your home's location, the materials selected, and the quality of the build, a well-designed deck can improve your home's appeal while providing years of enjoyment for your family.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we believe the best outdoor living spaces are created by understanding how homeowners actually live. Our team helps homeowners design decks that balance beauty, functionality, durability, and long-term value.
Contact our team to discuss your deck ideas and learn how a professionally designed outdoor living space can add value to your home.
Now that you know more about the ROI of a deck build, let’s explore deck lighting ideas, deck privacy designs, and our deck-building services:
- 6 Deck Lighting Designs Michigan Homeowners Use Most: Ideas from a Greater Lansing Composite Deck Builder - Explore six popular deck lighting designs that improve safety, extend evening entertaining, and add style to Michigan outdoor living spaces.
- 6 Best Deck Designs with Privacy for Michigan Homes: Inspiration from a Greater Lansing Deck Builder - Discover six deck design ideas that help Michigan homeowners create more private, comfortable outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining.
- Custom Built Deck-Building Services - From design to construction, we create durable, beautiful decks tailored to your home, lifestyle, and budget while guiding you through every step of the process.
