What Adds More Value To Home A Deck Or Patio

A deck usually adds more money back to your home than a patio. According to 2024 reports, wood decks give you about 83% return on investment (ROI), while patios offer around 55-80% ROI. But the best choice depends on your yard, budget, and how you plan to use the space.

Both options make your home worth more. They create outdoor living space where families can relax and play. Let’s look at which one fits your needs and gives you the best value for your money.

Understanding Return On Investment For Outdoor Spaces

When you spend money fixing up your home, you want to know you’ll get that money back. This is called return on investment, or ROI.

What The Numbers Really Mean:

A wood deck that costs $17,000 to build might add about $14,000 to your home’s value. That’s an 83% ROI. If you spend $5,000 on a patio, you might get back $4,000 to $4,500 when you sell.

ROI changes based on where you live. Homes near the coast or in warm places see better returns. Why? Because people use outdoor spaces more often in these areas.

Factors That Affect Your Return:

Several things change how much value you add:

• Your local housing market: Homes in nicer neighborhoods see bigger returns
• Climate and weather: Year-round warm weather means more outdoor use
• Quality of materials: Better materials last longer and look nicer
• Professional installation: Well-built spaces are worth more
• How it fits your home: A deck that matches your house style adds more value

Deck Value: The Higher ROI Choice

Decks consistently beat patios in terms of money returned. Here’s why homeowners and experts love them.

The Financial Benefits Of Building A Backyard Deck:

Recent data from the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report shows impressive numbers. Wood decks return 83% of their cost, while composite decks return about 68%.

A standard 16×20 foot wood deck costs around $17,615 to build. When you sell your home, this deck adds about $14,621 in value. That’s money in your pocket.

Composite decks cost more upfront—about $24,206 for the same size. But they give you back $16,460 in home value. Plus, they need less work to maintain over the years.

Why Decks Score High With Buyers:

Real estate agents say decks are one of the top five outdoor features buyers look for. The National Association of Realtors gives decks a “joy score” of 9.8 out of 10.

What makes decks so popular? They create extra living space without adding to your home’s footprint. Families love having a place to grill, eat meals, or watch the stars.

Decks work great on sloped yards where patios won’t fit. They also give you a better view if your yard overlooks nice scenery.

Wood Versus Composite: Which Material Wins:

Wood decks cost less to build and give you the highest ROI percentage. Pressure-treated wood is affordable and looks classic. But wood needs regular staining and sealing every few years.

Composite decks like Trex or TimberTech cost more at first. However, they last 25-50 years with very little maintenance. No painting, no rotting, and no termite damage.

For a quick sale, choose wood. If you’re staying in your home for many years, composite saves money in the long run.

Patio Value: The Budget-Friendly Option

Patios might have lower ROI numbers than decks, but they still add real value to your home. And they cost much less to build.

How Much Value Patios Really Add:

Building a patio typically costs between $4,000 and $5,300. Some experts say well-designed patios can give you up to 100% ROI, meaning you get all your money back.

Other studies show patio ROI ranging from 30% to 80%. The big range depends on materials, size, and location. A simple concrete patio in a cold climate gives less return than a fancy stone patio in sunny weather.

Patios also add 8-10% to your home’s overall value. That’s a nice boost for a relatively cheap project.

When Patios Make More Sense:

Patios shine in certain situations:

• You have a flat, level yard
• Your budget is tight
• You want a low-maintenance space
• Your yard is small
• You prefer ground-level outdoor areas

Patios work perfectly for small gathering spaces. Put out a table and chairs, add some plants, and you have a cozy spot for coffee or dinner.

Patio Material Choices And Costs:

Different patio materials give different results:

Concrete: Cheapest option at $2-6 per square foot. Lasts 30-50 years. Can crack in cold weather.

Pavers: Mid-range at $10-25 per square foot. Easy to repair if one breaks. Lots of color and pattern choices.

Natural Stone: Most expensive at $15-40 per square foot. Beautiful and unique. Lasts forever with proper care.

Concrete patios offer the best ROI for your dollar. Stone patios look amazing but might not increase your home value enough to cover their high cost.

Building Deck Over Concrete Patio: Best Of Both Worlds

Already have a concrete patio that looks old and cracked? You can build a deck right over it. This saves money on removing concrete and gives you a fresh new look.

The Smart Way To Cover Old Concrete:

Building a deck over concrete patio surfaces makes sense when:

• Your concrete has small cracks but is still stable
• Removing the concrete costs too much
• You want the look of a deck without starting from scratch
• The concrete is properly sloped away from your house

This approach costs less than tearing out concrete and building a traditional deck. You use the existing concrete as your foundation.

Important Things To Check First:

Before building deck over concrete patio areas, inspect carefully:

1. Check for major problems: Large cracks or sinking areas need fixing first
2. Look at water drainage: Concrete should slope away from your house
3. Measure door heights: Your new deck will raise the surface 2-3 inches
4. Think about stairs: You’ll need to adjust existing steps

Professional contractors recommend using sleepers—wooden strips that create space between the concrete and your deck boards. This lets air flow and water drain properly.

Deck And Patio Combinations That Work:

Some homeowners get creative with deck and patio combinations. You might have a concrete patio close to the house with a raised deck further out. This creates different zones for different activities.

These mixed designs give you the best of both worlds. The patio handles heavy furniture and grills. The deck provides an elevated space with better views.

Practical Design Tips For Maximum Value

Good design isn’t just about looking nice. It’s about creating a space people actually want to use. Here’s how to make smart choices.

Sizing Your Outdoor Space Right:

Don’t build too big or too small. A good rule is 20-40 square feet per person who will use the space regularly.

For a family of four, aim for 100-160 square feet. That’s roughly a 10×12 or 12×14 deck or patio. This gives enough room for furniture without overwhelming your yard.

Avoid building spaces that are bigger than your house needs. A huge deck on a small house looks odd and won’t add proportional value.

Features That Boost Appeal And Value:

Adding special touches increases your ROI:

• Built-in seating: Saves space and looks custom
• Good lighting: Lets you use the space after dark
• Privacy screens: Makes the area feel more comfortable
• Multiple levels: Creates visual interest and separate zones
• Railings that match your home: Keeps the design cohesive

Keep it simple though. Buyers like functional spaces, not complicated designs that need constant upkeep.

Matching Your Home’s Style:

Your deck or patio design ideas should flow with your house. A modern home looks best with clean lines and contemporary materials. Traditional homes pair well with classic wood or brick patterns.

Look at your home’s colors and materials. Choose deck or patio colors that complement, not clash. Gray composite decking works with almost any house color. Natural wood tones add warmth to brick or stone homes.

Cost Comparison: Deck Vs Patio Home Value

Let’s break down the real costs so you can make a smart choice for your budget and goals.

Upfront Building Costs:

Here’s what you’ll likely spend:

Labor makes up about half your total cost for most projects. DIY installation can save money if you have the skills and time.

Long-Term Maintenance Expenses:

Maintenance costs add up over time:

Wood Decks: Need cleaning, staining, and sealing every 2-3 years. Budget $500-$1,000 per treatment. Over 10 years, that’s $2,000-$4,000 in maintenance.

Composite Decks: Just soap and water cleaning once or twice a year. Maybe $50-$100 total over 10 years.

Concrete Patios: Occasional pressure washing and sealing. About $200-$400 every few years.

Paver Patios: Replace broken pavers as needed. Re-sand joints every few years. Around $300-$600 per decade.

When you add maintenance to initial costs, composite decks often cost less than wood in the long run. Patios generally need less maintenance than decks.

Tax And Insurance Impacts:

Building a deck usually increases your property taxes slightly. Your home is worth more, so you pay a bit more tax. The increase is typically small—maybe $50-$200 per year.

You might also see small insurance increases. Decks add structure to your property, which affects coverage. Call your insurance agent before building to understand the impact.

Patios generally cause smaller tax increases since they add less overall value.

Regional Differences In Value Added

Where you live changes how much value outdoor spaces add to your home. Climate, local preferences, and neighborhood norms all play a role.

Climate’s Effect On Outdoor Space Value:

Warm climates see the highest returns on decks and patios. In places like California, Arizona, and Florida, outdoor living spaces get used year-round. Buyers in these areas pay more for homes with nice outdoor areas.

Cold climates see lower returns. If your deck sits under snow for five months, buyers value it less. But you still get decent ROI—just not as high as warmer regions.

The Pacific region shows the best deck ROI at 111% for wood decks. That means you actually make money building a deck there.

Local Market Preferences Matter:

Different areas prefer different outdoor spaces:

• Urban areas: Smaller patios and rooftop decks
• Suburban neighborhoods: Full-size decks for entertaining
• Rural properties: Large patios and multi-level decks
• Coastal regions: Composite materials that resist salt air

Research what’s common in your neighborhood. If every house has a deck, not having one hurts your resale value. If patios are rare, adding one makes your home stand out.

Pennsylvania And Central PA Fitness Living:

In Central Pennsylvania, outdoor spaces are popular despite cold winters. Families in Harrisburg and nearby areas love outdoor entertaining in spring, summer, and fall.

Local contractors like UDA Services specialize in building outdoor spaces that handle Pennsylvania’s changing seasons. They understand local building codes and weather challenges.

Many Pennsylvania homeowners combine their outdoor projects with wellness goals. Having a nice deck or patio encourages more outdoor time, which benefits your health. Some families even add outdoor fitness areas alongside their decks.

Making Your Final Decision

Now you know the facts. Here’s how to choose what’s right for your home and situation.

Questions To Ask Yourself:

Think about these points:

1. How long will you live in this house? Staying 5+ years? Go with composite for low maintenance. Selling soon? Wood deck gives fastest ROI.
2. What’s your budget? Limited funds point toward patios. More money to invest? Decks give better returns.
3. Is your yard flat or sloped? Flat yards work for either. Sloped yards need decks.
4. How much maintenance will you do? Busy lifestyle? Choose composite decks or concrete patios. Like weekend projects? Wood decks are fine.
5. What do neighbors have? Match your neighborhood’s standard to maximize value.

Getting Professional Help:

Hiring experienced contractors makes a huge difference. Poor construction hurts your ROI and creates safety problems.

Look for builders who:

• Have proper licenses and insurance
• Show you past projects
• Offer written warranties
• Understand local building codes
• Provide detailed written estimates

UDA Services offers deck and patio construction throughout the Harrisburg area. They handle everything from design to permits to final construction.

Permits And Building Codes:

Most decks need building permits, especially if they’re attached to your house or over 30 inches high. Patios usually don’t need permits unless they’re very large.

Getting proper permits protects you. Permitted work must pass inspections, ensuring it’s built safely. When you sell, buyers’ home inspectors check for proper permits.

Skip the permit and you risk:

• Fines from your city
• Having to tear down your deck
• Problems selling your home
• Insurance not covering damage

Final Thoughts

So, what adds more value to a home: a deck or patio? The numbers say decks win with 83% ROI for wood and 68% for composite. Patios come in at 55-80% ROI but cost much less upfront.

Your best choice depends on your specific situation. Decks work better for sloped yards, give higher returns, and buyers love them. Patios cost less to build, need less maintenance, and work great on flat land.

Both options increase your home’s value and give you wonderful outdoor living space. The real winner is the one you’ll use and enjoy most.

Ready to add value to your home with a beautiful new outdoor space? Contact UDA Services for a free quote on your deck or patio project. Their expert team serves homeowners throughout Central Pennsylvania with quality construction that lasts.

Whether you choose a classic wood deck, modern composite design, or attractive patio, investing in outdoor living space is money well spent. You’ll enjoy your new space for years, and when it’s time to sell, buyers will pay more for your home.

Start planning your project today and watch your home’s value grow.