Posted on September 15th, 2022.

Adding a deck to your home may seem like a daunting task. You need to consider project cost, your space budget (yard space versus deck or patio space), and so much else. But what value do you get out of adding a deck? Do the pros outweigh the cons?

Nobody can really answer that question but you, of course. But while we can’t tell you definitively whether you should add a deck or not, we can at least give you a good idea of the value you can get out of doing so. And the benefits of adding a deck? They’re pretty substantial.

We’ve come up with a list of eight solid points that you can safely drop into the “add a deck” column. And depending on your budget, your yard, your needs, and your tastes, we think the benefits of building one will outweigh not doing so for a great many homeowners.

So, without further ado, let’s explore eight reasons why you should add a deck, shall we?

Decks Improve the Value of Your Home

As a general rule (if not a universal one), a professionally-done addition to your home will almost always improve the value of your home. And if you’re thinking your current digs may not be your forever home, adding a deck can bolster your resale value substantially, depending on the quality of the deck and the spacial compromise you’ve made with your yard.

Decks Add Functionality

Deck and patio space offers more functionality to your home with a slew of outdoor living benefits that you’ll find useful all year round. Did you ever find yourself wanting to grill some food in the winter months? That may not be an easily-accomplished feat in an uneven snowy yard, but a deck with a roof or awning? No problem!

Decks Add Livable Space

Speaking of functionality, your new deck will increase your home’s livable space, too. You’ll have new places to work, play, and enjoy family time, with more room to store your outdoor belongings as well.

Decks Improve Yard Aesthetics

There are many different ways to beautify your yard; gardens, a nice pergola, some privacy fencing, new grass … there are lots of options available to you. But adding a deck to your home can add to your yard’s aesthetic qualities as well. The visual quality of a nicely-finished wood deck can turn a plain yard into a palatial one with some planning.

Decks are Low Maintenance

Unlike most of the rooms in your house, your deck should be fairly low maintenance, requiring less effort to keep nice. Whereas expanding your kitchen, for instance, might increase your cleaning time, you won’t finding yourself sweeping or washing the deck on a constant basis. They usually won’t require much other upkeep, either. A nice weatherproofing stain should last years.

Decks are Relatively Inexpensive

When compared to other additions to your home, the cost to add a deck is typically substantially low. On average, decks cost a little over $7,200 to construct. That’s cheaper than the average $30,000 spent on hiring professionals for kitchen additions or renovations. It’s even cheaper than the $8,000 average cost of doing those additions or renovations yourself. Some decks can cost as little as $2000 or even less to build, while the bigger fancier ones can run upward of $18,000 or more.

Decks Provide Peace and Quiet

We’ve all experienced those moments where you wish you could just get away, even if only for a short time. A deck, patio, or porch offers you such an escape; you can go outside for a moment, decompress, and then go back inside to tackle whatever issue is stressing you out.

With a growing number of Americans working from home these days, many have found that on a nice day, a deck can double as a peaceful, quiet outdoor office space, too. Lounging outside with an iced tea and a laptop is just about the most pleasant way of staying productive there is.

Decks are a Lot of Fun!

Imagine sitting out on your deck on a cool summer morning, sipping your coffee while watching birds peck bread crumbs off the dewy grass. For some of you, that’s all you’ll need to hear to want to build a deck.

Social gatherings can be greatly enhanced with a nice deck, too. You and your family and friends playing card games while listening to some music and grilling some tasty food, with all the comforts of your home just through the door? That’s pretty much the textbook definition of good living, isn’t it?

Should You Build a Deck Yourself, or Hire Pros?

If these reasons to add a deck to your home seem enticing, you might be wondering if it’s better to build it yourself or hire contractors to do it for you. And the answer to that question is going to largely depend on how handy and knowledgeable you are.

Building a deck is certainly the sort of DIY project that can save you a lot of money versus hiring professionals. Just be wary of trying to do it yourself. Home improvement TV shows and tutorial videos found on the web can seem really enticing, and some of you reading this can likely handle it yourself without an issue. Just know your limitations and take the time to consider whether or not this is the sort of project that is safely within your wheelhouse.

Source: Homeselfe