You’ve probably considered adding a deck to your yard at some point. Maybe you were worried about the costs, or maybe you’re not sure if it’s worth the hassle. The truth is, when done right, it’s not just about enhancing your backyard but also about increasing the value of your home.

Plus, they’re also something that adds value to your home. Experts estimate that the average ROI for a deck is 72%. So, why should you make installing a deck this year’s project?

1. Make Some Room

Did you know decks count towards how many square feet your property has?

You can use decks to extend any part of the first floor. Whether you want to use your deck as an outdoor dining room by extending it from the kitchen or adding more space to your living room for some summer lounging, it’s all possible with a deck.

If you have a trickier layout, such as a sloped or yard, you might even want to build a multi-story deck. If you’re going down this route, hire reputable deck builders to assemble it.

2. Upgrade Your Entertainment

Transform your home entertainment game with a well-furnished deck. No two decks are alike because it’s down to you to make it your own.

It helps if you’ve already had some ideas before getting started on the building work, too. That way, you can work with a pro to design a custom deck space that accommodates everything you want.

Here are some of your options:

• Canopies
• Barbeques
• Tables and chairs
• Intricate lighting
• Televisions (under shelter)

Decks can be customized to suit whatever you want from your deck. Today, there’s never been more you can do with a deck.

3. Take in the Amazing View

There’s nothing like an outdoor space with a view. If your yard is suitable, consider a raised outdoor deck.

Raised decks allow you to enjoy the view and more natural light. Sit outside at sunrise or sunset and enjoy a few quiet moments while watching the world go by. Again, incorporating an incredible view into your home is another big selling point for potential homebuyers.

4. Choose from an Array of Styles

Because of the styles available, decking is designed to suit any home. For example, composite decking provides an eye-catching, low-maintenance deck. In contrast, a multi-level deck expands your living space even further with a quirky and luxurious addition to your yard.

Let’s go through some of the styles you can choose from.

Classic Wood Deck

 Classic wood decks are timeless and offer natural beauty and warmth. Choose from exotic teak, pressure-treated pine, and so much more. Each choice has a unique tone, texture, and grain for the height of sophistication.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is the modern twist on the traditional wood deck. If the idea of regular maintenance stops you from installing a deck, or the local climate doesn’t play nice with traditional wood, then composite’s the way forward.

So, what’s composite made of? It’s a mix of wood fibers and plastic. That’s what gives composite resistance to rot and insects while still giving you that classy wood aesthetic.

Minimalist Decks

Minimalism is a style you’ll find in many modern homes, but there are also minimalist decks. Think neutral colors, sharp lines, and removing clutter. These decks also incorporate other materials into the design, such as polished concrete.

Go as spartan as you like with this design, and add some subtle lighting to bring the best out of these decks.

Multi-Level Decks

Don’t assume that you can’t have a deck because you’ve got a sloped yard or a lack of space. Multi-decks deal with this problem because they work with any gradient, and the extra levels let you build up instead of out. It’s also a major focal point for any backyard because each level can have its purpose, whether formal dining or just looking out at the view.

Rustic Country Decks

Rustic-style abodes can benefit from rustic country decks. These incorporate the beauty of the outdoors through natural materials, including stone and metalwork. They’re often presented in earthy tones to resemble the ruggedness of the natural landscape.

Eco-Friendly Decks

Are you worried about the planet? If you’re one of the two-thirds of concerned Americans, decks don’t have to mean not being green. Instead, these decks use recycled materials, local plants, and wood cut from sustainable sources. Some deck builders even do these things as standard because they know it matters to many Americans.

5. Adaptable to Any Outdoor Space

Decks provide flexibility because you can build them practically anywhere. Unlike other outdoor features, decks don’t require level ground. Instead, you can plant them on steep and uneven land to reclaim those spaces you may have never used.

Of course, if you have one of these yards, you have to be extremely careful with how you build your deck. Call a professional so it’s built safely and meets all your local codes.

6. Long-Lasting

There’s no doubt decks are an investment, but they’re also more potent than most people think. Well-built decks can stand up to all but the extreme weather conditions. Decks are like anything else; you’ll get more years out of them if you maintain them properly.

Here’s how long some of the more popular materials last for on average:

• Classic Wood Deck – 10-15 years
• Capped Composite Decks – 25-30 years
• Capped PVC Decks – 50+ years

Getting the extended lifespan for a deck will mean paying more. On the other hand, paying more now means you’ll save more later.

But how do you know when your deck is on its way out and can’t be repaired anymore? Repairing your deck is always an affordable option because tightening screws and adding some extra support is much cheaper than starting from scratch. However, sometimes, it’s ideal to move on and opt for a total replacement.

The first step is to ask yourself how old your deck is. If it’s past its expected lifespan, your deck is living on borrowed time, and it’s time to consider replacing it. On a side note, some decks can last for much longer. Don’t replace a deck just because it’s past a certain age, but if you’re repairing it every summer, it’s time to consider it.

The next step is to look at the deck’s biggest enemy: rot. Once moisture gets into the wood, it’s difficult to fix it because dry rot spreads fast, and once you see the signs, it’s often too late.

Although composite decks are protected from rot, moisture may eventually get in, which is one of the universal signs that you need a new deck.

Other signs include:

• Poor feel.
• Presence of ants or termites.
• Deteriorating ledger board.
• Weak deck joists.

Transform Your Outdoor Space

 Pulling the trigger on a new deck is a decent investment for any family. What matters is that it’s done right. Whether you want to put a new face on your home or enjoy a new outdoor living space, your deck is one of the premier investments you can make to your home’s exterior.

Published By: Aize Perez