Deck Renovation Ideas That Add Value to Your Property

Key Takeaways

• Covered patios extend your living space outdoors while protecting you from the Carolinas’ sun, humidity, and sudden storms.
• Popular covered patio styles include pergolas, pavilions, screened patios, and gazebos, each offering unique benefits for shade, airflow, and design.
• Design upgrades such as outdoor kitchens, fire features, built-in seating, and lighting can turn a backyard into a year-round retreat.
• Choosing durable, low-maintenance materials and an experienced patio builder ensures your investment looks great and lasts through Carolina seasons.
• A covered backyard patio can increase home resale value while creating a personalized space for relaxing, entertaining, and everyday living.

A deck is a great way to extend your living space outdoors while also adding value to your home. There is also a wide range of renovation features you can add to your deck that will give you a great return on investment.

Deck Features for Any Budget

You don’t have to have a huge budget for deck renovations to make a big impact. There are a number of add-ons you can use to increase your enjoyment and enhance property value without a huge up-front investment. A few ideas:

Deck Lighting

Adding lights to steps, railings, and posts is a great way to add value while allowing the deck to be used after dark. Lights come in a range of price points, with some being highly affordable even on a budget. Wired-in lighting will cost more than battery-powered, but is often more durable. These will require a professional installation. If you want to save money without sacrificing visual appeal, solar lights can be added by homeowners fairly simply, won’t use extra electricity, and offer similar aesthetics.

Built-in Seating

Seating can be built in along the sides of your deck, or surrounding another feature such as firepits, adding functionality and comfort. Benches can be simple or elaborate, with added storage for cushions and outdoor decor integrated into the design.

Integrated Planters

Planter boxes can be built-in for railings to display flowers and greenery. Larger planters can also be added anywhere throughout for displaying larger foliage or even edible plants. Again, planters can be simple wooden boxes or elaborate display pieces. It all depends on your budget or skill level.

Stain or Paint

Adding a fresh coat of color is a great way to upgrade your deck without a huge investment of time or money. Stain and sealant can be added to touch up any weather-damaged areas on real wood decking. Some also choose to paint their deck to work with their home’s exterior, though keep in mind this will require more frequent touch-ups and maintenance.

Removable Deck Shade

A fabric canopy or retractable awning can be added to your deck for a relatively small expense to provide a shaded area to relax on warm days. There is a variety of deck shade options to consider, many of them removable, allowing you to extend them when needed and then fold them back up when you’re done.

Larger Deck Renovations

If you have a larger budget to work with and want to make major upgrades to your outdoor space, there are several major deck renovations that will increase your home’s value even more. They’re also a great way to get more out of your outdoor space. These can include:

Hot Tubs

Adding a hot tub to your deck is a great way to relax after a long day, and it will make your home desirable for potential buyers in the future. You can find hot tubs that are both wired in and installed via your home’s plumbing, and plug-in options that you can refill manually. Keep in mind that built-in hot tubs will have a higher ROI.

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Pergolas and Roofing

Pergolas and other permanent covering structures are a stylish way to add shade and aesthetic appeal to your decking. They also provide overhead space for additions like lighting and outdoor ceiling fans to create a comfortable sitting area.

Outdoor Kitchens

If your deck is large enough, adding an outdoor kitchen and dining area for grilling and open-air dining is a great way to make the most of your space while adding value to your home. These can be built-in options integrated into the deck and home architecture, or modular kitchens you can install, move, and rearrange as needed.

Built-In Firepits

Decks may be designed with integrated firepits to enjoy your outdoor space even during the fall and winter months. This extends the use of your deck throughout the year, even if you live in an area with cooler temperatures. Firepits can be designed to utilize real wood, or lines can be run to allow for propane or natural gas.

Other Considerations

There are a few other considerations to keep in mind when renovating or adding a deck with the intent of increasing your home’s value.

Materials

Whether wood or composite decking is a better investment will depend on your home, budget, and level of maintenance you’re willing to do. A few issues to keep in mind:

Home architecture: An older or historic home may look best with a classic wood deck rather than more modern materials. Newer composite materials offer a realistic appearance, but nothing replaces the look and feel of real wood decking for some homeowners.

Upkeep commitment: Wood decking requires more maintenance than composite materials. This includes checking for worn boards, resealing, and staining your deck regularly to keep it looking and functioning at its best.

Upfront cost: Composite decking is a higher up-front investment than wood, but it lasts longer over time and requires less upkeep and maintenance.

Home Exterior Architecture

Ensure your deck and additions coordinate with the architecture of your home for the best results. This can include aspects such as color, adornments, and shape. A deck can be a lovely addition to even historic or more elaborate homes if well-planned and designed.

DIY or Professional Construction

Some additions, such as painting or canopy installation, may be done by homeowners as DIY projects. Others, such as deck additions or overhead shade structures, may need to be tackled by a professional contractor. When deciding whether you should take on your deck additions yourself or hire a professional, keep these issues in mind:

• Mechanicals require professional installation: Wiring, plumbing, or gas installation should be done by a licensed professional. Not only will this ensure your safety, but some locations require permits to be pulled even for small projects in these areas.
• Investment vs return: In most cases, upgrades to your deck will show a good return on investment even when paying professional fees. Doing the work yourself, however, may lower your returns and have the opposite effect you’re going for. Make sure you can perform a professional-level job before moving forward with a DIY project, or your additions may wind up lowering your home’s value instead of increasing it.
• Get multiple quotes: Some homeowners falsely believe that structures added to the exterior don’t require as much diligence as renovations done on the inside. The truth is, you should ensure your outdoor structures receive the same level of attention and professionalism as indoor ones. Get multiple quotes from contractors and ensure you check references, licensing, and insurance on anyone you’re considering.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of deck additions you can install to increase your property’s value while making your outdoor living space a warm and inviting place to enjoy all throughout the year.