What is a deck ? These extremely seek - after home feature can boost your resale — if right maintained .
What is a pack of cards ? These rarified body structure have long been a gathering placefor homeownersand their families and neighbor . They provide an sphere for dining and socialisation and can append time value to your plate if in good order maintained . A good deck can be a huge marketing point .
“ You visualize the precise slur where the family is represent cards , you ’re swaying on the swing , the glass of a beverage sudation in your deal while a warm breeze blow through the yard and soft music plays , ” suppose Erin Kiel , a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Destinations . “ At that decimal point , the focus is on the feeling , and you know this home is the one . "

Credit:John Granen
As youhouse William Holman Hunt , you might be enquire what distinguishes a deck from other types of outside structuressuch as porches , patios , and lanais . These experts explicate the differences and have some advice on how to get the most out of a deck , if you adjudicate to add one to your property .
John Granen
What is a deck?
pack of cards differ from patios and porch , even if there is n’t an prescribed definition for them compose across all rules for the MLS ( Multiple Listing Services ) .
“ Unlike a patio , which is build flat on the ground , a pack of cards is a structure that ’s bring up from the ground and is typically attached to a dwelling , ” says Coleman Cosby , project manager and landscapearchitect at Yardzen , a digital landscape painting design serving .
deck are typically made with a variety of pressure treated lumber or other composite cloth . Cosby pronounce that the most common wood types for deck are pine , followed by sequoia and cedar . You might also see hardwoods such as ipe , cumaru , and tigerwood used . Composite materials , on the other hand , are a mixture of recycled materials such as waste matter wood and reuse credit card , Cosby says .

Credit: Anthony Masterson
Decks differ from porches and patio , though you might find people using the term interchangeably .
“ It dissent from a porch in that it ’s not enclosed , and it does not extend to the roof of a social organisation , ” Cosby says .
Of of course , the definition can change as you add feature to your deck .

Credit:John Granen
“ It can become a porch when there is trade protection overhead . In this direction , a patio is similar to a deck , except it is on dry land point and consists of concrete or pavers , ” Kiel says . “ The terminus pack of cards can also bear on to a concrete pad surrounding anin - ground pool . ”
Your deck of cards might also require a railing for safety machine , depending on where you live .
“ deck are often hire as a way to take in sight around the plate and are frequently build up to cover from a story above ground level , ” Cosby says . “ One can also build a modest deck that extend off the priming coat story storey of a nursing home — this type of low - profile deck of cards may or may nothave railings . ”

Credit:Susan Gilmore
Does a deck boost property value?
Americans have increasingly turned to theirbackyards as sources of relaxation and escape cock , and they ’re induct in their yards as an propagation of their homes . A livable outdoor space is prized on emptor ’ lists as they house hunt .
“ One of the top request amongst Yardzen clients is way to entertain , and among these householder , they want ample space for trenchant living , dining , and tuck place , ” Cosby allege .
Yardzen data shows a 68 % step-up in large out-of-door dining tables for eight plus masses , a 70 % increase in outdoor bars , and a 56 % increment in requests for attack pits year over year .
“ A pack of cards is a great way to achieve these multiple assemblage and entertainment zones , peculiarly if you have a multi - story home or if you ’re looking to create a transitional space between your home and G , ” Cosby contribute .
Should you build a deck?
A well - built and well - maintain deck is certainly of added note value to your home , but you should n’t build one just skip to harvest the rewards down the line should you sell . Instead , consider adding a deck if you plan to apply it and if your budget allows for it .
Thecost of building a deckwill vary establish on the materials you chose to use , Cosby says .
“ Generally , pressure level - treated pine will be the least expensive option when it comes to lumber . sequoia and spell hardwoods be given to be the most expensive , ” he allege .
Composite decking might be more expensive , but it can last up to 50 yr .
“ It also require less maintenance in the way of weatherproofing , hangout , and refilling compared to lumber , which needs a hard hand of upkeep to continue secure and attractive , ” Cosby adds .
Wooden decks can be painted or stained and willhave to be restainedand seal on a regular fundament followingpressure washing , Cosby says .
“ I recommend re - sealing your deck of cards every one to two twelvemonth . For areas with intense sun and heat exposure , ensure to use a sealant with UV protectant , ” he enjoin .
Susan Gilmore
All types of pack of cards should be clean to removemold and mildew , which can damage the deck but also make the surface slippery . Cosby suggests look for a mold- and mildew - immune solvent and toavoid using bleachfor this job .
settle on the right locating for your deck based on the features and positioning of your place .
“ reckon the surrounding surroundings like trees and position of the Dominicus . fall leaves and detritus will need to regularly be swept or washed off , ” Kiel says . “ The sun could bake the deck of cards and you may not ever use it if you ca n’t enjoy it . ”
If you populate in a colder environment , you’re able to cover the deck in the off - time of year to avoid legal injury from the elements . You ’ll also need to forestall access underneath your deck so animals ca n’t draw close there .
Before you build , be sure you ’re amply aware of local regulation and zone laws .
“ I advise client to visit their local county website and get in touch with the building department and/or read their county ’s Land Development Code , ” Kiel suppose . “ In many cases , it may be best to connect with an approved contractor who will then aid in the permitting process and ensure that all specifications are approved by the county . ”
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Angi , the middling cost of a new pack of cards is between $ 30-$60 per straight metrical foot , bet on the type of material you choose to utilise . However , 2nd - story decks will be more .
Typically , building a patio is cheaper than construct a deck of cards . This is because patios are made from concrete or stone , which is less expensive than the materials postulate for a deck of cards . However , a pack of cards tends to add more value to a menage than a patio .
A covered deck is useful because you could enjoy the blank , regardless of the weather . you’re able to use a pergola , an sunshade , or a patio cover to protect a deck from the elements .
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?Angi .