Decks are one of the top 10 home improvements for return on investment. Use this calculator to estimate how much value your deck project will add to your home.
Not all deck materials return the same value. Here's how the three most popular options compare based on national cost-vs-value data:
| Material | Avg. cost (320 sqft) | Avg. resale value | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | $14,400 - $19,200 | $12,000 - $15,900 | ~83% |
| Cedar | $17,600 - $24,000 | $13,200 - $18,000 | ~75% |
| Composite | $20,800 - $30,400 | $14,100 - $20,700 | ~68% |
Key insight: Pressure-treated wood has the highest ROI percentage, but composite has lower lifetime maintenance costs. If you plan to stay in your home for 10+ years, composite may save you money on staining, sealing, and repairs — even though its upfront ROI is lower.
How does a deck compare to other common renovation projects?
| Project | Average ROI |
|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | ~94% |
| Manufactured stone veneer | ~89% |
| Wood deck addition | ~83% |
| Minor kitchen remodel | ~81% |
| Siding replacement | ~76% |
| Composite deck addition | ~68% |
| Bathroom remodel | ~64% |
| Major kitchen remodel | ~54% |
A wood deck consistently ranks in the top 5 home improvement projects for ROI. Even composite decks outperform major kitchen and bathroom renovations.
ROI only tells part of the story. A deck provides:
Ready to plan your deck project? Use our cost calculator to get a detailed estimate, or get free quotes from local deck builders.
According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report, wood decks recoup approximately 83% of their cost at resale, while composite decks recoup about 68%. This makes decks one of the top 10 home improvement projects for ROI.
Yes. A well-built deck typically adds 68-83% of its construction cost to your home's resale value. For example, a $20,000 deck can add $13,600-$16,600 to your home value, while providing 20-25 years of outdoor living space.
Pressure-treated wood decks have the highest ROI at approximately 83%, followed by cedar at around 75%, and composite at about 68%. However, composite decks have lower maintenance costs over their lifespan, which can offset the lower initial ROI.
It depends on your situation. Decks generally have a higher ROI (68-83%) compared to patios (50-75%). However, a concrete patio costs less upfront. If your yard slopes or you want an elevated outdoor space, a deck is typically the better investment.
A 320 sqft (16x20) deck costs approximately $14,400-$30,400 installed in Ontario, depending on material choice. Pressure-treated is the most affordable at $45-60/sqft, cedar runs $55-75/sqft, and composite costs $65-95/sqft (all-in with labour).
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