Why Building a Deck Is One of the Best ROI Projects in 2025
- Mark Evans
- May 7
- 4 min read
By Wasatch Deck and Rail Supply
Let’s be honest — home improvement projects can be a gamble. Some upgrades feel great in the moment but don’t add much value when it’s time to sell. But if you’re looking for a project that boosts your lifestyle AND your property value, a deck is one of the smartest plays you can make — especially in 2025.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to create the perfect outdoor retreat or a contractor planning for client demand, adding a deck isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s an investment — and the return is better than ever. In fact, depending on your region, the ROI (return on investment) for a new deck can reach up to 70%, and sometimes more.
At Wasatch Deck and Rail Supply, we work with contractors and homeowners across the country — and we’re seeing this trend everywhere. People want low-maintenance, high-function outdoor spaces that look good and make sense financially.
📈 Let’s Talk ROI: Why a Deck Pays Off
So what makes a deck one of the highest-ROI projects right now?
1. Outdoor Living Is No Longer a Luxury — It’s a Must-Have
Post-pandemic, the value of a usable outdoor space skyrocketed. Buyers aren’t just interested in a deck — they expect it. A well-designed deck creates a “wow” factor, adds square footage to your lifestyle, and sets a home apart in competitive markets.
2. Decks Appeal to Nearly Everyone
Unlike a bold kitchen renovation or a custom basement theater, a deck is a universal win. It can be dressed up or kept simple, and it fits into nearly every home style and budget.
3. Utah (and the West in General) Sees Even Higher Returns
National averages for deck ROI hover around 44–70%, but in places like Utah, Colorado, and parts of the West — where outdoor culture is king — we’ve seen projects return 70% or more of their original cost at resale.
In growing markets with a healthy blend of new construction and resale activity, a deck is the kind of addition that helps homes move faster and for more money.
What Does a Deck Actually Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect depending on the size and style of your deck:
Deck Type | Cost Range (Installed) |
Basic Wood Deck (200–300 sq ft) | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Composite Deck (300–400 sq ft) | $15,000 – $25,000 |
Premium Composite w/ Features (400+ sq ft) | $30,000 – $60,000+ |
Of course, your price will vary based on location, material selection, labor costs, and extras like lighting, railings, or pergolas.
Pro tip: Want the style without the constant upkeep? Composite decking like TimberTech is pricier upfront but pays for itself over time in durability, resale value, and zero-stain weekends.
What Impacts Deck Value the Most?
Not all decks are created equal when it comes to ROI. Here’s what separates a value-adding deck from one that barely moves the needle:
✅ Material Choice
Composite decking, especially from trusted brands like TimberTech and Trex, not only looks great but holds up long-term. It resists fading, cracking, and warping — meaning a future buyer won’t see your deck as a “project.”
✅ Railing Systems
Cheap or weathered railings can kill curb appeal. We supply premium railing options — aluminum, cable, composite — that are sleek, code-compliant, and visually elevate the whole structure.
✅ Design & Layout
Simple is fine, but thoughtful layout (multi-level zones, built-in seating, hot tub platforms) creates a sense of usable space and intentional design — both of which add to resale appeal.
✅ Professional Installation
DIY jobs can be charming… or concerning. A professionally built deck with permits and solid framing adds serious value. Shaky stairs and loose boards? Not so much.
Thinking Like a Buyer: Why Decks Matter at Resale
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize — buyers shop emotionally first, and logically second. A beautiful, low-maintenance deck gives that emotional spark that makes people picture themselves living there. It extends your home, adds functional space, and just feels right.
Even in colder climates, decks create a vision. Fire pit. Hot tub. String lights. Weekend mornings with coffee. It’s hard to put a price on that, but buyers do — and they’re willing to pay more for it.
Cost vs. Value in Action: A Real Example
Let’s say you invest $22,000 into a mid-size TimberTech deck with aluminum railings and LED lighting. At resale, you get back around $15,400–$17,000 in added property value. That’s a 70–77% return, not even factoring in how much you enjoyed using it while you lived there.
Compare that to a bathroom remodel, which might bring back 50–60% — and you’ve got yourself a financially smarter upgrade.
Where We Fit In
At Wasatch Deck and Rail Supply, we’re not just a supplier — we’re your deck project partner. Whether you’re a homeowner just starting to explore decking materials or a contractor pricing out your next install, we’ll guide you through:
Budget-friendly and premium material options
Smart design layouts that maximize resale appeal
Regional code considerations and performance needs
Add-ons like lighting, pergolas, and fire features
Nationwide shipping and local Utah expertise
Our team knows this industry inside and out — and we want to help you build something that lasts, performs, and pays you back in every way.
Final Thoughts
If you're going to spend real money on your home, spend it on something that gives back — in lifestyle and in resale value. A deck is one of the few upgrades that checks both boxes.
And in 2025, with outdoor living still at the forefront of buyer interest, there’s never been a better time to build.
Ready to start planning? Call us. Visit us. Or just swing by the showroom and start dreaming.
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