Deck ROI Calculator

Not automatically. Composite typically costs more upfront but requires less maintenance, while wood costs less upfront but needs more upkeep over time. Which one recovers more of its cost depends on your market, buyer expectations, and how long you plan to own the home — enter your own cost and value assumptions for each to compare.

Project cost divided by deck square footage. This is a simple reference figure based on your own inputs — it is not a claim about the local market average cost per square foot for deck construction.

It depends on whether comparable homes in your market already have outdoor living space. Consider whether buyers in your market value outdoor living space and whether the deck's condition could affect marketability, rather than assuming any project is automatically worth it before a sale.

Financial cost recovery is only one consideration. A deck can also provide years of personal use and outdoor living value that this calculator does not assign a dollar amount to.

Most municipalities require a permit for an attached deck above a certain height or size, though smaller ground-level structures may not need one. Requirements vary by city and county — check with your local building department.