Considering a patio or decking addition to your home? Wondering if it’s worth the investment? You’re not alone! While outdoor improvements can be pricey, the payoff can be substantial.
The good news is that a well-designed deck or patio does add value, and it’s as much as 10% thanks partly due to potential buyers perceiving this as a further usable space. According to the Online Mortgage Advisor, adding a wooden deck can give you as much as 82.2% return on your investment. Pretty impressive right?
So, let’s dig a bit further into a patio or deck is a smart financial move for homeowners. Keep reading to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- Adding a patio or decking to your garden can increase the value by 10%.
- It provides benefits including more living space and enhanced curb appeal.
- Maximise the investment with quality materials, a good sized area, regular maintenance, and professional installation.
Why does a deck or patio area add more value to a home? Key benefits
Adding a patio or deck area to your home can provide numerous benefits that increase the value and appeal of your property. Here are some key advantages to consider:
- Increased usable living space for outdoor entertaining, dining, and relaxing.
- Improved aesthetic and curb appeal of home.
- Enhanced value and marketability of the home which can lead to a higher selling price.
- Flexibility in design and customization that can fit your needs and preferences.
- Can improve the overall functionality and flow of the home layout.
- Low maintenance outdoor living space that can be enjoyed for years to come.
A beautiful, well-designed outdoor area can be a big selling point for buyers, providing extra space to unwind and entertain. Adding decking or patio areas can help integrate the garden with the home, making it feel like an extension of your indoor space, and with the popularity of outdoor heating options, it can be enjoyed year-round.
A patio area can enhance your garden’s aesthetic and increase your home’s overall appeal, which is crucial for property selling. It also provides an additional liveable space at a lower cost and with less inconvenience than an extension or conversion, making it a smart investment.
Costings: Is a deck or patio cheaper?
Let’s talk costs. Before you commit to the idea of installing a deck or patio area, you are going to want to work out how much this is all going to cost.
You do have some control over the total price of a project like this as several factors can alter the cost, including:
- Size
- Materials used
- Design complexity
Typically, a patio tends to come in at a lower cost than decking, especially if it is constructed using concrete or pavers but if you are looking at a pricier, or popular, material such as Indian Sandstone or stamped concrete, then expect the cost to rise. In the case of a material, such as natural stone, then a deck made of pressure treated lumber can be less money.
With regards to yearly maintenance costs, a patio is relatively low maintenance, needing only cleaning and occasional sealing. On the other hand, a deck requires regular cleaning, specific solutions, and sealing to prevent moisture and sun damage. Checking for wood rot and damage is essential to avoid costly repairs.
At a glance: Costs overview
| Aspect | Patio Cost | Deck Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | £1,500 – £4,000 | £2,000 – £6,000 |
| Labour | £800 – £2,000 | £1,500 – £3,500 |
| Design | £500 – £1,000 | £800 – £1,500 |
| Maintenance | £100 – £500 | £250 – £750 |
| Total Cost | £2,900 – £7,500 | £4,550 – £11,750 |
| Added Value | £3,000 – £7,000 | £4,000 – £10,000 |
| Return on Investment (ROI) | 80-90% | 75-85% |
How can you best maximise investment in a deck or patio?
- Quality of materials- choosing high quality materials that are durable and low maintenance will ensure longevity of your patio and decking and minimise upkeep costs. For example, composite decking is a great alternative to traditional wood decking as it is resistant to rot, warping, and other damage. It has a more expensive upfront cost but costs less to maintain.
- Position of deck area- ensure that your decking or patio area is both comfortable and functional by placing it in an area of your garden that gets a perfect balance between sunlight and shade.
- Size of the area- larger spaces will typically add more value and give greater potential for return on your investment but you will want to ensure that the size of your patio or decking area is balanced with the outdoor space to avoid overwhelming the space.
- Enhance the appearance- consider adding in features such as lighting, outdoor heating, and built in seating to further improve its aesthetic appeal and practical usage.
- Regular maintenance- keep your patio or decking area looking its best with regular cleaning, maintenance, and repairs to ensure it retains its value.
- Choose professionals- be sure to work with experienced professionals when having a decking or patio area installed. Check reviews for someone that can offer design advice, quality installations, and reliable maintenance services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does decking or a patio last longer?
The longevity of decking or patio will depend on various factors such as the materials used, maintenance needed, and climate. Generally, decks made from pressure treated wood, or composite, will last longer with a lifespan of up to 20 years whilst patios made from concrete or brick can last up to 30 years.
Do I need planning permission for a deck?
In most instances, planning permission will not be required for decking or patios but there are some size limitations on this, for example, it should not be raided more than 30cm above the ground. We would always recommend checking with your local authority for any regulations or restrictions that may apply to your specific location.
Should you build a deck or patio first?
If you plan to have an outdoor space that includes both patio and decking, you would be best to lay the patio first as this will act as a solid foundation for any decking that you plan to install. Consult with the construction team that will be working on your outdoor transformation who will be able to best advise on the most suitable path to take.
Summary
Installing a patio or decking to your home’s outdoor space can be an expensive addition that makes you question whether it does add value. Ultimately, adding one of these elements to your garden can add value, appeal, and added useability with a well-constructed deck or patio being able to increase the value of your home.
In fact, these popular garden features can offer a return of up to 82% but you will need to consider factors such as size, material types used, and the design to ensure that you maximise the potential. Be sure to enhance the functionality and aesthetic with seating, heating, and lighting as well as keeping on top of maintenance to ensure it retains its worth.
