Josh Carpenter Construction

Does Adding a Deck Increase Home Value in Southeast Ohio?

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by

Josh

Does Adding a Deck Increase Home Value in Southeast Ohio? (Yes – Here’s How Much)

Does Adding a Deck Increase Home Value in Southeast Ohio? (Yes — Here’s How Much)

If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your home or cabin in Logan, Nelsonville, Laurelville, or the Hocking Hills, you might be wondering:

Will this actually increase my home’s value?

The short answer:
Yes – decks tend to have one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) of any exterior project in Ohio.

But how much value a deck adds depends on:

  • Where you live
  • The type of deck
  • The materials used
  • The size
  • Whether the home is a residence or rental cabin

Here’s a clear breakdown of how decks impact home value in Southeast Ohio and what type of deck creates the best return.

🏡 1. The Average ROI for Decks in Ohio

According to national remodeling data and local market trends:

✔ Pressure-treated wood deck ROI:

50-65%

✔ Composite deck ROI:

60-80%

Composite decks cost more upfront, but they also:

  • Last longer
  • Require almost no maintenance
  • Attract buyers who want low upkeep

In Hocking County – where many buyers want outdoor living space – decks reliably add value, especially to homes without an existing porch or deck.

🌲 2. Why Decks Add More Value in Southeast Ohio Than in Other Areas

Decks perform especially well in our local market because buyers here want:

✔ Outdoor living

People want a place to grill, gather, or relax in nature.

✔ Scenic views

Even a simple deck with forest views adds appeal to buyers.

✔ Cabin lifestyle amenities

Many buyers moving to the area want space to enjoy the woods and quiet.

✔ Functional entertaining spaces

Homes without a deck often feel unfinished or less usable.

In the Hocking Hills, decks are practically expected on residential homes – and required for most cabins or STRs.

🏘️ 3. If You Own a Rental Cabin (STR), a Deck Can Raise Income AND Value

This is where decks become extremely profitable.

Adding or upgrading a deck on a cabin can:

✔ Increase nightly rates
✔ Increase booking frequency
✔ Add new amenities (hot tub, dining area, fire pit zone)
✔ Improve listing photos drastically
✔ Boost your Airbnb ranking

A large, well-built deck with a hot tub can increase STR revenue by $10,000-$25,000 per year, depending on the location.

That increase directly raises the cabin’s appraised value, since STRs are often valued based on income.

🪵 4. What Type of Deck Adds the Most Value?

If you’re building a deck primarily for resale value or return on investment, here’s what matters most:

✔ A. Composite Decking (Best ROI Over Time)

Even though composite decking costs more upfront, it adds the highest perceived value because:

  • Low maintenance
  • Color longevity
  • Long warranties
  • Upscale appearance
  • No splinters or rot

Buyers see composite as a premium feature.

✔ B. Pressure-Treated Wood (Best Budget Option)

A well-built treated-lumber deck still adds strong ROI, especially if:

  • The layout is practical
  • The railing is sturdy and modern
  • The steps are wide
  • The boards aren’t warped or mismatched

But wood requires maintenance, which buyers consider.

✔ C. Covered Decks / Roofed Porches

These add significantly more value because they extend usable living space.

Covered decks are extremely popular in:

  • The Hocking Hills
  • Wooded cabin areas
  • Properties with sloped backyards

They also photograph better for listings.

✔ D. Hot Tub-Ready Decks

For STRs, this is the #1 value booster.

Even if you don’t add the hot tub now, buyers appreciate a deck that:

  • Is properly engineered
  • Has reinforced framing
  • Includes an ideal placement area

📐 5. How Deck Size Impacts Home Value

Small deck (8×10 or 10×10)

✔ Adds basic functionality
✔ Good for starter homes
✔ Affordable, but limited impact on value

Medium deck (12×16 or 14×20)

✔ Most popular
✔ Ideal for dining + seating
✔ Strong ROI
✔ Excellent for suburban or rural homes

Large deck (multi-level or 20×20+)

✔ Great for cabins and homes with views
✔ Adds major usable space
✔ Impresses buyers
✔ Best for higher-value properties

A good rule of thumb:
The deck should be proportional to the house.

🚫 6. When a Deck Doesn’t Add Much Value

A deck won’t add strong value if:

  • It’s too small to use comfortably
  • It’s poorly built
  • It’s sagging, rotting, or uneven
  • The railing isn’t safe
  • Boards are mismatched or warped
  • Staircases are steep or unsafe
  • The deck needs staining or repair

Buyers don’t want a project – they want a feature.

💰 7. How Much Value Does a Deck Actually Add?

Here’s the realistic gain for Hocking County homes:

🪵 Pressure-treated deck:

Adds $5,000-$12,000 in resale value
(Depending on size and quality)

🧱 Composite deck:

Adds $8,000-$20,000 in resale value

🏚️ Cabin/STR deck or expansion:

Adds $15,000-$40,000+ in appraised value
(Or more, depending on income increase)

The home value gain varies because appraisers weigh:

  • Quality
  • Condition
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Attractiveness to future buyers

🎯 Final Takeaway

✔ Yes – adding a deck absolutely increases home value in Southeast Ohio.

Especially if:

  • The deck is well-built
  • The materials are durable
  • The size matches the home
  • The deck improves outdoor living space
  • It’s a cabin or STR property

A deck isn’t just an expense –
it’s an investment in comfort, usability, and resale appeal.

📞 Thinking About Adding a Deck?

We build:
✔ Pressure-treated decks
✔ Composite decks
✔ Elevated cabin decks
✔ Covered porches
✔ Hot tub-ready decks
✔ Multi-level decks

Josh Carpenter Construction
Serving Logan • Nelsonville • Laurelville • Hocking Hills
Free Estimates • Quality Craftsmanship • Honest Pricing

Send a message or text (740) 823-2071 today to schedule your deck consultation. Check out our services.

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