Standard Deck vs. Luxury Deck: What are the Real Differences
More homeowners are investing in outdoor living spaces than ever before. Whether it’s a backyard platform for grilling or an eye-catching space designed for entertaining. Before you start planning your project, it helps to understand the real differences between a standard deck and a luxury deck, especially when it comes to budget, materials, maintenance, and return on investment (ROI).
What Is a Standard Deck?
A standard deck has a simple design: one level, efficient shape, and entry-level materials. Our standard deck has composite flooring, aluminum railing, and white PVC trim. This is actually our favorite kind of deck to build. Why? Because it’s easy to design, quick to get approved by permit offices and HOAs, and it takes an average of only four days to build. We are able to price these decks competitively because of those efficiencies.
While you could use pressure-treated pine flooring and railing, today’s composites are only slightly more expensive upfront. Over time, you’ll save serious money/hassle with the reduced maintenance, while enjoying superior aesthetics along the way. Plus, when it’s time to sell your home, buyers will want to see low-maintenance materials installed on a deck that was well-built from the foundation up.
What is a Luxury Deck?
A luxury deck is designed to make a statement. It may have multiple levels, unique shapes, and upgraded materials. Our typical luxury deck features Advanced PVC flooring, matching dark trim, and nice touches like a bar top and café lights. We love designing these custom spaces, which typically cost about 40% more than a standard deck. That increase comes from both upgraded materials and additional labor. These projects typically take about seven days to complete.
Luxury decks are highly personalized. They’re built around your specific lifestyle and taste, which might not appeal to future buyers as much as it does to you. If you plan to move within 5 to 10 years, it’s wise to avoid overbuilding. But if you’re staying long-term and your budget allows it, go ahead and create something magical. A well-designed outdoor space can bring daily enjoyment and elevate your home life in a big way.
Which is the Better Investment?
The answer depends on a few key factors: What’s your budget? How often do you entertain? How long do you plan to stay in your home? If your priority is cost control, simplicity, and maximizing ROI, a standard deck is the smart choice. If you want to transform your backyard into an entertainment destination, a luxury deck may be worth the additional investment.
Here’s something many homeowners overlook: Your true ROI depends more on the framing underneath your deck than the materials on top. If the framing isn’t properly built with high-quality lumber, all-screw construction, and over-engineered spans, the deck won’t look or feel solid over time.
At our company, the foundation is exactly the same for both standard and luxury decks. That means a standard deck delivers exceptional value, while a luxury deck delivers enhanced enjoyment. The ROI on a luxury deck might be lower, but that difference is made up every time you step outside and enjoy the space.
Key Takeaways
Choosing between a standard deck and a luxury deck comes down to your goals, budget, and timeline. Both options can look amazing for decades, as long as the underlying structure is built right. If you’d like help exploring your options, Contact Us. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons and help you design the perfect deck for your home and lifestyle.