Covered Porch vs Deck: Which is Best for Your Home?

Covered Porch vs Deck: Which is Best for your Home?

Thinking about adding a porch or a deck to your house? Considering updating an existing structure and not sure where to start? We get it! It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of all the home improvement info out there. So, we thought we’d use our expertise as one of Atlanta’s most trusted home improvement companies to help. Below, check out some fast facts on covered porch vs deck installation.

Porch vs Deck: What’s the Difference?

At its most basic, the main difference between a porch and a deck can be found by looking up: porches are typically covered, and decks are not. Porches are also usually found at the front of a home, whereas decks are usually located on the sides or backyard areas of a house.

Deck Pros & Cons

Now that you know the difference between them, let’s talk pros and cons of decking versus covered porches.

Deck Pros:

• Typically cheaper installation than covered porches
• Can easily include extras, like fire pits or built-in benches
• Pet- and kid-friendly

Deck Cons:

• Can be more expensive over time due to higher maintenance needs
  No cover from the weather/elements

Does a deck increase home value? Yes! Some sources report that composite and wood decks can increase the resale value of your home with an ROI of as much as 70% for wood decking.

Covered Porch Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Big boost to curb appeal
• Relatively low maintenance
• Usually don’t require extra permits

Cons:

• Lower boost in home value
• More expensive to install

Does a porch add value to your home? Yes! Just like a deck, adding a (or even renovating an existing) porch is a real value-add for your home. That said, while renovating an old, ill-maintained porch can boost your resale value modestly, new porches typically don’t provide the dramatic ROI that a new deck can.

Covered Porch vs Deck Installation

Installation costs can vary significantly when comparing covered porches and decks. In general, much of the cost difference can be chalked up to the amount of materials required for a covered porch vs deck installation. After all, the “covered” part of the porch necessitates some additional lumber and labor!

Both decks and porches are usually made of pressure-treated lumber, although the flooring can be made of composite or fiber cement materials. While the latter can help stretch your budget a bit, keep in mind that composite boards can become quite hot in direct sunlight – a potentially huge problem for decks, since they lack the overhead coverage of a porch.

Depending on materials used and overall size, a new deck can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

A new porch, on the other hand, is likely to start around $16,000, with an upper-range limit closer to $30,000 depending on what you want in terms of materials and overall coverage (e.g., a fully screened-in new porch is likely to cost a bit more, given the extra materials required).

Whether you decide to build a covered porch or a new deck, know that Perimeter Remodeling is here to help you make an informed decision – and hopefully to help you see that decision through to your new home addition! Reach out today for a free consultation with one of our friendly, trusted experts, and let’s give you the home you deserve.