Does Composite Decking Increase Home Value? Here’s What You Need to Know

Terren McDaniels 2/28/25

When considering home improvements, it's essential to focus on upgrades that enhance your living space and increase your home’s value. Among the many options, deck installations stand out as one of the most impactful investments for homeowners. A composite deck can completely transform your backyard into a functional and inviting outdoor area, while also boosting your property’s market appeal.

Composite decking has grown increasingly popular due to its modern design, durability, and low maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood decks, composite decking offers long-term benefits that make it a smart choice for homeowners looking to increase the value of their home.

Composite decking is ideal in the Chicago Area, where weather conditions vary drastically from hot summers to snowy winters. At Warner’s Decking, we specialize in installing high-quality composite decks, such as Trex decking, that can enhance your home’s exterior and deliver a high return on investment.

Why Composite Decking is a Valuable Investment for Homeowners

Adding a deck to your home is a proven way to increase its value. In fact, according to the Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, home improvements that enhance outdoor living areas, like installing a composite deck, are among the top 10 investments that provide the best return on investment (ROI). A deck is an aesthetically appealing feature and adds functional space for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. Learn more about our new deck options and how they can boost your home’s value.

The ROI of installing a composite deck often surpasses that of traditional wood decks due to its longevity and low maintenance. For example, while a wood deck might recoup around 68% of its cost upon resale, a composite deck typically recoups up to 63%, according to recent data. However, with the added benefit of Trex decking’s durability, which requires minimal upkeep, many homeowners find the investment to be worthwhile in the long term.

Comparison: Wood Deck vs. Composite Decking

Feature	Wood Deck	Composite Deck
Average Installation Cost	$16,766	$22,426
ROI upon Resale	68%	63%
Maintenance Required	Frequent sanding, staining, sealing	Minimal cleaning (soap and water)
Lifespan	8-10 years (with maintenance)	25+ years (with limited maintenance)
Durability	Susceptible to rot, warping, and fading	Resistant to fading, staining, and rotting
Eco-friendly	Often treated with chemicals	Made from 95% recycled materials

Investing in composite decking, especially Trex decking, improves the look of your home and sets you up for a better return on investment when you decide to sell. Although the upfront cost of composite decking is higher than that of wood, its long-term value, low maintenance, and ability to withstand Chicagoland's harsh weather conditions make it a sound financial decision.

Benefits of Composite Decking in the Chicagoland Area

For homeowners in Naperville, Aurora, Elmhurst, and other Chicagoland suburbs, composite decking offers a range of advantages that make it the ideal solution for outdoor spaces:

Durability Against Weather Conditions

The weather in Chicagoland can be unpredictable, with harsh winters and humid summers. Unlike wood, composite decking is resistant to warping, splintering, and rotting, so your deck will withstand extreme temperatures and moisture year-round. Whether it’s the cold of winter or the humid days of summer, Trex composite decking will retain its integrity, unlike traditional wood decks that may need constant maintenance.

Minimal Maintenance

One of the most significant advantages of composite decking is its low-maintenance nature. While wood decks require sanding, staining, and sealing every few years, composite decks need little more than a quick cleaning with soap and water. This is a game-changer for Chicagoland homeowners who want to spend their time enjoying their deck rather than maintaining it.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

Trex decking is made from 95% recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice for homeowners. Choosing composite decking over wood helps reduce deforestation and minimizes the need for harmful chemicals used to preserve wood decks. By opting for Trex decking from Warner’s Decking, you’re investing in a beautiful deck and supporting sustainability in your community.

How Composite Decking Enhances Home Appeal and Value

Investing in composite decking isn’t just about adding a deck. It’s about creating a high-value outdoor feature that appeals to buyers and sets your home apart in the Chicagoland real estate market. Homebuyers today are looking for low-maintenance outdoor spaces that offer functionality, durability, and visual appeal. A well-built composite deck, particularly using Trex decking, checks all these boxes and significantly enhances a home’s desirability.

Looking to upgrade your home’s outdoor living space? Check out our outdoor living solutions.

Increased Curb Appeal

Homes with composite decking are often considered premium due to their modern, well-maintained outdoor spaces. A worn-out wood deck or an outdated patio can turn buyers away, while a sleek, professionally installed composite deck adds instant aesthetic value. The color retention, smooth finish, and contemporary styles of Trex decking make homes look more polished and well-kept, which is a significant selling point.

Outdoor Living Space That Attracts Buyers

Buyers today don’t just want a backyard; they want an outdoor living space. A composite deck expands the home’s functional square footage, seamlessly transitioning between indoor and outdoor living. This is especially valuable in the Chicagoland Area, where homeowners want a space to grill, dine, entertain, or relax without worrying about constant upkeep.

Why Trex Decking is the Ideal Choice for Increasing Home Value

Not all composite decking is created equal. Trex decking is recognized as one of the best options in the industry due to its superior durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term cost savings.

Trex Decking: The Long-Lasting, Hassle-Free Choice

Unlike traditional wood decks that fade, warp, and require regular staining, Trex composite decking is designed to last 25+ years with minimal upkeep. It resists staining, scratching, and mold, making it a perfect fit for Chicago’s harsh weather conditions.

Trex Warranty and Durability

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Trex decking is the 25-year limited warranty, which reassures homeowners (and potential buyers) that their deck is a long-term investment. With no risk of splinters, rot, or insect damage, Trex decks require only occasional cleaning with soap and water.

Trex’s Color and Design Options

Homeowners can customize their Trex deck to complement their home’s exterior. With various, finishes, and railing styles, Trex decking enhances a home’s overall aesthetic, adding a modern, high-end touch.

Trex Decking Railing Systems for a Complete Look

A deck isn’t just about the flooring; Trex deck railing systems provide a polished, cohesive look. Trex offers options to fit any home style, whether you want a composite deck with wood railing for a traditional feel or a sleek, contemporary railing system.

Why Composite Decking is Perfect for Chicagoland Homes

Composite decking withstands Chicago’s extreme weather, offers long-term cost savings, and is highly desirable among homebuyers.

Built for Harsh Winters

Chicago’s brutal winters and fluctuating temperatures wreak havoc on traditional wood decks. Composite decking, particularly Trex decking, is engineered to withstand extreme cold, snow, and ice without cracking, warping, or deteriorating. Unlike wood, which absorbs moisture and expands, composite boards repel water, preventing rot and mold, which are common issues for Naperville, Elmhurst, and Aurora decks.

Saves Thousands on Maintenance & Repairs

Homeowners in the Chicagoland area quickly realize that maintaining a wood deck adds up. Between staining, sanding, sealing, and replacing rotted boards, upkeep can cost hundreds, if not thousands, annually. Composite decking eliminates these expenses, requiring only basic cleaning and no refinishing.

Cost Comparison Over 10 Years

Deck Type	Initial Cost	Maintenance Costs (10 Years)	Total Cost
Wood Deck	$15,000	$5,000–$7,000+	$20,000–$22,000
Composite Deck	$22,000	$500 (basic cleaning)	$22,500

While composite decking has a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term savings on repairs and maintenance make it the most cost-effective option.

Buyers Want Low-Maintenance Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor living spaces are no longer a luxury: They're an expected feature in modern homes. Trex composite decks stand out in real estate listings, and buyers are more likely to pay a premium for homes with a fully finished outdoor space. As homebuyers shift toward low-maintenance living, composite decks are becoming a top-selling feature.

Maximizing Your Deck’s Value

A well-designed, professionally installed composite deck boosts resale value and improves usability.

Smart Design for Higher Resale Value

A well-planned composite deck should blend seamlessly with the home’s architecture and outdoor space. Features that increase home value include:

• Multi-level decks to maximize space.

• Integrated lighting for ambiance and safety.

• Built-in seating or planters for an upscale look.

• Trex deck railing systems for a polished, finished aesthetic.

Hire Professional Composite Deck Builders

A poorly installed deck can decrease home value. Uneven boards, weak support structures, or improper fastening lead to safety issues and costly repairs. Hiring experienced composite decking contractors ensures:

• Proper installation techniques that meet local building codes.

• A seamless, professional finish that enhances curb appeal.

• Long-lasting durability, ensuring your investment retains value.

Composite Decking Around Pools Boosts Property Appeal

A composite deck around a pool enhances aesthetics and increases home value. Unlike wood, composite decking won’t absorb water, crack, or become dangerously slippery, which are key selling points for homeowners considering a Trex pool deck.

Conclusion

Investing in composite decking is a smart financial move for homeowners in Naperville and surrounding Chicagoland areas. It enhances curb appeal, increases home value, and saves thousands in maintenance costs compared to traditional wood decks. Trex decking offers long-term durability, design versatility, and a 25-year warranty, making it the best choice for homeowners looking for a worry-free outdoor space.

Thinking about installing a composite deck? Contact our expert composite deck builders today for a free consultation and start designing a high-value outdoor living space that lasts a lifetime.

Thinking about installing a composite deck? Contact us today for a free consultation and start designing a high-value outdoor living space that lasts a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does composite decking really increase home value?

Yes, composite decking adds value by enhancing curb appeal, expanding outdoor living space, and requiring little to no maintenance. Buyers prefer low-maintenance outdoor features, making homes with Trex composite decking more attractive in the Chicagoland market.

Is composite decking worth the higher upfront cost?

Absolutely. While composite decking costs more than wood initially, it saves thousands over time in maintenance, repairs, and refinishing. Trex decking lasts 25+ years, making it a better long-term investment than wood, which needs frequent upkeep and replacement.

Does composite decking hold up in Chicago’s weather?

Yes! Trex composite decking is designed to withstand Chicago’s extreme winters, summer heat, and humidity. Unlike wood, it won’t warp, crack, or rot due to moisture, snow, or temperature fluctuations.

Will a composite deck help my home sell faster?

Homes with composite decking are in higher demand and often sell quicker than those with aging wood decks. Buyers see it as a move-in-ready upgrade that will save them future maintenance costs.

What’s the best brand of composite decking?

Trex decking is the industry leader, offering durability, style, and a 25-year warranty. It comes in various colors and finishes, making it the top choice for homeowners looking to increase their home’s value.