If you're planning to sell your Cary home in the next few years, the deck is one of the highest return investments you can make. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, a new composite deck recoups roughly 65 to 70 percent of its cost at resale, which is higher than most kitchen or bathroom remodels. But not every deck delivers the same return. The specific features you choose can mean the difference between a buyer who sees a worn out platform and one who sees an extension of the living room. Here are five composite deck features that actually boost home value in Cary, based on what local buyers are paying a premium for in 2026.
1. Low-Maintenance Materials: Why Composite Decks Attract Buyers
The single biggest selling point of a composite deck is what you don't have to do to maintain it. Wood Decks in Cary require a power wash and a fresh coat of stain or sealer every one to two years. That's a weekend of labor per season and about $200 to $400 in materials each time. Over a ten year period, a wood deck owner in this area spends roughly $2,000 to $4,000 on maintenance alone, not counting the elbow grease.
Composite decking eliminates nearly all of that. Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon use a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers that resist moisture, UV rays, and temperature swings. In Cary's climate, where summers hit the upper 80s with high humidity and winters drop into the teens, composite materials hold up far better than pressure treated lumber. They don't warp, splinter, or rot the way wood does. And because they're engineered to resist fading and staining, a composite deck still looks presentable after five years of kids, pets, and grill drips.
Buyers in the Cary market are increasingly aware of this difference. A 2024 survey by the National Association of Home Builders found that 78 percent of home buyers rated low-maintenance exterior materials as either essential or highly desirable. When a potential buyer walks into your backyard and sees a deck that won't require a refinishing project every spring, that's a line item they mentally cross off their to do list. It makes the home feel move in ready.
Burns Carpentry creates durable composite deck spaces for homeowners in Cary, IL. Their expert composite deck installation process includes full site preparation, precision framing, and a substructure build that accounts for local frost depths. That attention to detail matters when the ground freezes in January and thaws in March.
2. Built-In Lighting and Railings: Safety Meets Curb Appeal
Lighting is one of those features that nobody thinks about until they see it done right. A deck with recessed stair lights, post cap lights, or under rail LED strips transforms the space after sunset. It's not just about ambiance. In Cary, where outdoor entertaining often stretches into the evening during summer months, proper lighting makes the deck usable well past dusk.
From a safety perspective, well lit stairs and transitions prevent falls, which is especially important if you have older guests or young children. From a curb appeal perspective, a softly lit deck visible from the street signals that this is a home where people gather. Real estate agents in the Chicago suburbs consistently report that outdoor lighting is one of the top features buyers ask about during showings.
Railings are another area where composite materials shine. Modern cable railings or glass panel railings paired with composite decking create an open, unobstructed view of the yard. That's a huge selling point on Cary lots where mature trees and landscaping are part of the appeal. Solid wood railings, by contrast, block sight lines and make the deck feel boxed in.
Burns Carpentry builds lasting custom deck structures that incorporate these details. During the initial consultation and design phase, they discuss lighting placement and railing options that match both your home's architecture and your budget. The result is a deck that looks custom, because it is.
3. Integrated Seating and Storage: Functional Additions That Sell
A deck with a plain perimeter and a few chairs is a platform. A deck with built in benches, planter boxes, and hidden storage is a living space. The difference matters when buyers are comparing homes.
Built in seating eliminates the need for outdoor furniture, which means less clutter and a cleaner look during showings. It also signals permanence. A buyer sees a built in bench along the railing and thinks, this deck was designed intentionally, not thrown together. Storage compartments built into the deck structure, like a hidden locker for cushions and grilling tools, add another layer of practicality that buyers notice.
For Cary homeowners, the most functional additions are the ones that account for local weather patterns. A covered storage area for patio cushions keeps them dry during spring storms. A built in planter with drainage that matches local soil conditions means less maintenance for the new owner. These details don't cost much to add during construction, maybe $300 to $800 depending on complexity, but they create a lasting impression that a bare deck simply cannot match.
Burns Carpentry delivers premium composite deck installations that include these custom features. Their process from detailed plan and material selection through final inspection ensures every element is integrated properly. If you bring a sketch or just a general idea, they can build it.
4. Multi-Level Designs: Creating Outdoor Living Space
A single level deck is fine for a grill and a couple of chairs. But a multi-level deck creates distinct zones for dining, lounging, and cooking. It effectively expands your usable square footage without changing the footprint of the house.
In Cary, where lot sizes vary from standard quarter acre subdivisions to larger wooded parcels, a multi-level design can adapt to the natural slope of the property. A lower level might sit at ground level for easy access to the yard, while an upper level connects to the kitchen door. The transition between levels, whether via wide stairs or a gentle ramp, adds visual interest and makes the backyard feel larger than it is.
The ROI on multi-level decks is strong. According to the same Cost vs. Value Report, decks with multiple levels or integrated features like pergolas recoup a higher percentage of their cost than basic single level platforms. Buyers perceive the extra space as a bonus room without the cost of an actual addition.
Burns Carpentry crafts custom outdoor living spaces that work with the existing topography of your lot. They handle all necessary permits with the Cary municipal offices, so the structure meets local building codes and setback requirements. That permit handling alone saves homeowners hours of paperwork and potential headaches with the village.
5. ROI Breakdown: What Cary Homeowners Can Expect in 2026
Let's talk numbers. A standard 300 square foot composite deck in the Cary area typically costs between $12,000 and $18,000 installed, depending on material grade, railing type, and access to the backyard. Add lighting, built ins, and a second level, and that figure climbs to $20,000 to $30,000.
At resale, a well designed composite deck with the features described above can add $15,000 to $25,000 to the sale price of a Cary home. That's a 65 to 80 percent return on investment. Compare that to a major kitchen remodel, which typically recoups 50 to 60 percent, or a bathroom addition, which averages 55 percent. The deck outperforms both.
There is a catch. The deck must be in good condition and properly installed. A poorly built deck with visible gaps, uneven boards, or questionable supports actually reduces home value. Buyers see a liability, not an asset. That is why the quality of the installation matters more than the material choice.
Burns Carpentry stands behind every project with a two year workmanship warranty and manufacturers warranties that cover materials for 25 to 50 years depending on the product line. Their team manages the entire process from site preparation and foundation work through precision framing and final inspection. When the deck is done, it's done right, and that shows up in the appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a composite deck cost in Cary, IL?
A typical composite deck installation in Cary runs $12,000 to $18,000 for a standard 300 square foot deck. Prices vary based on material grade, railing style, and whether you add features like lighting or built in seating. Burns Carpentry provides free estimates that break down every cost so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Is composite decking worth the extra money over wood?
Yes, for most homeowners. Composite decking costs 30 to 40 percent more than pressure treated wood upfront, but it eliminates the need for annual staining and sealing. Over 10 years, the maintenance savings offset the higher initial cost. Composite also retains its appearance longer, which helps with resale value.
What is the best railing for a composite deck?
Cable railings and glass panel railings are the top choices for composite decks in Cary. They provide an unobstructed view of the yard and pair well with the clean lines of composite decking. Aluminum railings are a good midrange option that resists rust and requires very little maintenance.
How long does it take to build a composite deck in Cary?
A typical composite deck project takes three to five weeks from initial consultation to completion. The timeline includes site preparation, foundation work, framing, decking installation, and final inspection. Burns Carpentry manages the schedule and keeps you informed at every stage.
If you're thinking about adding a composite deck to your Cary home, the smart play is to talk to someone who builds them every day. Burns Carpentry specializes in custom deck design and installation for homes in Cary and across the Chicago suburbs. They'll walk you through the options, give you a straight answer about what works for your property, and handle the permits so you don't have to. Give them a call. It's the kind of project that pays for itself when you sell.
