Why Many New Home Buyers Replace Decks Right After Moving In

Just moved into your new home, stepped out back, and realized the deck doesn’t quite measure up? You’re not alone. Many new homes come with standard, undersized decks that don’t match the home’s size, style, or value—if they come with a deck at all. A poorly designed outdoor space can leave homeowners feeling frustrated, but the good news is that you don’t have to settle. Let’s take a look at why so many new home buyers choose to replace their decks right away and how a custom-built deck can give you the space, functionality, and style your home deserves.

The Common Issues With New Home Build Decks

Undersized Decks

Many new homes come with a small, standard deck that just doesn’t fit the scale of the house. You might have a spacious home designed for a large family, yet the deck feels more suited for just a couple of people. Not only does this limit how you can use your outdoor space, but it also takes away from the overall value and appeal of your new home.

Builder-Grade Quality

The deck that comes with your new home might look fine at first, but standard builder-grade materials often fall short when it comes to durability and long-term appeal. Over time, exposure to the elements can lead to rot, fading, weather damage, and even insect infestations—leaving you with a deck that needs replacing much sooner than you’d expect. A professionally built custom deck not only enhances your outdoor space but also ensures lasting quality and low maintenance for years to come.

Lack of Deck Entirely

Some home builders skip decks altogether, leaving homeowners without a proper outdoor space. In some cases, this is just an inconvenience—but in others, it can be a safety hazard. If your new home has a back door that’s raised off the ground with nothing to step onto, it creates a risky situation. Adding a well-built deck with sturdy steps not only enhances your outdoor living space but also ensures safe and easy access to your backyard.

One-Size-Fits-All Design

Most new home builders install the same basic deck on every house, without considering size, style, or how it fits with the rest of the home. That means entire neighborhoods end up with identical decks that don’t always match the home’s design—or the homeowner’s needs.

Why New Homeowners Are Having to Replace Decks

There are many reasons why homeowners are choosing to replace their deck, here are some of the most common ones:

To Create A Better Match For Their Home

Homeowners want a deck that complements their home’s color, style, and size—something that feels like it truly belongs. That’s why more and more people are turning to custom deck builders to replace their decks. With the right materials, colors, and design, a custom-built deck creates a seamless, stylish outdoor space that enhances both the look and functionality of the home.

To Increase Functionality

This ties right into the last point—homeowners want a deck that actually works for their lifestyle. If you love hosting, that tiny builder-grade deck just won’t cut it. By replacing it with a larger, custom-built deck, you’ll have plenty of room for a grill, dining table, and enough seating for friends and family to relax and enjoy.

To Improve Durability

Most standard decks that come with new homes just aren’t built to last. If you live in an area with intense sun, heavy rain, or harsh winters, having a durable deck is a must. That’s why so many homeowners choose to replace their decks with materials designed to handle the elements. Whether it’s UV-resistant decking to prevent fading in the sun or pressure-treated options built to withstand rain and snow, a custom-built deck ensures your outdoor space stays strong and beautiful for years to come.

To Increase The Home Value

The size, style, and materials of your deck make a big impact on your home’s value. That’s why so many homeowners choose to upgrade—whether it’s expanding the space, upgrading materials, or designing a deck that truly complements their home. A well-built, custom deck not only enhances your outdoor living but can also boost your home’s resale value if you decide to sell in the future!

What is The Deck Replacement Process Like?

Thinking about replacing the deck on your home? It’s a big decision, but we’re here to make it simple. Here’s what you can expect from the process—so you can decide if a new deck is the right move for your home.

Consult With A Professional

You’ll start by connecting with an experienced custom deck builder who will guide you through all your options. They’ll assess your current deck, if you have one, and then go over your needs, budgets, and design preferences to help you begin designing and planning your new deck. 

Design & Planning

Once you’ve gone over all your needs for your new deck, you can begin designing it and planning for its construction. You can choose a size that matches your home and outdoor space, select colors and decking materials that complement your home’s aesthetic, and opt for durable materials that enhance the longevity of your deck.

Replacement, Construction, and Installation

Now that everything is set, it’s time to bring your new deck to life! If you have an existing deck, we’ll carefully remove it—taking out the boards, railings, stairs, and even the support structure if it doesn’t meet code or fit the new design. Once the site is prepped, the builders will assemble and install your brand-new deck, creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space that’s built to last.

Benefits of Choosing A Custom Deck Builder to Replace A Deck

So, why should you choose a custom deck builder like Upper Dauphin Vinyl Products to replace and build you a new deck? Here are just some of the benefits of having a custom deck in place of the previous one:

Tailored To Your Needs

We’ll work with you one-on-one to design a deck that complements your home while giving you the space and layout you need to enjoy it to the fullest.

Material & Color Choices

We offer a variety of decking materials, from durable composite wood to low-maintenance vinyl, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your home. With a wide selection of colors, you can choose a look that complements your style. From decking and railings to stairs, we handle every detail to create a seamless, custom outdoor space.

Professional Installation

We’ve been building high-quality decks for years, delivering craftsmanship that goes beyond the standard decks that come with most new homes. Using top-tier materials and industry-best building practices, we create decks that aren’t just installed—they’re built to last.

Ready to Replace Your Deck?

Looking to upgrade your deck? If the standard deck on your new home isn’t cutting it, Upper Dauphin Vinyl Products is ready to help. Give us a call at 717-303-6134 or fill out our quote form to start designing a deck that fits your home and lifestyle. We’ll work with you to create a custom deck that’s built to last and looks like it was meant to be there from day one!