Key takeaways
- Exterior hardscaping projects consistently deliver stronger resale returns than most interior remodels.
- Cost and return vary widely depending on the project, materials and climate.
- The strongest strategy is pairing projects you will use daily with ones that appeal to the widest pool of buyers.
Hardscaping that buyers see when they pull up to a house can deliver a strong return on investment. Hardscaping refers to the permanent, non-plant structures in a yard: patios, walkways, retaining walls, fences and other built features.
Unlike a garden bed that needs seasonal attention, hardscaping is durable and low maintenance, which is part of its appeal to buyers.
Some projects don’t have great returns. An in-ground pool, for example, recovers only 56% of its cost at resale, according to the National Association of Realtors' 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, and many buyers view pools as a liability because of maintenance costs, insurance concerns and child safety risks. Consider these five projects that combine daily use with resale value.
Outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting is one of the least expensive hardscaping upgrades and one of the most satisfying. It earned a perfect Joy Score of 10 out of 10 from homeowners who completed the project, according to the Remodeling Impact Report. However, landscape lighting recovers about 59% of its cost at resale, based on a typical project cost of $6,800.
The financial return is modest, but the practical benefits are real. Lit pathways and entry points reduce the risk of trips and falls, and well-placed fixtures deter intruders by eliminating dark corners around a property. If you have a garden or architectural features worth highlighting, lighting is an inexpensive way to extend their impact after dark.
LED fixtures are commonplace. They use less electricity than older systems, last for years and require little maintenance. Solar-powered options reduce operating costs further but need direct sunlight to function well, so placement matters.
Fences
A fence defines property boundaries, adds privacy and security and encourages more active use of the yard. For homeowners with children or pets, it can be the feature that makes a backyard functional.
Fence installation costs vary widely depending on the material, according to 2026 estimates by home services marketplace Angi. Chain-link fencing runs $8 to $40 per linear foot installed. Wood fencing costs $10 to $45 per linear foot, while vinyl ranges from $15 to $40. Privacy fencing falls in the $25 to $40 range. At the higher end, wrought iron runs $25 to $55 per linear foot.
Neither Angi nor the Remodeling Impact Report specified an ROI for fencing.
Before installing a fence, check local zoning codes and homeowners association rules. Many jurisdictions regulate fence height, setback from property lines and materials. A boundary survey may also be worth the cost to avoid disputes with neighbors.
Patios and decks
A patio or deck extends a home's living space outdoors. These are among the most popular hardscaping projects, and the data on their returns is detailed.
Materials for a pressure-treated wood deck, a classic decking material, runs $2 to $5 per square foot, according to Angi. A composite deck addition costs $12 to $22 per square foot. A metal fence such as aluminum costs $15 to $20 a square foot, it said.
Professional labor costs to build a deck are $15 to $35 per square foot on average, Angi said.
Patios show a wide range. A backyard patio made of brick pavers runs $8 to $25 a square foot, according to Angi. A concrete patio will cost $3 to $8 a square foot, while a stone or flagstone patio can run $3 to $35, it said.
Labor costs for a patio installation are around $5 to $20 per square foot, Angi said.
Angi did not specify a ROI for decks and patios. The Remodeling Impact Report listed an 89% ROI for decks and a 95% ROI for patios.
The return tends to be higher in warmer climates where outdoor space is usable for more months of the year. More expensive materials like natural stone and composite decking last longer and require less maintenance, which can improve the long-term value. For patios and decks, involving a professional for at least the foundation work is a good idea, especially if the property is prone to erosion or has loose soil.
Outdoor kitchens
An outdoor kitchen is one of the more expensive hardscaping projects, but it delivers one of the strongest cost recoveries among outdoor features. An outdoor kitchen with a typical cost of $15,000 recovers 100% of its cost at resale, according to the Remodeling Impact Report. A pre-built outdoor kitchen installation runs $7,000 to $16,000 on average.
Permits are likely required for any project involving gas lines, plumbing or electrical work. Check with your local building department before starting, and budget for the additional time and cost.
Water features
Water features like fountains and ponds do not deliver the same return as an outdoor kitchen, but they appeal to buyers looking for a backyard that feels like a quiet retreat. The draw is not the water itself (backyard ponds are generally not swimmable) but the atmosphere it creates.
A wall-mounted water fountain runs $1,200 to $3,000, according to Angi. A freestanding fountain costs from $1,500 to $4,500. A bubbling fountain costs $1,200 to $3,800, while a pondless fountain is $2,000 to $5,500.
Neither Angi nor the Remodeling Impact Report specified a ROI for fountains.
Water features can also serve as a focal point for landscaping, drawing the eye along a path or anchoring a garden. Solar-powered pumps can reduce operating costs and simplify installation by eliminating the need for an electrical line.
Maintenance is minimal compared to a pool but not zero. Pumps need occasional cleaning, and standing water can attract mosquitoes if not properly circulated. In cold climates, some features need to be winterized or drained.