Which adds more value? wood deck or brick patio?

I am thinking of adding either a wood deck or brick patio to the back of my house. what adds more value? what sells better (for re-sale purposes?) Originally 1000 sq foot 3/1 brick rancher; and then a large 500 sq.foot family room and 2nd bath were added about 10 years ago. again, the standard home built in 1950's for working class neighborhood. a simple home with a large yard. trying to figure out what would go best, patio, deck, and resale value. The area will be 10X20 right outside the back door. (back door has 3 steps down to ground). i have already dug up the area and leveled it out (somewhat). the Brick patio i can do myself, the wood deck i would have to get someone to do. (sorry, single female can only do so much!).
any advice?

 

Welcome to the forums. It really will be in the eye of the beholder, as to which one will sell best. Since it is a brick ranch, and since you only have a few steps down, IMO a brick patio would be really nice. A deck is a deck is a deck, and everyone has one. They will require yearly maintenance, and yours will really only be a wood patio raised up 3 feet. Face it.
The bricks should blend in as best as possible with your original brickwork for it to have that eye appeal.
In the short run, do what YOU want and what pleases YOU. The next owners will invariably want the opposite. Let them deal with it.

 

I'd go for the brick. Brick is beautiful and durable. Deck maintenance can be demanding and expensive. Eventually, the deck will likely have to be replaced. Surrounded by beautiful plants and tastefully accessorized, you can have a practically carefree outdoor living space on a brick patio. You will want paving brick for this project.

 

I would probably go with the brick as well (and I'm a decking contractor!)

You can't base it on resale value -- one potential buyer would be willing to pay a premium for the brick patio and discount the price of the house because of a deck, and the next will pay a premium for the deck and discount a brick patio.

 

One more vote here for the patio. I have a deck on the side of mu house that I never use. I plan on putting a pation off the back and then actually using it.