Outdoor Spaces: How to Choose Between a Deck and Patio

Decks and patios are not just outdoor spaces but rooms in your home. You can use them to entertain friends and family, relax on a sunny afternoon, or host a dinner party.

When you’re considering building a new deck or patio, many factors must be considered before starting construction. Decks and patios are built differently, so it’s important to know the differences between outdoor spaces.

This guide will help you identify some of the key distinctions between decks and patios to determine which one is right for your space.

Patio vs Deck

Let us start by discussing what a patio and deck are.

• Patio: A patio is an outdoor space close to the ground—usually just a few feet off the ground—with no railing around it. If you have big dogs who like to run around or children who are learning to walk, the lack of railing means they’ll be able to move freely without worrying about falling off! Patios often have plants or flowers growing in them, which makes them perfect for entertaining friends and family members who love gardening.
• Deck: A deck is an outdoor structure built above ground and supported by posts. It’s made with materials like wood, composite materials, or concrete. Decks are often attached to the home and can be accessed through a doorway or stairway.

Decks are typically used for entertaining or relaxing outdoors and can be designed with features like railings, stairs, and steps. They’re also a great way to increase your home’s square footage.

Basic Considerations 

When you’re considering adding a patio or deck to your home, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some of the most important:

1. Location

Some areas of your property are better suited for a deck or patio than others. Patios must have a concrete foundation and be built on solid ground. If there is a slope to your property, it may be hard for you to build a patio because of safety concerns.

Raised decks require supports underneath them to provide stability, so they can help stabilize the uneven or sloped ground.

2. Cost

In general, decks are more expensive than patios. But the cost of a deck or patio can vary greatly depending on the materials you choose, how large it is, and the installation.

Patios require less maintenance than decks. Decks, in general, need to be painted and maintained more often, making them more expensive to maintain over time.

3. Material

Decks: Most decks are made of pressure-treated lumber or composite materials. Pressure-treated lumber is the least expensive option, but it can fade over time and not hold up well in extreme weather conditions. Composite materials will last longer than wood and won’t fade much, but they aren’t as easy to work with.

Patios: Patios are usually made with cement, brick, or stone. Aside from it being attractive and durable, Bricks and stones are also the most expensive option. The only downside for patios is that they can become uneven over time.

Conclusion

Indeed, there are many factors to consider when building a deck or patio. The best way to start is with an initial consultation with an experienced contractor specializing in these projects. They can help you determine the size and shape of your space and the materials that will work best for your project.

An experienced Mountain View Sun Decks contractor can help you find the perfect deck or patio for your home. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about our services.