The Great Debate: Decks Versus Patios

If you have been thinking about adding or updating an outdoor living space, you've likely boiled it down to the two most common options: decks or patios. Both certainly have their pros and cons, so it's really going to come down to which will best suit your needs and budget. Regardless of which you choose, taking the time to get a pen and paper to list your wants is the first step toward being able start enjoying your outdoor space to the fullest.

Decks and patios are both fantastic additions that can offer some great times and even value to your home.

So what are the real differences between decks and patios?

Intro to Patios
For starters, patios are outdoor spaces that are built at ground level. As such, they can be connected directly to your home or set up in a different part of the yard you think would be an ideal location.

You'll often find patios with concrete bases, but that isn't something that has to be set in stone (pun intended). Many homeowners opt for other materials, including brick, pavers, stone, tile, or other materials for setting a foundation.

Because they are built at ground level, in most cases, patios do not have rails. They will, however, often sport sitting areas, fire pits, and built-in barbecues.

Intro to Decks
Whereas patios often employ stone or brick, decks are usually constructed from wood or some sort of wood-like composite material. They also differ from patios in that the aren't built at ground level, but rather raised and build on a support system.

Decks are usually built at the first-floor level of a home and are accessed by a door from the living room or kitchen, for example. On occasion, though, you'll find them off a second-floor room, typically a bedroom. Because they are elevated, decks are far more likely to have some sort of railing than patios.

Making a Choice
For starters, close your eyes and imagine yourself enjoying your new outdoor space. Take note of what comes to mind.

On popular option is to use that space for outdoor dining. If you envisioned a built in grill, you would be better off with a patio. If a portable grill works just fine for you, than a deck would work well, too.

Are you looking to acquire more space? If so, you might want to consider an elevated deck, which could also offer storage space underneath.

Do you see yourself sitting around a fire pit? This one definitely lends itself toward a patio, as trying to have a fire on a wood deck is a hazard waiting to happen. Seriously, you shouldn't try it.

The Lay of the Land
In some case, the way your house is built or the way the land is shaped will all but make your decision for you. For instance, if your back exit door opens directly into the backyard, that might be too low for a deck, because it needs to have framing and supports. If that's the case, you are likely looking for a new patio.

If you don't have a large enough level surface in your yard or maybe your yard has a significant slope, you are likely looking at a deck. Another consideration is tree roots. If you have a lot of them and don't want to remove them and cause damage to trees, deck that you can build over the roots would probably a better fit for you.

Then There's Maintenance
If you build a wood deck, you'll need some annual maintenance to keep it looking good for years to come. We are talking about things like power washing and sealing. If you opt for composite materials over wood, you'll still need to break out the power washer from time to time.

In general, patios need less maintenance. Occasionally, weeds can creep up through bricks or pavers. Sometimes, cracks will need to refilled with sand.

Then There's Cost
The general consensus is that decks cost more to build than patios. According to numbers from the National Association of Realtors, you can look at a deck running you about $33 per square foot. On the other hand, you could get patio cost down to about $15 square foot, depending upon your needs.

These are general number, though. Considerations, such as size, materials, added features, and the engineering needed to make it all work can have an influence over the costs for patios and decks alike. If you want a basic concrete patio, that is going to cost less than a wood deck. If you start adding in pavers or flagstone, the costs can start to get closer to a wood deck.

If you are looking at going with a composite material for your deck, you can double the price of materials right off the bat. On top of that, composite will almost always require more framing, which brings additional costs, as well.

In Conclusion
In the end, the decision to go with a deck or a patio is actually the culmination of many smaller decision. Since your ultimate choice is supposed to be enjoyable for years to come, pay careful attention to the things that you are willing to sacrifice and/or splurge on and remember that those decisions will stay with you for the life of your space.

To get the most out of your landscaping, E.P.M. Lawnscape and Supply offers professional landscaping services in the Jackson, MI area. Feel free to contact us online or call us today at (517) 990-0110.