Deck or Patio: Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to the choice between installing a deck or patio, you really can’t go wrong with either one!

Adding a patio or a deck is like adding another room to your home. This is especially true in places where the weather is temperate enough to be outdoors all year long.

But there are differences between the two you should understand before making this big choice.

Should You Go with a Deck or Patio?

There are certainly benefits to each. So your choice will depend on your current home situation and how much you’re willing to spend.

The Benefits of Patios

If money is your main motivation, you’ll see right away that patios are more expensive. Especially at the onset.

But if you take into consideration how low maintenance they are, the return on investment may be worth it.

A patio can last 25 years or longer. And it won’t require as much care as a deck. You’ll just have to clean it.

Plus, building a patio is no longer limited to finding a flat surface in your backyard. Retaining walls and advanced multi-level systems have rectified this problem.

The use of a solid crushed stone base below pavers is perfect for weight-bearing applications. So if you want to install a hot tub, for instance, you can now do this with a patio.

Finally, one of the biggest benefits is the fact that a patio is built flush to the ground. So if you have a finished basement with a lot of natural light, a patio won’t block that light.

The Upside of Decks

In terms of upfront investments, a deck will not be as expensive as a patio. Even if you choose high-end materials.

Although a porch can be built in challenging situations now, it’s much easier to build a deck in those instances. For example, if you have large tree roots or chronically wet ground, the cost to overcome them to build a porch will be much higher than with a deck.

A deck can simply be built around such problems.

It’s true that a wood deck probably won’t last 25 years and it does require more maintenance to keep the wood from rotting or protected from pests.

But there are more options than just wood these days. There are now composites on the market that emulate the look of wood, but don’t require nearly the upkeep. And they last longer than wood.

Still, even if you have your heart set on actual wood, technology has developed pressure-treated wood comprised of smaller molecules that allow for stains and sealants to preserve it longer.

So decks are the easier and more economical choice of the two.

Add Some Outdoor Flair

Although you may not be planning to sell your home any time soon, adding a deck or patio is going to add value to it when you decide to do so. So it’s a great investment.

Still not sure which one is right for you?

Contact us or visit us at one of our showrooms. Then we can discuss your specific situation to help you get just the thing you need.