How To Decide Between a Patio and a Deck

Deciding between a patio or a deck to add to your home can be a difficult decision. Decks and patios both have pros and cons. Before you make a decision, it is essential to review some important considerations.

It is crucial to consider the type of yard you have at home

One of the first things you should consider when deciding between a deck and a patio is the type of yard. While both decks and patios can be installed on any kind of yard, some conditions can make a patio cost-prohibitive. Because a patio is flat on the ground, it can be costly to install a patio on a hilly yard as you will have to pay to level the yard before you can install it. Decks can easily be built on a hilly landscape.

When you are deciding between a deck and patio, you should consider what you want to use the outdoor space for and see what best meets your household needs.

Entertaining

Many homeowners who often entertain like the idea of a built-in bbq with a permanent gas line as well as an outdoor fridge and sink. This sort of entertaining setup is more conducive to a patio because it is on the ground. On the other hand, if you like to use a portable grill for cooking, a deck or patio can both work. Many homeowners would like to enjoy a hot tub on their property, in which case a patio might be the right decision as it can hold more weight.

Pets

If you have a backyard without a fence and have pets, then you may want to lean towards a deck. A deck can easily be built to contain your pets with a gate while still allowing the pet to enjoy the outdoors with the family.

Space restrictions

If your home is on a small lot, you may want to consider a deck over a patio. Since a deck is elevated, you will be able to use the deck for entertaining while underneath the deck, you will have additional space for practical purposes such as storage.

Consider maintenance

Overall a deck will require a bit more maintenance compared to a patio. Each year the deck will need to be stained to protect against water. Also, you will need to replace the boards and bolts periodically. Patios do require some maintenance, such as replacing cracked stones and weeding around the area.

The view from the deck or the patio

If your home is set high up in the mountain, an elevated deck will allow you to enjoy beautiful views. On the other hand, if you have spent money investing in the landscaping on your back yard, a patio will allow you to enjoy the view that you have built for yourself.

What would you like to spend

At the end of the day, there is an extensive range of what a patio and deck can cost. It really depends on what features are important to you. If you are considering installing a deck or patio, it is best to have a professional come out to give you an estimate for both options.