A patio or a deck is a great place to spend time outdoors with family and friends. Whether it’s enjoying dawn coffee or barbecuing with friends, there are many wonderful ways to enjoy the outdoor space. Both patios and decks come in a range of materials and can match different needs and budgets as well. Although patios are usually cheaper to build, decks can be erected just about anywhere, including on uneven ground which isn’t suitable for patios.
Patio or Deck, Which is Better?
Your views
Decks, which are raised, offer a better view of the garden and landscape. They can be raised to just a couple of feet or higher, depending on the location of your home, and the surrounding landscape. An elevated deck with a lake view is always popular. However, the higher the deck is, the less private it becomes. The idea of a patio is that it is flush with the house. As such, patios are perhaps more private, especially if they are enclosed, or nestled against a tree or shrub line. A patio should achieve two things: convenience from the kitchen, and a view of a least a garden feature or flowerbed.
DIY vs Pro
Part of what makes building a patio cheaper is that it is more conducive to DIY, provided the space is reasonably level. A spirit level is the most important tool for checking that the ground is level and that the tile or concrete surfaces are flat. Although some patios are built with a slight gradient to assist with water run-off, this is optional, as is having a drain hole near the center. Building a deck seems simple enough, yet there are issues like structural load capacity to be understood, especially for elevated decks. It’s a good idea to hire a professional the first time around to watch and learn before attempting to build a patio or deck.
Costs
Patio materials are quite basic and therefore relatively inexpensive. The main patio materials are stamped concrete and tiles or stone. The most expensive material to construct a patio is usually the surface, particularly if opting for a tile finish. On the other hand, a deck will need wood and possibly some brickwork which can be expensive. Decks are also more labor-intensive, therefore resulting in higher labor costs.
Maintenance
There are now durable, low-maintenance, plasticized, and wood composite deck systems available. Decks require far more maintenance than patios which cope with traffic wear and tear much better. Wood is also susceptible to cracking and spillage stains. In order to maintain the integrity of wood it needs to be resealed, re-stained, and even power-washed every few years. Patios, on the other hand, depending on what they are made of, may only need to be resealed.
Legal Tip
Check out the local building codes before constructing anything on your property. Building codes are available to help and guide you on technical matters such as deck foundations. A building permit may be required and the construction may need to be inspected.
Additional Reading: Cool Deck Design Ideas to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
Arbor Hills Landscaping Company Omaha | Best Landscaping Company in Omaha, NE
Arbor Hills Trees & Landscaping Services can provide you with everything from detailed maintenance programs to unique plant production, and other services in between. That means we build water features, walls, patios, irrigation, walkways, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and anything else you can help us dream up. Our professionally trained staff can build the landscape of your dreams and keep you from breaking any Home Landscaping Rules.
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