What is the difference between a patio vs deck? A deck is an open outdoor living space attached to your home. Decks are typically enclosed with some type of railing and offer an excellent view of their surroundings. A patio, in contrast, is a paved area flush with the ground and does not have rails.

Patio vs Deck

Patio vs Deck: Cost Comparison & Materials

According to an article from House Logic, building a deck costs around $33 per square foot depending on the material used, and location. Conversely, a patio might cost as low as $15 per square foot. In short, patios are usually around half the price of a deck and require less maintenance.

Patio

A new trend has homeowners extending their living space outdoors and choosing materials that can withstand outdoor elements. These materials include:

Stamp Concrete

Stamped concrete might be considered plain and low-end, however, basic concrete makes for a durable and versatile patio material. There are finishing processes for poured concrete if you want a modern, upscale vibe that makes it appear more expensive. However, when exposed to cold climates, low temperatures, and moisture, special textures tend to crack. As a result, special texture patios require refinishing every couple of years.

Wood Lookalike Pavers

Wood planks tend to add warmth to spaces. Therefore, this makes them a perfect designing material for outdoor living. However, once wooden planks are exposed to weather and other outdoor elements, the natural materials will not hold up long term. Instead, opt for wood lookalike concrete. Wood lookalike concrete allows you to achieve the rustic charm of a wood floor without the need for extensive maintenance that wood planks require.

Another wood lookalike option is a Borealis patio slab. This type of patio is indistinguishable from real wood options that dress up any space. Borealis patio slabs need absolutely no maintenance, meaning, no staining, wood-treating, or wood rotting forever.

Unique Patterns

Westmount paver is a popular choice among homeowners and designers to create a herringbone pattern for their outdoor flooring. The lean and linear shape makes it a versatile option in landscape design, as well as a great pair for herringbone patterns and other random patterns.

Deck

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is the most common deck material. In fact, this type of wood is permeated with chemicals that contain insecticides and anti-rot properties to help enhance its natural durability. This option is also quite affordable. However, pressure-treated wood requires regular power washing, sanding, and restaining that in order to extend the lifespan of your pressure-treated deck.

Patio vs Deck: Location

The location and which side the patio or deck is placed on has a big effect on cost. In fact, patios tend to be a bad choice for uneven ground. Therefore, if you choose to build on uneven ground, creating a level foundation can double or triple the actual construction cost of the deck.

Patio vs deck: Features

Features such as railings and other structural and decorative elements affect the cost of your patio or deck. It’s best to keep your deck matching or complementary to the look of your house so it doesn’t look out of place. Decorations like lighting can also help make the space usable at night.

Whether you add a deck or patio at your home, it’s necessary to have property coverage to help you stay protected. On the other hand, checking for improvements is a good thing if you’re in renovation mode on your outdoor 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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Fire Pit Designs Landscaping Services

Imagine the ambiance created in your backyard landscape by a custom fire pit. In fact, nothing is more inviting on a cool spring night or for fall and winter gatherings of family and friends. A fire pit may be used to provide warmth during outdoor entertaining, but also as a heat source for outdoor cooking or simply roasting marshmallows. Our trained custom fire pit installers are experts in turning your vision into reality. More…

Outdoor Living Landscaping Services

Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen offers a professional outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor living room design, building, and installation services with FREE ESTIMATES. More…

Retaining Walls Landscaping Services

Enhance the beauty of your landscape with a retaining wall that is customized to coordinate with your home’s exterior. At Arbor Hills, our retaining wall designer will create a functional retaining wall that is aesthetically pleasing for your personal taste, and within your target budget. With the many materials available today, the retaining wall project you’ve been considering is just a phone call away! More…

Stamped and Colored Concrete

It is time to upgrade or replace some of the hardscape features surrounding your home? Stamped and colored concrete is a beautiful and affordable material. It enhances the color and texture featured on your home’s exterior. Stamped concrete in textures from modern to rustic is available to coordinate with your home’s existing design features. Colored concrete can be blended to match or enhance your home’s exterior color scheme. A designer from Arbor Hills will consider all these existing features at your site visit and when designing your project. More…

Patio Pavers Landscaping Services

Concrete pavers are a great way to improve your landscape and garden. In fact, they are super strong and lend themselves to many hardscaping projects. They rarely crack but if they do, each piece is easily replaceable. More…

Landscape Lighting Designs

Outdoor lighting can be nearly as important to the overall look and feel of your home as the landscaping itself. So you shouldn’t short-change yourself by skimping on quality lighting products. We are a full-service landscape and waterscape company that can solve all of your residential and commercial lighting needs anywhere in Omaha and the surrounding areas. More…

Water Feature Landscaping Designs

Imagine the sight and sound of bubbling water as you relax in your outdoor sanctuary. A water feature can give just the right ambiance to your outdoor retreat. Or, if you are looking for a water feature with traffic-slowing curb appeal, a designer from Arbor Hills will help you choose the water feature that best enhances your home. More…

Sod Installation Services

Whether you have just built your home, cleared agricultural land for your personal use or simply want to improve the look of your existing yard, having sod installed is a fast way to create the lush, green carpet of grass you want. It offers instant satisfaction rather than the weeks of waiting and anticipating whether or not your grass seed is going to grow. Plus, using sod offers a host of other benefits. More…

Mulch & Rock Landscaping Services

The concept, to design, to delivery and installation, we have more than 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry in Omaha and surrounding areas. Our services include delivery, full installation, and clean-up of mulch and rock around your beds, trees, and more. More…

Plants & Shrubs Landscaping

Plants and shrubs are the backbone of your landscape, therefore they should be the first things you plant. Proper selection will enhance a home’s appearance and increase property value while reflecting the homeowner’s style and personality. More…

Tree Nursery

Let our trained nursery professionals assist you in selecting the perfect tree or shrub to complete your landscape. We carry a selection that is unmatched in the Omaha and the surrounding areas and are willing and eager to explain our favorites. Improved varieties are introduced each year and we always strive to carry the best and newest – varieties more resistant to disease, shade trees better able to withstand storm damage and ornamentals in unique colors, shapes, and sizes you have to see to believe. More…