Choosing Between A Patio Or A Deck
Homeowners confronted with the choice between raised decks and patios often aren"t sure which is a better choice. They will both increase the value of your home, and the outdoor living space will make your property more enjoyable. However, you need to make the right choice for you, and that starts with understanding how each choice would work on your property.
Level Ground Required for Patios
Patios must be installed on level ground. If the land outside your back door is reasonably level, then you can finish leveling it and install your patio. However, if the land is sloped or extremely rocky, then a raised deck will probably be a better option.
Placement of Stairs
If your patio door opens up at ground level, then a patio is the best option. However, if the door is raised from the ground, then stairs will be required at some point. You can either have stairs coming from the door to the patio, or you will have stairs going from the deck to the ground. You will have more space to enjoy the deck if the stairs are on the outside perimeter going to the ground, and that"s an important consideration.
Materials and Maintenance
Decks are built of wood or manufactured wood, but you have more options if you choose a patio. Patios can be built from poured concrete, beautiful paving stones or luxurious natural stones. This allows you to create a customized look with patios that is harder to achieve with decks. Another consideration is maintenance. Decks typically require more maintenance because they are made from wood, but stone patios do not require all the maintenance.
Railings and Safety
Another consideration is safety. Raised decks that are more than a foot off the ground should be surrounded by a railing to prevent falls. Patios built right on the ground don"t require a railing, and they are a safer choice if you have young children.
Cost Matters
Since there is no railing needed and you can choose from several materials, patios are more affordable. They aren"t a viable option on every home, but they are more budget-friendly if you are building close to the ground, anyway. However, if you are considering a raised deck that will have enough clearance underneath for a patio area, then you can get twice the outdoor living space by choosing the deck.
Whether a patio is right for you or a deck is the better choice depends on your personal needs and home. There are benefits to both styles, but the shape of your yard and placement of your patio door will play a role in the final design. Regardless of the one you choose, you will find that an outdoor living space is a beautiful addition to the home that increases the value of your property.
Level Ground Required for Patios
Patios must be installed on level ground. If the land outside your back door is reasonably level, then you can finish leveling it and install your patio. However, if the land is sloped or extremely rocky, then a raised deck will probably be a better option.
Placement of Stairs
If your patio door opens up at ground level, then a patio is the best option. However, if the door is raised from the ground, then stairs will be required at some point. You can either have stairs coming from the door to the patio, or you will have stairs going from the deck to the ground. You will have more space to enjoy the deck if the stairs are on the outside perimeter going to the ground, and that"s an important consideration.
Materials and Maintenance
Decks are built of wood or manufactured wood, but you have more options if you choose a patio. Patios can be built from poured concrete, beautiful paving stones or luxurious natural stones. This allows you to create a customized look with patios that is harder to achieve with decks. Another consideration is maintenance. Decks typically require more maintenance because they are made from wood, but stone patios do not require all the maintenance.
Railings and Safety
Another consideration is safety. Raised decks that are more than a foot off the ground should be surrounded by a railing to prevent falls. Patios built right on the ground don"t require a railing, and they are a safer choice if you have young children.
Cost Matters
Since there is no railing needed and you can choose from several materials, patios are more affordable. They aren"t a viable option on every home, but they are more budget-friendly if you are building close to the ground, anyway. However, if you are considering a raised deck that will have enough clearance underneath for a patio area, then you can get twice the outdoor living space by choosing the deck.
Whether a patio is right for you or a deck is the better choice depends on your personal needs and home. There are benefits to both styles, but the shape of your yard and placement of your patio door will play a role in the final design. Regardless of the one you choose, you will find that an outdoor living space is a beautiful addition to the home that increases the value of your property.
