A great outdoor oasis is a must for the warm months, and no outdoor oasis is complete without a deck or patio. It’s the launch pad for outdoor fun. But what type of launchpad should you choose? Before settling on a deck vs a patio for your home there are a few things every homeowner should consider.
What’s the difference between a deck and patio?
The main difference between a deck and a patio is that decks are raised up from the ground and patios lie flush with the ground. Decks are constructed from wood, while patios are made of concrete or some combination of concrete and pavers.
Deck cost vs patio cost
Let’s start with the bottom line.
Of course costs vary depending on how large your planned deck or patio will be, the materials used, and so forth, but in general, patios cost less to build than decks do.
Building a patio is usually the less expensive option for a variety of reasons. Stamped concrete and stone pavers are cheaper materials than the wood or bricks commonly used for decks. Also in general, patios require less labor and maintenance, so they cost less in the long term as well.
Furthermore, patios generally don’t require permits or inspections, so choosing a patio bypasses that cost as well.
Just how much more expensive a deck is compared to a porch, though, depends greatly on your choice of materials. Decks cost $13-22 per square foot [This Old House blog] depending on if you’re using wood or composite material. Compare that to stamped concrete at about $5 a square foot, and it seems like a pretty huge savings. But concrete is the least expensive option. Patios built from higher end pavers can cost around $20 per square foot (Homeadvisor.com).
Maintenance for patios and decks
Patios generally last longer than decks and are easier to maintain for fairly obvious reasons; again, it’s the materials. Concrete and pavers degrade much slower than the wood that normally comprises a deck.
However, both wooden decks and patios do require maintenance. Wooden decks will need to be sprayed down about once a year with a biodegradable mildew resistant cleaner. You’ll want to repair or replace any broken boards regularly and occasionally rearrange your outdoor furniture to prevent staining or rot beneath the furniture. Composite decks require somewhat different care–you can find more information on caring for your deck here.
Patios need care as well. If you have pavers you’ll want to treat them to a professional cleaning every so often. Many homeowners think a good pressure wash will do the trick, but this causes your pavers to degrade much faster. You’re better off with a pro on this one, to ensure your patio has the longest life.
Deck vs patio: the aesthetics
One of the primary reasons homeowners choose decks is the aesthetic of the raised surface. Some decks are raised high enough that they provide a lovely view of the landscape, so if you have a particularly beautiful property you’d like to sit out with friends and survey, a deck might be just right for you. In the case of a high deck on the level of the second story, you’ve effectively increased your outdoor space as well–you could have a driveway or shaded patio below your deck.
Wooden decks are easily customized and can in fact add a lot of personality since they can be painted or stained any color you’d like.
Patios, which are flush with the ground, don’t offer a view or extra space, but what they do provide is privacy, an important aesthetic consideration for some. They are also customizable and easy to shape. You can have a geometric-shaped patio or softer more organic shape that works with your garden or other outdoor landscaping. Materials vary widely from bluestone, granite, or travertine to the aforementioned economical stamped concrete.
Construction considerations for both decks and patios
There are a few practical building considerations to think about when deciding whether a deck or patio is right for you. First, you should know that decks sometimes require a building permit and/or inspections. Patios typically don’t, but come with their own set of parameters.
Patios require that the ground beneath them be relatively level. Minor bumps and inconsistencies can be smoothed over before laying the stonework, but if your yard is on a steep incline, for example, a deck might be a better bet. The length of your patio’s life relies on how firm and even the ground below it is.
Another thing to think about before you decide is exactly how you want to use your deck or patio. A deck will only hold so much weight, whereas a patio can accommodate almost anything you’d like to have in your outdoor space…hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits are safer on patios.
ROI- Which has the higher return on investment?
We started by discussing the monetary considerations of building a deck or patio, and we’d like to return to that briefly now that we’ve explored some of the other important factors of your decision.
Both decks and patios provide a great return on investment and can increase the resale value of your home. Outdoor living space is a highly-sought after feature for homebuyers.
You can count on approximately a 70% return on investment if you add a deck to your home, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to see up to a 76% ROI (Nationwide blog), about as big as it gets for home improvements. You’ll likely see around a 50% ROI for a patio which is nothing to scoff at either, and the presence of your patio may get your home sold even more quickly than is usual these days. (fixr.com)
Whatever you choose, now is the time to get started! Beautiful sunny days are ahead. You’ll want to enjoy as many of them as possible on your new deck or patio. Contact us today to get started or, if you’re ready for a complete home overhaul, we’re here for you, too!
And to learn more about decks vs patios check out this blog: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/deck-vs-patio/