Choosing Between A Deck & A Patio

Are you thinking about adding some outdoor space to your home? You’ve heard good things about decks, but you might be interested in patios as well. If you’re not sure where to start, here is some information on the difference between a deck and patio so you can make the best decision for your home. While homeowners sometimes use these terms interchangeably, there are actually distinct differences. A patio is an outdoor area that is placed directly on the ground. Sometimes it is connected directly to the house or it is further, in a separate part of the yard. Decks, on the other hand, are not built directly on the ground. Instead, they have some type of support system that has it lifted from the ground. 

Some pros about patios include the fact that they often have some additional asset built into such as a built in barbecue or fire pit. Patios also make a great sitting area and relaxing space. An additional pro to getting a patio is that it tends to flow naturally into your yard creating a nice atmosphere. Patios are also sturdy enough to hold the weight of a hot tub, while decks often are not. While there are pros, there are also cons to patios as well. If you do not have a lot of space, patios will take up much of it, leaving your backyard with little to no green area. Also consider the terrain of your home. Is the backyard hilly? If so, it will cost extra to level out the site. Therefore, a patio may not be the best option in these cases. 

Decks are a great investment, especially when there is a nice view to take in. Since decks are built off the ground, it allows for optimum visual range. As mentioned, if your home is on a hill, decks would also be a great option since you not have to worry about changing the landscape to add a deck. If space is an issue, decks also have the advantage since you can still use the space underneath the deck for other activities. If you need an area to contain a pet or small children, a deck is great for this as decks are easier to contain than patios. These are a few things to consider when thinking about whether you will add a deck or patio to your home.