Deck vs Patio: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Home

Deck vs Patio: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Home

A deck or patio expands your living space. It's like adding another room to your home, and it gives you a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Did you know it will also increase your property value?

Choosing between a deck and patio is a big decision, with many factors to consider. Start by asking yourself how you will use this space. Who will build your deck and what is your budget? Have a look at decks and patios around your neighbourhood and online, and imagine what would look best and suit your home and lifestyle.

To make the best choice for your home and family, Pemberton Valley Hardware & Building Centre encourages you to read this article.

Make a Wishlist

Make a list of how you plan to use your deck or patio. Decks are often a better choice if you have young children, as wood is softer than a stone patio.

Do you enjoy having friends and family over for a cookout? Maybe you have always wanted a hot tub. Will a raised deck be strong enough to support it? Does your home look out at a beautiful view? Then an elevated deck may be the best option to take it all in.

Have you thought about building an outdoor kitchen with a grilling station surrounded by brick or stone? A patio would be ideal for this.

Your Home’s Design

How much space does your home have for a deck or patio? How will the weather and climate affect your decision? Do you get a lot of snow?

Often, your home’s design will guide you in your decision. As an example, if your doorway to the backyard is on the second floor, you need a deck and stairs to get down to your yard.

Decks can be installed on any level of your home, from the ground to a rooftop balcony, and everything in between. You may want a multi-level deck: one level for the food prep and dining area, one for the lounge area, and one on the ground.

Decks can be open concept or have decorative rails around the perimeter, or a pergola overhead for shade and protection from the elements.

A patio is ideal for ground level walkouts or if you don’t want to overlook your neighbour’s yard.

Flagstone patios go perfectly with cottage gardens and rustic or stone homes.

The Budget

Once you have measured your space, you can calculate the cost of materials or get an estimate from your building supplier. Include labour costs if you hire a contractor, plus maintenance costs, and weigh this with the expected lifespan of the materials you choose.

Build it Yourself

If you are motivated to build your deck yourself, estimate the time you will need – with a buffer for rain days – for a realistic completion date. Think about how much weight you are comfortable with lifting to avoid straining your back. Be aware that building the deck yourself will be more labour-intensive than building a patio.

Safety

You will need a building permit and an inspection to make sure your deck is up to code.

Decks have weight restrictions, so you need to think about how you will use it. Make sure you build a strong and solid foundation that will support your deck and everything on it. Your foundation will need to be below the frost line to prevent shifting and damaging your deck.

Always plan for handrails, and the safe height and spacing of guard rails to meet the safety code and prevent accidents. Make sure you budget for lighting on your deck, especially on stairways.

Maintaining Your Deck and Patio

To maintain your wood deck and increase its lifespan, you will need to power wash it annually, and stain, paint and seal it every two years.

You will also need to clean your patio, but depending on the stone or pavers you use, it will need less maintenance than a wooden deck. You can use a power washer or garden hose to clean it, then remove stains, repair cracked stones or tiles, and remove weeds. Give your patio a good sweep with a hard-bristle broom once a week to keep it in good condition and watch for any sinking or cracked pavers.

Deck Materials

There are many new options for decking material, with lumber still the most popular. Pressure treated lumber is the most affordable wood for a deck.

Genuine wood decks like cedar and redwood last from 10 to 15 years and are cooler in summer heat than synthetic material decks.

Wood composite deck material is durable, requires less maintenance than lumber, and lasts on average up to 50 years. Keep in mind that lighter-coloured composite decks won’t get as hot as darker ones.

Aluminium decking is fairly new on the market. The lighter {bongo4u=substitute|colours}} absorb heat well, and aluminium decking is easy to install and maintain.

Ipe wood from Brazil lasts for up to 50 years. Be sure to purchase it from a responsible supplier to safeguard the rainforest.

Building a Patio

If you enjoy do-it-yourself projects, love being physically active, and are able to lift heavy stones, gravel and sacks of screening, then building your own patio is a very satisfying DIY project.

Patios give you more room for creative design ideas to work with your property’s landscaping and the natural surroundings.

Budgeting for a Patio

In most cases, building your own patio will cost less than a deck, but if you decide to build a raised patio that requires a retaining wall, the costs will increase. Hiring a landscape contractor to build your patio will also raise the price tag.

You won’t need a permit or inspection if you decide to build a ground-level patio.

Patios are more robust than decks over time in all types of weather, and have a longer lifespan than decks, up to 100 years!

Patio Materials

Patios do need an even surface, so you’ll need to prepare a level base before you start laying the stones.

You will find a wide range of durable choices for your patio to complement your garden and home: stamped concrete, flagstone, pavers and bricks.

Eco-friendly pavers and tiles, made with recycled plastic, glass and porcelain, are entering the marketplace. There are also paving stones made with recycled rubber in a range of colours and textures.

A deck or patio, or both, will give you years of outdoor enjoyment. If you require any assistance or have queries, please feel free to visit Pemberton Valley Hardware & Building Centre. Our team will be happy to provide you with exceptional service.