Decks and patios are the most popular option for homeowners seeking a way to create an outdoor space that is perfect for entertainment and relaxation. Deciding which of these living space expansions is ideal for your residence depends on several factors. Not sure which is the right outdoor space for you? Read on to learn more about what features each offer and how they compare when it comes to long-term added value to your property.
Privacy Vs. View
If your home has a glorious view of a nearby pond, country landscape, or other eye-catching scenes, a deck provides the greatest view. These structures have a higher elevation and offer you and your guests a truly immersive outdoor environment.
On the other hand, Patios are on ground level and can give you a better level of privacy compared to a deck. Many families living in urban, suburban, and other high-traffic areas enjoy separating themselves from the hustle and bustle of their neighborhood. A backyard patio is perfect for accomplishing this goal since these are more easily walled and roofed to create a more private outdoor space.
Patios Vs. Decks: Red Tape
Since a deck gets attached directly to your home, your local government will require an inspection and probably a permit. This is to ensure that your new outdoor space is safe to use and meets zoning regulations for your area. Failing to follow through on any requirements by your municipality could mean paying fines and having your deck removed.
HOAs also have rules and standards to meet when adding these structures to your residence. These organizations may also not allow decks on homes in your neighborhood at all! So, make sure you clear any red tap that could cause issues before beginning construction.
Patios typically have less red tape to clear because they sit on the ground and aren’t attached to your home. Still, your city government may have zoning requirements for any new construction on a property within its limits, so double-check anyway before you start installing one.
Location Requirements
As mentioned earlier, patios get installed on flat ground surfaces. This can be a big problem for homeowners who have yards that slope or are hilly. It also gets expensive when paying for additional landscape engineering to support the foundation of these structures. Decks, however, are ideal for uneven surfaces since they are above ground and rest on support poles.
Before deciding on a deck or patio for your yard, speak with deck builders in West Chester, PA, first. They can assess your property and recommend which would be ideal for your property.
Weight Limitations
Another crucial aspect when comparing patios and decks is how much load they will bear. Weight restrictions can impact how you use your new space and its safety. Patios are directly on the ground, which usually acts as support and won’t require conditions. Decks are typically in the air, resting on support poles with a solid foundation below.
However, the deck itself will still have a load-bearing requirement, so if you want a hot tub overlooking your property, you may want to go with a patio instead.
Maintenance for a Deck Vs. a Patio
One of the attractive aspects of a deck is its wooden aesthetic. If you opt to construct one out of natural wood, plan on more frequent upkeep than a cement patio slab. From yearly staining to power-washing away algae, mold, and organic debris stains, you may prefer composite decking materials instead. These, too, require more frequent maintenance than a patio but hold up better in the elements than wood.
Lifespan
When comparing patios and decks in terms of lifetimes, it really depends on the materials used. Patios typically last longer because they are made out of concrete, but extreme weather and ground shifting can cause unsightly cracks that require patching. The algae growth can also stain the surface and create a not-so-pretty appearance. Despite this, patios can last decades.
A deck can last for several decades if properly maintained, depending on the materials used in its construction. Natural wood decking materials eventually rot and require replacement. Composite is a more expensive option but is worth the investment since it lasts nearly as long as a patio, though it will fade and possibly warp over time.
Heat Absorption
Have you ever walked out on a friend’s deck barefooted in the summer, and your feet began burning? This is a problem for both decks and patios because of the elements used to construct them. Decks offer several flooring options to maintain a safe temperature for your toes, but natural wood decking is often a better choice, though darker stains will cause the boards to heat up.
Patios can burn too if kept in direct sunlight so consider adding shade to your outdoor space if you choose this option to keep things cooler and foot-friendly.
Added Resale Value
Compared to patios, decks require a larger upfront investment. While this may cause you to reconsider, keep in mind these structures usually increase the value of your home in the long run.
Elevated decks are trendy and make a great selling point when you put your residence on the market. In comparison to patios, decks entail a larger initial investment, but they have higher resale value. Patios also add to your home’s resale price, but not at the same level as decks. Regardless of which you choose, when deciding which option you want to improve your outdoor recreational space, keep the potential return on your investment in mind.
Final Thoughts
The difference between decks and patios is a lot to consider when choosing the best for your home. You may even consider constructing a combination of both and have an upper deck with a staircase down to a quiet patio area.
Whichever conclusion you come to, keep in mind how you plan to use your new space and what limitations these options could impose on these plans. This will help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your investment in the long run.