Deck vs Patio: Which One Is Right for You?

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    Back when "outdoor living" wasn't a standard feature of interior design, As they watched T.V. on their decks and patios, Americans relaxed outside. Think about how much you're willing to spend on an outside room. Examine the prices of the building's raw materials, labour, and upkeep for each option.

    The word "deck" was once used to describe the flat, load-bearing surface of a ship; nowadays, it is also used to describe a floor above ground in a house. These days, composite decking material generally consists of recycled plastic. It doesn't need to be resealed and isn't prone to splitting or warping like wood. The materials are more expensive than a wooden deck by a factor of two. In 2011, a synthetic-wood deck cost $13.50 per square foot, as estimated by Robert Donaldson, an architect in Cleveland, Ohio with 14 years of experience in deck construction. The price per square foot for a deck made of treated lumber is $7.

    Looking for home deck services? Look no further! Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.

    Decks made of wood or composite materials are more expensive by $1 to $2 per square foot when concrete footings are used. Not to mention the fact that the price of labour to build a deck is almost as high as the cost of the deck itself.

    Brick pavers and stamped concrete are two common materials for patio floors. The price of patio necessities is determined by the type of material used. According to Donaldson, in 2011, the price per square foot for small brick pavers was $5.25–$5.75, while the price per square foot for large concrete pavers was $3.50. Stamped concrete with intricate decorations adds $12 to the cost per square foot. To put it simply [source: Concrete Network].

    In spite of the low expense of maintaining a patio, weeds and grass must be kept at bay. Costs range from about $7.50 to $9 per square foot for installation, depending on design and paver size.

    DIY experts should give some thought to the following issues before volunteering their time. Obtaining a permit from the city may be necessary before building a deck or patio. Any new building must begin with a thorough search for and marking of any subsurface gas, water, and electrical lines.

    A porch or a deck? An inexpensive alternative to a wooden or composite deck is a patio constructed of huge pavers in a straightforward design. Decks and patios are OK. Both locations have plenty of open room for celebrations.

    Deck Vs Patio Which One Is Right For You 2

    Deck and Patio Materials

    One of the most important variables in determining the final cost of a deck or patio is the materials used to build it. Wood is the go-to for decks since it is inexpensive, plentiful, and attractive in its natural state. However, wood requires more upkeep than other materials do over time.

    Composite Decking Material

    However, composite decks are more expensive than traditional wooden decks despite their appearance. However, they are made to withstand the elements and are impervious to stains, spills, and even prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

    Plastic decks are as pricey as composite decks, but they last much longer and need hardly any upkeep throughout the years. Aluminum decks, while more expensive, may last the longest but are also the least durable.

    Patio Materials

    Now let's talk about patios; concrete is one of the most common and economical materials used in patio construction nowadays. Yet there are many who find the idea too simplistic to be convincing. Even though stamped concrete enhances the look of a building, it requires more upkeep than regular concrete. When building a patio, gravel is the best option because it is inexpensive and straightforward to instal.

    You can use either stone or flagstone, although the former will be more expensive because it looks more elegant. However, brick paver patios can be just as attractive as stone patios without the hefty price tag.

    In the end, hardwood patios look the most natural and conventional, but they may need more upkeep. If you compare the materials needed to build a deck with those available for a patio, it becomes clear that patios offer more flexibility.

    Other Factors that Determine Which Option Is Cheaper Include:

    Slope of the yard on which you wish to place the deck or patio

    Since a patio is usually built right into the ground, it's important to find a spot that's already flat. When the ground is uneven, a patio is not always the greatest solution because the cost of creating a foundation might double or even triple the cost of the addition. A deck is the most cost-effective alternative if your yard has a slope, as the cost of installation is not greatly affected by the slope's degree.

    Hitch Property Constructions has a wide range of decking services Melbourne services.

    Installation Difficulty

    Deck installation is often far more complicated than patio installation and requires the assistance of qualified professionals. Cementing the structural components that will support the deck into place requires drilling holes into the earth. You'll also need to do some extra planning and thinking to make sure the deck is safely attached to your home.

    In locations with sloping landscapes or yards, a deck is a great option because it can be built on any kind of terrain. In order to protect your home's foundation against water, you may need water-resistant materials.

    Although patio installations are typically less complicated, a lot of work needs to be put into preparing the land before the patio can be set. Since patios are often placed directly on the ground, it's important to pick a level and flat spot to lay the concrete.

    When installing a patio made of poured concrete on uneven ground, it is common practise to first compact the soil and then add rebar to reinforce the area. DIYing it is an option, but be ready to put in a lot of time and effort.

    An uneven or sloping yard might make a deck installation project much more costly than a patio installation project. As a general rule, the expense of constructing a deck exceeds that of a patio. Most of the time, you need a pro's help to put in a deck.

    Installation Cost

    How much it costs to have a deck built depends on a number of variables, such as its size, the materials used, and whether or not it is installed by a professional. There is a wide price range, from around $7,500 to over $15,000, for a deck that is 16 metres by 20 metres in size. However, costs will vary based on the specific components used. For instance:

    • Composite or PVC can cost anywhere from $30 to $45 per square foot, including the cost of installation, while redwood and cedar cost on average $25 to $30 per square foot.

    Putting up the deck yourself will help you save a lot of money. Estimate spending between $1.75 and $5.50 per linear foot for decking materials, and $4 to $8 per square foot for posts and joists.

    A new patio's price tag can rise or fall based on a number of factors, including the quality of the materials chosen and any preparatory work needed to prepare the area for construction. A 16' by 20' patio might cost anywhere from $2,500 to $9,500 to build, depending on the quality of materials and the number of workers needed.

    • Price per square foot for concrete patio pavers ranges from $10 to $20.
    • The average price per square foot of regular concrete is $9.
    • Stamped concrete usually ranges in price from $12 to $15 per square foot.
    • Costs associated with setup are factored into the listed rates.

    Typically, patios have more affordable installation expenses than decks, making them the more sensible choice. However, this isn't the whole picture. However, if more pricey materials are employed in the patio's construction, the final cost may still be higher than if a deck were built instead.

    Maintenance

    A deck's or patio's upkeep costs may be a major factor in determining whether one ends up being less expensive in the long run, thus they should both be taken into account before making a final decision. A simple annual power cleaning is all that is needed to keep a wood deck free from mildew and mould. Decks should be stained and sealed once every two years to maximise their useful life span and prevent premature deterioration. To add to the benefits, high-quality composite decks are stain-, fade-, splinter-, and warp-proof for a period of 25-50 years, and can be easily cleaned with a garden hose.

    Whereas, a patio only needs a quick hose down to look like new, and it requires almost little upkeep. It's important to keep an eye out for cracks in your patio's surface so that you can fix them in a timely manner before they allow water to seep under your patio and cause erosion. If the patio were to crack, the entire surface would need to be taken up and replaced if the situation were to get that bad.

    Patios are the more cost-effective alternative as compared to wood decking due to the less need for upkeep. However, whether it is made of composite or PVC, decks are more expensive to maintain because they need to be power washed annually, which typically necessitates the help of a professional.

    Return on Investment (ROI)

    If you plan on selling your house in the near future, you should weigh the costs and benefits of installing a deck or patio. The final cost will likely be affected by the materials you choose.

    On average, a deck will increase your return on investment (ROI) by about 75% more than a patio will. One might expect to return around 75 percent of the cost of constructing a deck, or $10,000, when selling a home. But if you add a patio to your home and spend $3,500 on it, you may only expect to recuperate $1,500 of that cost when you sell your house. The worth of a deck, however, can increase in parallel with the rest of the house if the prices of similar properties in the area go up.

    The return on investment (ROI) for a deck is often higher than that of a concrete patio. On the other hand, it may be the home's main selling factor by setting it apart from the rest of the residences in the area.

    Customers want a place where they can envision themselves unwinding and having a good time. If you take a stroll about your neighbourhood, you may notice that some of the other homes have decks or patios, which could be the defining characteristic of your home.

    Which Is Best For Your Needs?

    Synthetic Decking The function of the outdoor extension should be thought about with the budget. Does landscaping fit into your plans? One such solution is a patio surrounded by greenery. Is there a need for some kind of barrier between the yard and the house? And once again, a patio is ideal because it may be constructed independently from the home. Patios are a great addition to homes with in-ground pools because they provide extra space for entertaining, lounging, and swimming.

    Decks, which are elevated from the ground, are more spacious than patios and provide a better panorama. Deck joists may be trimmed to fit any height, making them a great choice for yards with a variety of slopes and elevation changes. Those who would rather host barbeques on the porch than the deck may choose for this addition.

    Both decks and patios can increase your home's resale value, and they open up a world of opportunities for outdoor living. A deck or patio from Great Day Improvements will allow you to extend your living space into the outdoors.

    What’s The Difference Between A Patio & A Deck?

    Some homeowners may use the phrases "patio" and "deck" interchangeably, although these two outdoor living spaces are actually quite different. They serve a similar purpose in that both patios and decks provide a level surface on which to enjoy the outdoors, but patios and decks are distinguished from one another by a few key characteristics. Before you build a deck or hire a professional to set up your patio, you should be aware of the following differences.

    A patio is an outdoor area that is partially covered and located inside a structure. Contrarily to a courtyard, a patio does not need to be enclosed by walls. Most patios are attached to the house, but they can also be freestanding. As I'll explain in the following sentence, patios can be built using a broad variety of materials, and they can take on any shape. Patios are typically built at ground level and, as such, do not necessitate railings.

    Check out our Melbourne decking services services here.

    As a rule, decks are built from wood or a composite material. Decks are often built at a height above ground level so that the occupants can take in the surroundings in all their glory. Many people tackle this difficult but widespread DIY activity every summer. The platforms' height above grade necessitates the installation of railings. In order to keep decks free from decay and mould, as opposed to patios, they will need to be sealed and cleaned frequently.

    Conclusion

    When referring to a ship's flat, load-bearing surface, the term "deck" was historically commonly employed. According to Robert Donaldson's estimations, the average cost of a square foot of synthetic wood decking in 2011 was $13.50. A patio built with large pavers in a basic layout is an affordable option. Decks typically made of wood due to its low cost, abundance, and inherent beauty. Composite decks, while they look like wood, are more expensive.

    Materials for patios can be just as visually appealing as stone patios but at a fraction of the cost. The construction of a deck is typically more difficult than that of a patio. Before the patio can be built, a lot of work needs to be done to prepare the land. Putting in a deck usually requires the assistance of a professional. Depending on the specifics of your setup, you could spend anywhere from $7,500 to well over $15,000.

    The cost of a brand new patio might go up or down depending on a variety of things. When compared to wooden decking, patios are the more economical option. Decks are more costly to maintain than other types of outdoor flooring because they require annual power washing, which is sometimes best left to the experts. You can expect a return on investment (ROI) that is around 75% higher with a deck than with a patio. Homes with in-ground pools benefit greatly from the installation of a patio, since it creates a separate area for socialising and sunbathing.

    Deck joists may be cut to any desired height, making them a convenient option for uneven yards. Within a building, a patio is an outdoor space that is partially covered. Given that patios are often constructed at ground level, railings are unnecessary. Decks are typically elevated above the ground so their users can look out over their surroundings.

    Content Summary

    • Think about how much you're willing to spend on an outside room.
    • Examine the prices of the building's raw materials, labour, and upkeep for each option.
    • The materials are more expensive than a wooden deck by a factor of two.
    • The price per square foot for a deck made of treated lumber is $7.Decks made of wood or composite materials are more expensive by $1 to $2 per square foot when concrete footings are used.
    • Not to mention the fact that the price of labour to build a deck is almost as high as the cost of the deck itself.
    • The price of patio necessities is determined by the type of material used.
    • Obtaining a permit from the city may be necessary before building a deck or patio.
    • One of the most important variables in determining the final cost of a deck or patio is the materials used to build it.
    • If you compare the materials needed to build a deck with those available for a patio, it becomes clear that patios offer more flexibility.
    • As a general rule, the expense of constructing a deck exceeds that of a patio.
    • Most of the time, you need a pro's help to put in a deck.
    • Putting up the deck yourself will help you save a lot of money.
    • A new patio's price tag can rise or fall based on a number of factors, including the quality of the materials chosen and any preparatory work needed to prepare the area for construction.
    • Patios are the more cost-effective alternative as compared to wood decking due to the less need for upkeep.
    • If you plan on selling your house in the near future, you should weigh the costs and benefits of installing a deck or patio.
    • They serve a similar purpose in that both patios and decks provide a level surface on which to enjoy the outdoors, but patios and decks are distinguished from one another by a few key characteristics.
    • Before you build a deck or hire a professional to set up your patio, you should be aware of the following differences.

    FAQs About Building decks

    Decks can provide a great view, while patios tend to offer more privacy. The views from your deck or patio depend on your home's location and surrounding environment. However, decks usually offer better views than patios due to their elevation.

    Most patios are set on a concrete slab or a sand and pebble base. Since patios are built at or around ground level, they don't require safety railings. Decks are primarily made of wood or a composite wood material or vinyl, like Trex. Popular woods for decking include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine.

    Both a deck and a patio offer an impressive resale value. However, patios are usually less expensive to put in and their resale value sits at 100%—which is slightly higher than the 76% resale value of a deck.

    Cost. Depending on the material you choose, a patio is a more affordable option than a wood deck. Concrete pavers have an average cost of $4 to $12 per square foot (before installation cost), while natural stone can go up to $30 per square foot.

    Adding a deck to your home is one of the best investment decisions you can make. According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost Vs. Value Report, a homeowner can expect to recoup about 65% of the cost of building a new composite deck when the time comes to sell your home.

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