Deciding between a deck and a patio can be challenging when planning an outdoor space for your home. Both offer unique advantages and can enhance your outdoor living experience. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
This blog will review the differences between decks and patios and compare costs, materials, installation complexity, and long-term value to help you make the right decision for your home.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Choosing between a deck and a patio depends on your budget, yard layout, and long-term plans. Decks offer better ROI, are great for sloped yards, and provide elevated views, but they require more maintenance and have higher installation costs.
Patios are more affordable upfront, easier to maintain and ideal for flat yards, but they offer a lower ROI and limited material options. Both options can enhance outdoor living, so choose the one that fits your needs and complements your home’s design.
Which Is Best For Your Needs?
Choosing between a deck and a patio comes down to several factors, including your budget, the slope of your yard, and how you intend to use the space. Consider the following:
- Budget: If you’re working with a tighter budget, a patio is generally cheaper, especially if your yard is flat and requires minimal preparation.
- Yard Terrain: A deck is the better choice for uneven or sloping yards, as it can be built at any height and won’t require as much groundwork preparation.
- Outdoor Activities: A deck is ideal for a raised space with panoramic views. Patios are great for ground-level spaces and complement in-ground pools or garden areas.
- Resale Value: If you’re focused on boosting your home’s resale value, a deck provides a better return on investment than a patio, though both add value to your home.
Pros And Cons Of A Deck
Pros:
- Better ROI
- Great for sloped yards
- Elevated view
- More material options
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Requires regular maintenance
- More complex installation
Pros And Cons Of A Patio
Pros:
- Lower initial cost
- Minimal maintenance
- Works well with landscaping and pools
- Simple installation
Cons:
- Less suited for sloped yards
- Lower ROI
- Material limitations
What’s The Difference Between A Patio And A Deck?
Though often used interchangeably, patios and decks are fundamentally different.
Patio
A patio is a ground-level outdoor area often made of concrete, stone, or brick. It is typically flat and doesn’t require railings. Patios can be freestanding or attached to the house and are often used for outdoor activities like barbecues or lounging by the pool.
Deck
On the other hand, it is usually elevated off the ground and constructed with wood, composite, or other similar materials. Decks are commonly attached to the house and require railings due to their height. They offer better views and can be customised to different heights and layouts, making them a versatile option for homes with uneven terrain.
Deck And Patio Materials
Deck Materials
Decks are often constructed from wood or composite materials. Wood is a popular choice due to its affordability and natural appearance. However, wood requires regular maintenance, including staining and sealing every two years.
Composite materials, on the other hand, offer the appearance of wood but with significantly less maintenance. Composite decks resist fading, staining, and warping, making them a durable option, though they come at a higher cost.
Aluminium and plastic decks are other alternatives. Aluminium is the most durable but also the most expensive. While plastic decks can last a long time with minimal upkeep, they are also costly compared to traditional wood decking.
Patio Materials
Patios offer more flexibility in material choices. Concrete is a common and affordable material, but it can look plain unless you opt for stamped or decorative concrete, which adds style and increases the cost.
Brick pavers and stone offer a more luxurious appearance for a patio but tend to be more expensive.
Gravel is the least expensive patio option and relatively easy to install. Flagstone and brick pavers provide a higher-end look and are known for their durability, although they also increase the overall cost.
Other Factors That Determine Which Option Is Cheaper
Yard Slope
The slope of your yard can play a significant role in the decision between a deck or patio. Patios are typically installed at ground level, which works best on flat ground. If your yard is sloped, the cost of levelling the ground for a patio can increase dramatically. In contrast, a deck can be built above sloping ground without significant additional costs, making it a more cost-effective option for uneven terrain.
Installation Difficulty
Deck installation tends to be more complex and often requires the expertise of professionals. A deck involves structural components like posts and joists, which must be properly attached to your home.
This makes it more difficult to DIY and increases the overall labour cost.
Patio installation, by comparison, is usually simpler. However, preparing the ground for a patio can require significant labour, particularly if the ground is not level.
Concrete reinforcement or compacting may be needed for uneven ground, which adds to the cost. While a DIY patio is possible, it can still require considerable time and effort, depending on the materials used.
Installation Cost
The cost of installing a deck can vary widely depending on the choice of materials and whether you hire a professional. Decks constructed with higher-end materials, like composite or PVC, tend to be more expensive. DIY installations can reduce costs but require significant skill and effort.
Patios are typically more affordable to install. Concrete patios usually involve lower costs, with variations depending on the materials and design complexity. While stamped concrete or premium pavers can increase the cost, patios generally remain less expensive to install than decks.
Deck vs. Patio Maintenance
Deck Maintenance
Decks, especially those made of wood, require regular upkeep. Wood decks must be sealed and stained every two years to prevent weather damage. Power washing is also necessary to keep them free from mould and mildew. Composite decks require less maintenance but occasional cleaning and inspections to ensure longevity.
Patio Maintenance
Patios, by contrast, are relatively low-maintenance. A simple hose-down can keep a concrete patio looking fresh. However, you should regularly check for cracks that may allow water to seep under the surface, which could lead to erosion or other structural issues. In the event of significant cracking, a patio might need more costly repairs, but on average, patios require less upkeep than decks.
Return On Investment (ROI)
Decks typically provide a higher return on investment when evaluating long-term value than patios. A deck generally adds more to the overall value of your home relative to its installation expense. For instance, investing in a deck can significantly enhance your property’s market value upon resale.
Patios usually offer a lower return on investment. While they can still add value to your home, the impact tends to be less pronounced than with decks. The value increase from adding a patio can vary depending on factors such as the choice of materials and local real estate trends. A patio could still affect your home’s appeal in some areas where outdoor spaces are highly valued.
Conclusion
Deciding between a deck and a patio ultimately depends on your personal preferences, the layout of your yard, and your budget. A deck offers a higher return on investment and is ideal for homes with sloped yards, while a patio is more affordable upfront and requires less maintenance over time.
Both options can significantly enhance your outdoor living space, providing a comfortable area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you choose a deck or a patio, the key is to select a design that fits your lifestyle and complements your home’s overall look.
FAQs About Building Decks
Is It Better To Have A Deck Or Patio?
Decks can provide a great view, while patios 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.
What’s The Difference Between Deck And Patio?
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, composite wood, or vinyl, like Trex. Popular woods for decking include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine.
What Adds More Value To A Home, A Deck Or Patio?
Both a deck and a patio offer impressive resale values. However, patios are usually less expensive to install, and their resale value is 100%, slightly higher than a deck’s 76%.
What Is Cheaper, a Wood Deck Or a Stone Patio?
Cost. Depending on your chosen material, a patio is more affordable than a wood deck. Concrete pavers average $4 to $12 per square foot (before installation cost), while natural stone can go up to $30 per square foot.
Is A Deck Worth The Investment?
Adding a deck to your home is one of the best investment decisions, 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 it comes time to sell their home.
