Is your backyard ready for cookouts, dining alfresco, and warm-weather sunsets? Heck Residential can help you answer the call of the great outdoors with a new deck or patio. Not sure which one to choose? Let’s look at decks vs. patios so you can make the best decision for your home and lifestyle.
Home Elevations for Decks and Patios
Your home’s elevation is the first–and possibly the only–consideration you’ll need when deciding between a deck and a patio.
Decks are great if your home is above ground level or on a slope. Some lots will even permit a multi-level deck. Patios are ideal if your yard is flat, as patios are built at ground level. They can also be installed in uneven areas but might require leveling.
How about both? If your lot size allows it, maybe you want to consider adding both a deck and a patio. Imagine an expansive deck with stairs leading down to a beautiful patio for additional seating and/or a fire pit.
Materials for Decks and Patios
If a deck is what you’re looking to add to your home, you’ll have a few options to give you a warm, natural look:
- Wood Decking – This is the classic look that many homeowners are looking for. Wood decking, specifically pressure-treated wood, usually offers the best price point and can be stained or painted any color the homeowner desires. As with any choice, it comes with its cons. Wood decks are prone to rotting, insect damage, and splintering. Yearly maintenance can mitigate these drawbacks and add to its lifespan, but in the long run the upkeep also adds to its cost.
- Composite Decking – Composite decking has some great features that homeowners love for outdoor spaces. With the look of real wood, composite decking does not require the same maintenance that real wood does. While the initial upfront cost of composite decking can be more than wood, homeowners won’t have the annual cost of upkeep. Composite materials retain heat, so using this product in direct sunlight will make it uncomfortable for bare feet. This material can also scratch or chip easily.
- PVC/Vinyl Decking – Vinyl is an excellent choice for decks. And as you probably guessed, it is also the most expensive. The high cost of vinyl decking gives homeowners features such as a long lifespan, no painting or staining required, and extremely resistance to fading. It is waterproof, but it can become slippery when wet, which can pose a safety issue when used around pools.
Patios are usually made from concrete, pavers, or stone, offering various design options.
- Concrete – Concrete is very affordable and widely available. It can be poured into almost any shape, allowing for creative designs to compliment homeowners’ properties and styles. Decorative finishes like stamping, staining, or texturing are a great way to mimic more expensive materials such as stone or brick. Concrete is susceptible to cracking during freeze-thaw cycles; repairs usually stand out unless the entire area is resurfaced.
- Pavers – Available in a range of materials like concrete, stone, and clay, pavers offer flexibility in design. The interlocking systems are easy to install and repair—individual pieces can be replaced if damaged. Pavers can be costly, especially for high-quality or natural ones. Weeds and moss can grow between joints, requiring regular maintenance.
- Stone – Stunning and durable, stone is available in various types like flagstone, slate, limestone, and travertine. Some stones are porous and may require sealing to prevent water damage or stains. The beauty of stone comes with a higher price being one of the more expensive options for your patio.
Maintenance of Decks vs. Maintenance of Patios
Wood decks require regular maintenance like staining and sealing, while composite decks are lower maintenance. Regular cleaning will keep composite decks looking their best. Patios are relatively low-maintenance but may need occasional cleaning and resealing.
The Pros at Heck Residential Know Decks and Patios
Call on the professionals at Heck Residential to help you decide among the many options for your deck or patio. We’ll visit your property and discuss the look and function you desire. We can help you learn about the best options for your priorities–style, budget, durability, or maintenance ease. Contact us today!