Learn about the pros and cons of adding a patio or deck to your yard.
Patios and decks anchor the landscape and extend the home’s living space, creating outdoor spaces for conversation, dining, play, and relaxation. A well-designed and well-built patio or deck can also add value to your home. Although both structures have similar functionality and usability, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing more about the pros, cons, and maintenance requirements can help you decide which structure is right for you.
What is a patio?
A patio is basically a paved area that is level with the ground. The range of sizes, shapes, materials and locations to consider is almost endless. A large brick patio can serve as a spacious entryway from the house to the backyard. Stone pavers from a large side yard can become the flooring for an outdoor kitchen and dining room. A circle of decomposed granite (DG) can be the foundation of a shelter in the back corner of the yard. You’re limited only by space, design style, and budget.
Advantages of choosing a patio
There are many design and material options. Rectangular or square patios are common, but you are not limited to these shapes. Rounded corners and free-form edges can give your patio a unique feel. The variety of shapes also allows you to work around obstacles like large trees or awkward corners.
✓ Concrete is versatile and goes well with almost any architectural style.
✓ Natural stones, such as flagstone, bluestone, limestone, and sandstone, work well with a
variety of design styles and provide a more organic feel.
✓ Brick has a classic look that works well with traditional homes, but it also works well with modern styles.
✓ Outdoor grade terracotta or ceramic tiles are popular in warm weather climates.
✓ For a more nature-inspired feel, look for loose materials like crushed gravel or decomposed granite.
More privacy. The patio’s low profile allows you to enjoy your outdoor space without feeling like you’re on display. It’s also relatively easy to add fences, walls or screens of varying heights to define a space and create a cozy atmosphere while alleviating prying eyes.
Adding amenities is easier. It may be easier to add features like a fire pit, fireplace, pond, or outdoor kitchen to a patio than to a deck. No need to worry about weight limits or heavier amenities. If necessary, add underground pipes or wires at the start of construction to keep things tidy.
Relatively long lifespan. In most cases, a well-built and well-maintained terrace can last for decades. It may require some minor repairs, but the entire terrace will remain in good condition.
Disadvantages of choosing a patio
Not suitable for uneven surfaces. patios should be constructed on level ground or with minimal slope. Adding a patio on a slope requires more preparation, including digging and leveling the ground or adding terraces and steps between levels.
Drainage must be considered. A sturdy patio prevents water from draining into the ground. Instead, water accumulates on surfaces or in the house itself. You will need to ensure that water flows from the patio to the ground, including installing drains.
It’s harder to capitalize on views. The privacy benefits may also mean you are less aware of your surroundings. Look for ways to maximize your view, whether it’s trees or water in the distance or plants carefully placed in your yard.
Patio maintenance
Patios generally have fairly low maintenance requirements. You may need to frequently sweep and rinse surfaces, clean stains, and repair or replace damaged areas. Weeding may also be necessary if your patio has gaps between pavers or is laid over sand or landscape fabric. Some materials may require periodic sealing.
Additional cost for patio
The cost of installing a patio is usually less than the cost of installing a deck. Costs can go up depending on the material, size and design, with loose materials on the floor and natural stone being the most expensive.
Other considerations when adding a patio
Timing. For most designs, installation is very simple and relatively quick. Concrete patios can be installed and cured in less than a week.
Rule. With a standard patio, permits and inspections are also relatively easy and may not be required at all. However, always check with your local building department and homeowners association before building.
What is a deck?
A deck is an open outdoor structure that sits above the ground and is often made of wood. Decks are often attached to the home, but you can design them to be destinations in your landscape, such as relaxing by the pool or spa, enjoying distant views, or relaxing in your vacation home. The deck has a natural atmosphere that goes well with any landscape.
Advantages of deck selection
Ideal for uneven surfaces. Decks can span slopes and provide a level outdoor space. Although the height of a low deck from the ground is only a few inches, that height can be enough to cover a rugged landscape without having to level it. Higher decks mounted on poles can extend over steeper slopes.
Various design options. You can choose the design, layout, and finish of your deck to fit almost any home style. Decks can transition seamlessly to the outdoors, not only on the first floor but also on the upper floors, providing additional outdoor space.
Adding two or more decks gives you a variety of outdoor options. Connecting steps or ramps to each other or to different parts of the yard provides even more flexibility.
Advantages of views. If your property overlooks a natural landscape or a busy city, position your deck to take advantage of the view. The second-floor deck offers a bird’s eye view of the landscape and can be designed with this in mind.
Disadvantages of deck selection
Material limitations. Most decks are made of wood or a mix of wood and wood composites. Wood has a natural beauty that’s hard to ignore, but it requires more maintenance and doesn’t last as long as wood composites. Wood composites are more vibrant and easier to work with than when they were first introduced, but they still don’t have the natural beauty of some popular woods. If you want to make a sustainable choice, look for wood that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
You can add outdoor flooring, such as ceramic tile or pavers, on top of a solid deck, but you need to plan for the additional weight and cost.
It has a relatively short lifespan. Wood or wood composites do not last as long as stone, brick or concrete. Without regular maintenance and sealing, your beautiful wood decking can begin to deteriorate in just five years. Wood composites don’t show their age quickly. Decks made from both materials will probably need to be replaced within 20 to 25 years.
Weight is an issue. You can add amenities like fireplaces, fire pits, spas, and outdoor kitchens to your wood deck, but you need to plan for both the added weight and structural costs. On lower decks the problem is likely to be minimal, but on higher decks where additional support is needed the problem can increase significantly.
There is a lack of privacy. A deck may offer a great view, but it can also leave you exposed to neighbors and passers-by. You can add privacy features such as pergolas, arbors, screens or curtains.
Deck maintenance
Composite decking requires minimal maintenance. It won’t fade and can be cleaned with water and a little detergent.
Wood decking requires more maintenance to prevent warping, drying out, and other damage. You should power wash your wood deck every year, usually at the end of the fall when pollen and leaves have fallen. If you add stain or sealer, you’ll need to replace it regularly.
Additional deck cost
It usually costs more to build a deck than it does to build a patio, and the materials cost more. Composite boards are not as expensive as some natural stones, but they still work better than wood.
Rot-resistant wood, such as cedar or redwood, is a good choice, but may be more expensive if you live in an area where it is not readily available. Check locally for native forests in your area that may be good substitutes.
Other considerations when adding decks
Safety. Decks above a certain height require railings. Check with your local building department and HOA. Even if your deck is low enough for a railing, you may want to consider safety measures such as planting, long stairs, or built-in benches to prevent mistakes.
Timing. A simple deck can be completed in a week or two once permits are granted. If your deck is more elaborate or requires building approval from the building department, it may take longer.
Rule. You may need to obtain permits and schedule inspections, especially if your deck requires structural support. Check with your building department for local requirements.
You’ll also want to check with your HOA, if you have one, about their rules for adding a deck and any restrictions on using wood or wood composites.
Don’t know what you want?
Consider a deck and patio combination. You can enjoy the best of both worlds while greatly
increasing your outdoor living space.
