Deck vs Patio – Which One is Right for Your Outdoor Living Space?
Deck vs patio — Which one will you choose when it’s time to upgrade your outdoor living space? Whether you’re starting from scratch in a new home, or you want to replace a rotting wood deck or cracked concrete patio, it pays to take a look at the pros and cons of each.
Which one you choose can depend on a number of factors, including:
- Your personal preference
- Your property features (level, flat)
- The size you want
- The materials you use
- Your budget
At LiveWell Outdoors, most of our clients focus on value, rather than cost. Adding a deck or a patio can increase your home’s value by adding an attractive outdoor living space. But which one you choose can also depend on the total amount you want to spend, and the materials you choose to use.
We install decks using composite decking because it will never rot, splinter, or need to be re-stained. We may also build decks using exotic wood. And we install natural stone and paver patios because they not only look beautiful, but they also won’t crack like concrete will.
Your deck can be one level or multiple levels, depending on your property.
Decks
Decks were traditionally made out of wood until composite decking came along. Composite decking can look like wood, without any of the maintenance issues. We still build wood decks, but with much higher quality materials than you might see at a starter home. Decks can be one level or multiple levels, depending on your property.
A backyard with a slight slope may just have a step or two between levels, while a home that backs onto a large downhill slope would be better suited for a raised, two-story deck. With an elevated deck, you are also getting a view of your property, or the neighbor’s property, depending on the size of your back yard.
We will need to get a permit and pass inspections to build a deck, depending on local building codes.
With the use of steps, we can create a multi-level, multi-functional patio.
Patios
The days of the plain concrete slab patios are gone, thank goodness. Today’s paver patios are gorgeous and elegant outdoor living spaces. Patios are built flat on the ground (on a compacted gravel base), but with the use of steps, retaining walls, and more, we can create a multi-level, multi-functional patio.
You can also use natural stone in your patio design, or use pavers that look like natural stone. We can design and install both elements, along with border pavers, to delineate your outdoor living room from your outdoor kitchen and pool area.
Because patios do not attach to the structure of your home, we may not need to get a permit, but rest assured, we will follow all local laws and codes in any project we do.
Underdecking gives the ceiling above your patio a clean look and keeps rain from flowing down to the patio.
Why Not Go for Both?
If your home sits on a hillside, an elevated deck with a patio underneath could be a great option. Similarly, if you would like a raised deck that you can access from your master suite, both are possible. As a luxury outdoor living contractor, we’ve installed these combinations at homes throughout the Maryland-DC-NOVA area.
An elevated deck and patio combination gives you a multi-level outdoor entertaining area. While the deck will be the place to lounge in the sun, your covered patio will provide cool relief. We install many of our raised decks with underdecking and water diversion systems.
This gives the ceiling above your patio a clean look while keeping rain from flowing down to the patio. Of course, this also means you can use your patio even if it’s raining. Another benefit of an underdeck system is we can install ceiling fans and lighting as well.
Dream It. Build It. Live It.
To ensure you get the deck or patio of your dreams, you want to be sure to work with a deck builder or patio contractor with the experience and expertise to design and build luxury outdoor living spaces. At LiveWell Outdoors, we offer a personalized experience with distinctive designs you’ll love for years to come.
We offer virtual immersions to help you see what the finished product will look like. And our seamless process assures you clear communication, every step of the way. Just schedule a consultation to get started and you’ll be sitting out on your new deck or patio before you know it! We work with homeowners in Maryland, DC, and northern Virginia.
