Many homeowners think of their deck or patio as an outdoor living room, dining room, or even kitchen. Before you build a deck or patio, you should learn about the difference between the two.
Patios: Ground level surface that can be made of various materials such as concrete, pavers, stone and brick – limitless options.
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Decks: Elevated structures attached to a home. They are commonly constructed of wood or composite materials.
"When planning a deck or patio first you want to get your budget in line, then see what your options are," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. "Figure out how much square footage you're looking to add and then price it out accordingly with each different type. Keeping in mind the price range can vary on installation, but you also need to consider what the lifelong maintenance is as well. For instance, a wood deck is less expensive than a composite deck to install initially, but requires more maintenance."
Angie's List Tips: Deck or Patio?
- Consider the landscape: Patios work best on flatter terrain because you need a minimal amount of structural engineering to put them in. That's not to say that you can't install a patio on a hilly yard; it's just that the cost of building retaining walls and paying to bring in fill dirt to level out the site can increase the project cost. However, you can extend decks out over a variety of terrain and provide your own flat surface, regardless of the topography. You'll also want to look at the way weather affects your property and determine whether roof drainage could create a problem on an attached deck or if the way snow and ice build-up could create a slippery hazard on a patio.
- Assess your needs: Before embarking on a deck or patio project, figure out what you'd like to get from the space. Ask questions like these:
- Consider maintenance issues: Both decks and patios require varying degrees of maintenance depending on the building materials. Wooden decks require periodic sealing, staining and even replacement of railings and floor planks as they age, whereas certain patios may require weeding between paving stones, filling in cracks and sealing, as in the case of concrete slabs.
An incorrectly installed patio or deck can be an unsightly blight on your landscape. That's why it's critical to choose a reputable contractor.
Angie's List Tips: Hiring a contractor for your deck or patio