Now that spring is *technically* here, perhaps you’re dreaming about renovating your home’s exterior to take advantage of the sunny, warm weather once it arrives! Building a deck or a patio is a great way to do this, giving you a place to relax outdoors with family, friends or solo in peace and quiet amongst nature. From barbeques to birthday parties and more, these are great spots to host events or unwind with a cool drink on a lovely day.
However, building the perfect deck or patio involves a lot more than just calling in a team of builders or handymen – it also means that you need to consider what’s going into the overall renovation. This includes how it will hold up over time, whether it is designed and built to meet your needs, and whether or not you can achieve the perfect completed project within your budget. To do this, it’s a good idea to take a look at what the benefits are of choosing either a deck or patio.
Decks
Pros
Owning a deck allows for plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the great outdoors just steps from the comfort and conveniences of your home. They also offer higher resale value, especially for wooden decks that are extremely popular and durable. They’re perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying your yard (even if you have uneven terrain) and provide a great view by being lifted off the ground. Wooden decks in particular can naturally absorb and retain heat very well.
Cons
Depending on which material you use for your deck – wood, concrete, brick or stone – you may encounter varying degrees of susceptibility to rotting, breaking down, or decaying, and will need to perform more maintenance. Some decks require a permit, particularly if they are large or incorporate a unique design, and they generally cost quite a bit more per square foot when using high-end decking material. There are also weight restrictions due to the strength of a deck’s supports, which can vary depending on the materials used.
Patios
Pros
Inexpensive and budget-friendly, patios are a great cost-effective alternative to a deck – even if you use more expensive materials such as brick or flagstone! This is due to there being less of a need to worry about the cost of supports, with patios generally built on lower and more flat areas. They also offer more privacy, don’t require a permit, and are easier to maintain especially since they can be sealed. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way of enjoying the outdoors at home without splurging for a more expensive deck, a charming patio is the way to go.
Cons
While patios are relatively inexpensive, they are prone to developing cracks, stains, and warping, particularly if the ground isn’t perfectly level and inspected prior to construction. They can also take longer to install in areas where there is a lot of ground movement, requiring more reinforcement and delaying the process. Additionally, ice can easily form on the surface of a ground-level patio and surfaces are more susceptible to staining and cosmetic damage as a result.
What is Your Use Case?
If you’re planning on building a deck or patio, it’s a good idea to also think about what you’ll actually use it for. It could end up that a cheaper option suits your use case better, helping you save on money, time and valuable space! Take a look at your property’s layout and consider whether a covered or exposed addition makes more sense for your needs and budget, and try to plan according to how much use your deck or patio is actually going to get. Weighing the pros and cons should also be prioritized as well, helping you understand the true value of the renovations to come.
Whether you’re considering a deck or patio, be sure to consider which one is appropriate for your property. Factoring in the landscape levelness, inclement weather, and your budget can go a long way in ensuring you make a sound investment that can be enjoyed for years to come. Be sure to choose the right materials for your needs as well, and don’t forget to choose a trustworthy, experienced team to take care of your renovation properly!
FAQs
Building a patio is typically far less costly than building a deck, costing around half as much on average for labor and materials. On top of that, many deck materials require regular power washing and sealing to maintain their beauty and structural integrity, which adds more maintenance costs over its life span.
Is it cheaper to do a deck or patio? ›
Building a patio is typically far less costly than building a deck, costing around half as much on average for labor and materials. On top of that, many deck materials require regular power washing and sealing to maintain their beauty and structural integrity, which adds more maintenance costs over its life span.
What adds more value, a deck or a patio? ›
✓ Highest Return on Investment:
Whether you plan to sell your home or not, looking at the possible returns from home projects is always important. Composite deck has a higher return on investment for resale value at 70% compared to a 50-60% return on paver patios.
What is the downside of a deck? ›
Cons of a deck
More maintenance: Depending on the material, decks may need to be power-washed, stained, or sealed every few years. Shorter lifespan: Wood is more susceptible to weather and can rot, fade/discolor, and warp if not properly treated.
What lasts longer, a patio or deck? ›
Lifespan: Patios last longer than wood decks even though they can get cracked and stained over time. Decks don't have the same longevity, though they can age well with proper care.
Is it cheaper to lay a patio or decking? ›
We've covered a range of different points in this article but you may be wondering if a deck or patio is cheaper. Usually, patios will be cheaper to build but will often require extensive labour to make the ground flat and even for building.
How much does it cost for a 20x20 deck? ›
Cost to build a deck
| Deck size (feet) | Square feet | Average cost installed* |
|---|
| 16'x16' | 256 | $6,400 – $12,800 |
| 20'x20' | 400 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 20'x24' | 480 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| 24'x24' | 576 | $14,400 – $28,800 |
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Because a deck increases your property value, your taxes will also increase. Property tax rates are based on your tax district's revenue goal (total levy) divided by the district's assessed value.
Should I replace my deck with a patio? ›
A patio is a permanent solution which will require almost no maintenance and still look very good to buyers when you go to sell your house in the future. Decks unfortunately don't look as good over time as patios, even with maintenance.
What is the most cost effective patio? ›
Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget. Otherwise, pebbles or reclaimed materials are also good options. If you're set on laying paving slabs, concrete is one of the cheapest materials, and when installed and maintained correctly, it can hold up well and last for years.
5) Composite Decking Adds Value to Your Home
The final reason why composite decking is worth the price is that it will significantly increase the value of your property. If by any chance you decide to sell your home at any point in the future, you can use your composite deck as an additional selling point.
Should a deck be anchored to the house? ›
Its connection to the house is crucial to the longevity of the deck and the safety of everyone who enjoys it. Contractors must use enough proper metal fasteners to secure the ledger board and deck to your home; the flashing also needs to be installed correctly.
What is the downside to Trex? ›
Improper Framing And High Temperatures
If installed incorrectly, the boards might come loose from their frame or curl up at the ends. Keep in mind that installing composite decking over an old wooden frame is not a great idea as framing for composite decking requires special care.
What adds more value, a deck or patio? ›
Both a deck and a patio offer an impressive resale value. However, patios are usually less expensive, and their resale value is 100%—slightly higher than a deck's 76% resale value.
Is it cheaper to pour a patio or build a deck? ›
It's cheaper to build a concrete patio in terms of both the initial cost to lay a concrete patio, as well as its cost of maintenance over time. A concrete patio costs only $4 per square foot, while a deck costs roughly $6 per square foot for lower-cost pressure treated lumber.
What to build instead of a deck? ›
Some alternatives to wooden decking boards include decking materials such as composite, PVC and bamboo - as well as different materials and styles altogether like slabs, bark chippings and gravel for example.
Is it better to have a deck or concrete patio? ›
If you love the look and warmth of natural wood and don't mind the extra maintenance involved in its upkeep, then a deck is the clear choice. If you want a low-maintenance material that offers unlimited colors, patterns, and finishes and can be formed into any shape, a concrete patio has no substitute.
Should you build a deck or patio first? ›
Whenever possible, it's ideal to begin with the patio. This is mostly because the project is easiest to coordinate from an excavation point by starting with the patio. The footers for the deck can be installed at the time of the patio excavation.
Should I replace a deck with a patio? ›
Replacing an old wooden deck with a paver patio isn't only an increasingly popular trend, it's also an intelligent investment. A new patio will cost less, look better, be more enjoyable in the long run AND add value to your home.
What is the cheapest way to build a patio? ›
Gravel. Gravel is, on average, the cheapest material for a patio and requires the least time to install.
