Patio vs Deck: Which is Right for You?

Patios and decks are two of the most popular choices for outdoor living spaces in the UK, with both options providing excellent opportunities to enhance your home’s exterior.

The trouble is – which one should you choose? This is a challenge that thousands of people face each year so to help you with making the right choice, in this article, we’re going to cover:

• What a patio is and the pros and cons it comes with
• What a deck is and the pros and cons it comes with
• The key difference between a patio and a deck
• How to choose between a patio and a deck

But before we get into any of the above, we’d first like to talk about why having an outdoor space matters in the first place.

Why Outdoor Spaces Matter

Having an outdoor space where you can kick back and relax when the weather is nice is more than just a luxury – it’s essential for living a more balanced lifestyle. Whether you decide to go for a patio or a deck, outdoor spaces such as these can greatly contribute to your mental and physical well-being, social interaction with family and friends, and overall happiness.

Aside from the above, having a dedicated outdoor space on your property will also greatly impact its value, allowing you to demand a higher price should you decide to sell at some point in the future.

What is a Patio?

A patio is a ground-level outdoor space that typically adjoins a house and serves as an extension of the indoor living area. The typical patio is often made of materials such as concrete, stone, or brick and can be used for a range of purposes, including dining, socialising with friends and family, or relaxing, to name a few.

Pros and Cons of a Patio

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages that come with having a patio, including:

Pros:

• Can be very cost effective
• Require little to no maintenance compared to decks
• Ideal for flat terrain
• Can increase the value of your property
• Can be designed and customised to your liking
• Can be used for a variety of purposes

Cons:

• Limited elevation
• Less privacy
• Hard surface
• Potential for cracking
• Weeds and pests

What is a Deck?

A deck is a flat, elevated outdoor structure that is typically attached to a house and also acts as a natural extension of the indoor living space. In some cases, however, a deck can also be freestanding and located elsewhere in the garden.

Unlike patios, decks are typically made of wood or composite materials and are the perfect choice for people whose property has uneven terrain or slopes, as they can be built at various heights to create a level surface.

Pros and Cons of a Deck

As is the case with patios, decks also come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Ideal for sloped or uneven terrain
• Can greatly increase property value
• Increase living space for outdoor activities
• Fully customisable to suit every one of your needs
• Perfect for dining, lounging, and entertaining family and friends

Cons:

• Can be quite expensive to construct
• Require regular maintenance
• Susceptible to weather damage
• May require permits or approvals for construction

Patio vs Deck: Key Differences

There are a number of key differences between a patio and a deck. Some of the most prominent differences include:

Location and Elevation

Patios are typically built at ground level and in line with the house. They are also most commonly built in the back garden and act as an outside extension of the indoor space.

Decks on the other hand are also commonly built as a natural extension of a house, but they can also be built as stand-alone structures in various places around the property. Unlike patios, decks can also be elevated to your desired height, giving you a lot more freedom for customisations.

Material Choices

While both patios and decks serve a very similar purpose, they’re made of vastly different materials. While patios are commonly made of concrete, stone, or brick, decks are often constructed from wood and composite materials.

Maintenance and Durability

Due to the materials they’re made out of, patios are significantly more durable and require a lot less maintenance. On the other hand, decks, especially those made of natural materials require a lot more upkeep to preserve their shine and prolong their lifespan.

Cost Comparison

Decks are typically the more expensive option of the two, especially if you decide to opt for natural materials such as wood or one of the best alternatives to traditional wood decking.

If you’re a DIYer and want to save money by doing your deck yourself, feel free to read these essential deck placement tips from experts. They’ll help guide you through the process and save you quite a bit on labuor costs, though you will still need to invest in tools, materials, and time.

How to Choose Between a Patio and a Deck

If you’re still split between a patio and a deck, here are a couple of extra things to consider that may help you make the right decision:

Consider Your Budget

While both options aren’t the cheapest of upgrades you can make to your outdoor space, your budget can significantly influence the choice you make.

If you’re on a tighter budget, a patio would be the better choice as it is typically more affordable to construct. This is mostly because patios are built at ground level from materials such as concrete, stone, or pavers.

Decks, on the other hand, are typically more expensive as they are elevated from the ground, may require additional structural support, and can be made from more expensive materials such as wood or composite.

Think About Your Climate

The climate that you live in should be another major consideration when deciding between a patio and a deck.

In areas where the weather can be quite extreme, a deck will require more maintenance to withstand heavy rain, snow, or UV exposure, especially if it’s made of natural wood. A patio, on the other hand, would be a lot more durable in such conditions, even if it’s not maintained at all.

Assess Your Space

If your terrain is sloped or very uneven, you’re better off with a deck. The opposite is true if you have a flat and even surface, which you can easily turn into a patio. So, make sure to assess your space and take it into consideration as part of your decision-making process.

Think About Usage and Lifestyle

Both patios and decks can serve multiple purposes such as for dining, socialising, and relaxing. However, there are certain cases where one is more suitable than the other.

For example, if you plan on installing an outdoor gym, a patio would be the better option as it provides a solid and level surface for exercise equipment. So, when trying to make a decision between the two, take your lifestyle into consideration and think about how you’re going to use the space.

Final Thoughts

Deciding between a patio vs. a deck can be quite challenging but it’ll ultimately depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the unique characteristics of your property. Hopefully, after reading this article, we’ve helped bring you one step closer to making the right decision.