Are you thinking of adding something new to your outdoor living space? What about adding a deck or patio? Having a deck or patio doesn’t just add more value to your home on paper; it gives you a whole new area to use as an outside living room or entertainment area.
But what exactly is the difference between a deck and a patio? Which would be better for my home? There are some differences between the two that you’ll benefit from knowing before you make your decision.
At Apollo Patios, we’re dedicated to providing you with the highest-quality decks and patios. We use highly durable materials to ensure our products have a longer lifespan and so that you get a good return on investment filled with memories and fun spent in your outdoor living space.
Read on for more information on the critical differences between a patio and a deck, and let’s find out together.
In This Article, we’ll discuss:
- Design differences
- Functionality differences
- Maintenance requirements
- The benefits of verandahs and patios
- The drawbacks of verandahs and patios
What Are The Design Differences Between A Patio And Deck?
You’ll find that the main difference between a deck and a patio is how they are constructed and what materials are used for them. Generally, patios tend to be built directly on the ground and often are connected to the back or side of the house. Decks tend to be built on beams for structural support above the ground level. When it comes to materials, decks are usually made with wood or composite materials, whereas patios can be constructed with various materials, including aluminium posts and steel roofing.
As we’ve mentioned, the materials for patios vary. With such an array of options, you have more freedom to design your patio to suit your house’s aesthetic. Patios are also versatile with sizing, allowing them to easily fit into different spaces and shapes.
Decks typically have natural wood look, whether or not timber or composite is used. Probably one of the best features of a deck is its elevated design, which allows it to catch a different uninterrupted perspective of your surrounding area.
Because they’re constructed with an elevated platform, decks are considered more suitable for areas with uneven terrain, making them perfect for homes built on hills or slopes. Extras like railings, stairs, and built-in seating are standard features in decks.
The good news is, you can have both. Often where there is view to be captured or uneven grounding, our customers will choose to build a deck with a patio roof over the top for the ultimate combination of practicality and protection.
What are the functional differences between a deck and a patio?
Patios are a great outdoor space for various activities. Patios generally work well as an outside dining area, entertainment area, or a place to kick back and relax after a long day of work. Because patios are often built directly into the ground with a concrete slab, you may be able to build in a pizza oven, a permanent BBQ area, or even a fire pit for an entertainment area; the option is yours.
Decks function in a similar way to patios. They offer a fantastic place to have lunch with the family and for social events. In addition to this, because decks are built elevated, they can provide a unique viewing point for many homes as well as additional storage underneath (sometimes). So, with a deck, you could have a unique outdoor living space with a beautiful view over the area in front of you if your place is built on a slope or hill.
What are the maintenance requirements for a deck and patio?
In regards to maintenance, both a deck and patio will need you to maintain them. But there is a difference. Decks require far more maintenance in comparison to patios. Because patios are made with solid materials, they’ll need regular cleaning. Because decks are often built sometimes built with wood, they’ll require sealing or varnishing to ensure they last. Let’s look at how to maintain a deck and patio. However building with a composite or timber-look, will remove this necessity instead just requiring general cleaning.
Maintaining A Deck
In cases where decks are built with wood, they would need protection against UV rays, moisture damage, and general wear and tear from being in an outdoor environment. To protect your deck against these things, you must regularly revarnish or reseal it.
Decks also use screws and nails that could rust, leading them to need replacing as well. Good maintenance habits include cleaning your deck regularly, removing debris from between the boards and washing the surface to prevent mould, mildew and discolouration.
Maintaining A Patio
Patios are generally more expensive upfront, but they have less maintenance.
Maintenance factors vary depending on what design you choose for your patio. For instance, a flat roof may collect more leaf debris than a steeper gable roof.
What Are The Benefits Of A Patio?
Patios enhance the livability and aesthetic of your home, providing you with a comfy space to enjoy the outdoors right at your back door. Here are some other benefits of a patio.
Patios Offer Weather Protection
Patios offer a sheltered space from different weather conditions. Whether it be rain, wind, hail, snow, or harmful UV rays, having a patio will allow you to enjoy the outdoors while entirely free from the weather.
Patios Make Smaller Homes Feel Spacious
A patio will also make a smaller home feel more spacious as an extension of your floor space. With a seamless transition from inside to outside, they create the illusion that your home is larger. They can also be designed as additional living space, utilising your home space more efficiently.
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Patio?
While patios have their advantages, they do, unfortunately, have some drawbacks to them as well. Here are some drawbacks to building a patio.
Patios Need A Level Space
To build a patio, you have to have a level surface. For some areas, uneven terrain may require a little extra preparation to get it ready for a patio, however other properties may require a deck to be built to be usable.
What Are The Benefits Of A Deck?
Decks also offer a unique area to enjoy yourself with family or friends while admiring a few. Here are some benefits of having a deck.
Better vantage points and views
Because decks are often built on an elevated platform, their vantage points are better, giving you a better view of the surrounding area and encouraging a fresh breeze. Houses with decks often have a higher resale value, especially if the deck oversees a scenic view.
Adaptable to uneven terrain
Decks are also more adaptable to uneven land. Because they are built on a raised structure, their posts and supports can be of different lengths, allowing the deck to easily mirror the slope of the uneven ground, providing a nice flat platform for a patio to be built on above.
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Deck?
While decks have some great benefits, they also have some downsides that you should consider before making your decision. Here are some downsides to building a deck.
Higher maintenance requirements
In general, decks usually require more maintenance, especially those which have been made with timber. Over time, wood can begin to warp and twist, which will mean you will need to keep staining and sealing it regularly to ensure that it lasts. Failing to maintain your deck correctly can lead to it rotting and eventually breaking.
More susceptible to weathering
Decks, especially those made with natural wood, are susceptible to the effects of weathering. With exposure to rain, snow, and sunlight over time, wood can eventually warp, crack, fade, decay and weaken. This poses significant threats to your safety and, if left too long, might be irreversible and cost you more. That’s why it’s important to maintain regular maintenance to avoid this happening. There are modern composite decking options which do not warp in the elements.
When Should You Buy A Patio Over A Deck?
Choosing between a patio and a deck can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Sure, there are some factors to consider on both sides, but ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and budget. We’d suggest a patio when your backyard or chosen area has a flat ground level. This just makes the project so much simpler and has a significant impact on its cost.
If your property is not flat, then a deck might be the more suitable option for you. You can look into building a deck first with the view to adding a patio roof later.
Either way, whichever option you decide – It’ll be perfect. As a bonus, you can also design your patio to fit seamlessly into your home, thus adding to its aesthetic and functional space in one go.
