Patio vs. Deck

Outdoor living spaces can make your home feel far more appealing, which is why you need to take your time and choose wisely between a deck and patio. There are several different factors that you will need to consider, including your needs and budget. Both options will provide you with an attractive area to entertain and relax with family and friends.

Patio or Deck: What’s the Difference?

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Decks are typically constructed using wood or hard vinyl, and are rarely placed onto the ground, but rather positioned on a support system. The decking can be placed close to the ground, but it will be raised, allowing you to have different levels. Decks can be built to extend existing areas such as your kitchen, and can even be placed on a rooftop.

Patios are placed on the ground and can be connected to your home or placed in a separate part of the garden. This living area is situated on a concrete base with decorative tiles, slabs or bricks to enhance the design. Often patio’s are not covered and are perfect for fire pits, barbeques and seating areas.

Patio vs. Deck: A Cost Comparison

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Budget is always a huge factor when considering what renovations to complete around your home, and how much money you have will impact your decisions. The average cost of a midrange deck can vary from $6000 to $15,000. Decking is believed to cost approximately $33 per square foot, whereas a patio will cost $15 per square foot.

Therefore, patios are a far cheaper, which is why many people choose this option. However, you need to consider what materials are being used, and the overall labor costs involved. You also need to think about the size of the construction and if you intend to have features included. Where you have a patio or deck also needs to be thought about as uneven ground will cost more to make even.

Return on Your Investment

As with all renovations that you do to your home, you need to think about the return on your investment. When you come to sell your home, attractive outside space will help to increase the asking price. Both patios and decking can help to increase the cost if they are constructed well and in good order.

The average return on your investment when you choose to deck is approximately 75%, and patio will bring 50%. This shows that the better investment potential is with decking, but you need to remember there are always several different factors involved.

Choose the Best One for Your Needs

You need to also think about your lifestyle, size of your home, and who lives with you and will be using the outside area. If you like plans and shrubs, you need to think about how to include these in your outside area.

Patios are excellent for above ground pools, homes with pets and people that want to be separate from the house. Decks, on the other hand, allow you to create a flow from your home to the garden, and provide a comfortable place to sit and relax. Regardless of your final choice they are both excellent ideas that will provide a return on investment and endless possibilities.

Looking for more awesome ideas for your deck? This person has a great bookmarking site for fun websites.

 

Author Bio: Hank McKinsey is a SAHD and lifestyle how-to blogger from Clovis, CA. When he’s not working on the home or blogging, he can be found at the park with his dogs or in the kitchen. See what Hank is up to on Twitter!

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