Deck or Patio: How to Pick the Best Solution for Your Home

You’ve decided you want to utilize more of your outdoor space but you’re not sure if you should add a deck or patio. Here are some practical considerations from deck contractors:

Return on Investment

According to a recent Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, in the first year following installation, you will receive almost 75% of what you pay for your deck. House Logic, the National Association of Realtor’s website, estimates a return of as much as 60% of the initial cost of a new patio. Now that we know either option returns excellent value, let’s look at other considerations.

Terrain

If your backyard is an uneven or sloping surface or if the space must be elevated, then a deck is the only real choice. The outdoor living space should be no more than two feet from your home’s entrance. Plus, decks have an advantage in Georgia’s hot summer climate. Wooden decks naturally absorb the sunlight and retain less heat than a patio.

Versatility

There is a wide variety of materials to choose from whether you opt for a deck or a patio. Deck options include pressure-treated lumber, redwood, or cedar. If you are seeking a premium look, think tropical hardwoods like tigerwood or ipe, which are darker in color, tightly grained and denser/harder than more moderately priced material.

Patio materials are constantly evolving with new colors, new shapes, and sizes available for any personal taste. Pavers and tiles are popular options that bring more style than traditional concrete.

Both decks and patios are flexible enough to incorporate a range of features including covered pergolas, outdoor kitchen areas, gazebos, and more. Still can’t decide? If you opt for an above-ground deck, you might consider a patio below the deck for additional living & entertaining space.

Cost

Decks are typically less expensive to build than patios, primarily due to labor costs of deck contractors. Of course, size and materials selected as well as features incorporated will impact costs. To get a sense of your options as well as price, give us a call at 770-781-4641 or send us a message online. We’ll be happy to discuss your objectives and help you determine what option might work best for your needs.