Decking vs Patio – Decks and patios are both excellent places to spend time outside. These outdoor areas are ideal for hosting gatherings and spending quiet time with loved ones in the fresh air and sunshine.
You may be curious about the differences between these two types of patios. While decks and patios serve similar objectives, the primary distinction is their elevation. Furthermore, there are variations in building materials, methods, and costs. Read on Decking Pros NW – Deck Repair Seattle to find out the main features of a deck vs patio and decide which is better for your home.
Major Difference Between a Deck – Deck Contractor Seattle
1. You Can Sell Your Wood Deck
Decks provide a better return on investment than patios, despite decks having a higher initial cost. These raised buildings may add value to your home and are a fantastic selling point, particularly in warmer regions where living outside is the norm. This is especially true of homes located in places with a Mediterranean climate.
It’s possible that installing a deck on the exterior of your house is the best approach to maximize the return on investment you obtain from selling your home shortly. Your newly installed deck is an excellent improvement to your property, but you should use it before you put your house up for sale.
Patios can be built for a lower cost than other outdoor living spaces, but they bring little added value to a property. When picking between a deck and a patio, it is essential to consider the market. You can use this information to determine whether the potential advantages are worth the anticipated expenditures.
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2. Longer Life of Patio for Outdoor Living Space
Patios have a longer lifespan than natural wood decks, which is helpful if you seek a long-term option that is easier to maintain. Patios are also less prone to rotting and insect infestations. However, they are still subject to fractures and stains, which necessitate some little maintenance on the owner’s part.
Natural wood decks are less durable than patios, so you won’t get quite as many years out of them as you would with a balcony, but with the proper maintenance, natural wood decks can endure for a very long time. Decks and patios can benefit from routine maintenance to extend their lifespan.
3. Deck Materials are Thermal, but Patio Don’t
You don’t want your feet to turn bright red as soon as you step onto a deck in the middle of summer; that would be uncomfortable. Examples of heat-repellent materials are aluminum, ipe wood, and concrete. These deck flooring alternatives will assist in maintaining the ground at a more tolerable temperature for bare feet throughout the warm summer months.
If you have a wooden deck, remember that natural wood decks tend to get hotter than synthetic equivalents. However, this varies depending on the manufacturer. Remember that the floor of a dark composite deck can become very hot, and plan accordingly.
Brighter colors will keep the temperature down on your new deck, regardless of the material you choose to employ.
>>> Click here: FAQs about Painting Composite Decks
4. Low Maintenance
Decks made of natural wood need to be maintained and cared for often, however stunning they may be. It is recommended that they be refinished once every couple of years with new paint or stain, sealed, and given a good power washing to preserve the wood in good shape. The exact appearance may be achieved using a wood composite material at a significantly lower cost and greatly increased durability.
Patios are an excellent alternative to decks for those looking for an outside living environment that requires little upkeep but can withstand high levels of wear and tear. Patios need less time and money to maintain than decks do because patios are frequently created with materials such as concrete and stone, which do not rot or splinter as wood does.
Tiers are commonly constructed with wood, which can crack or deteriorate with time. When making a final decision about deck vs patio, you must consider the amount of time and money you are willing to put into maintaining your deck or patio.
5. Deck Have Weight Restrictions, Patio Don’t
When designing decks raised off the ground, weight distribution is one of the most important factors to consider. A deck that has been appropriately constructed will have a strong base that is large enough to support chairs and other deck accessories.
Despite this, there will still be restrictions because of its elevated status. This is another important reason for acquiring the relevant authorizations and passing the required inspections at critical construction phases.
Determine what it is that you plan to put on your deck, and check that the total amount of weight won’t exceed the allowed maximum. Patios may be better suited for heavier objects like hot tubs than decks are, given that patios are level with the ground and don’t have the same weight limits.
6. Build Decks On Uneven Ground
It takes more time and works to build a deck, and in most cases, you’ll need to enlist the assistance of a professional to get the job done right. Decks are great for sloping terrain. Patios built on the ground level require flat ground underneath them to be constructed. Those who live in areas with more undulating topography could discover that further preparation is necessary.
Before making a deck or patio, it is prudent to examine the location and take topography measurements to determine whether the area is level. Only then should you make your construction plans. This material may be helpful for you to consider if you are having problems making a decision.
>>> Read more: Simple Deck for Above-ground Pool
7. Patios are Cheaper
It is essential to consider creating a budget for a new patio or deck because the price tag can vary significantly based on aspects such as the structure’s material, the square footage, and the location.
Building a patio could be cost-effective for you in several ways. Patios are typically constructed out of concrete or stone due to their lower cost than decks, usually made of wood or bricks. In addition, patios often require little in the way of upkeep and effort compared to other types of outdoor living spaces.
Decks require fewer official approvals and inspections than different types of structures, so installing one could help you save money. Building a deck alone throughout the weekend is the most cost-effective method available.
8. Deck Require Building Permits
Because decks are an extension of the home’s structure and affect the property’s curb appeal, they usually require permits and inspections before construction begins. Building a deck requires the acquisition of specific licenses.
In addition, you may need to schedule inspections at various points to guarantee that your deck conforms to local building codes and standards. A secure outdoor environment can then be established. You could be fined or forced to take down your deck if you don’t comply with these rules.
Since patios are placed on the ground and don’t alter the house’s integrity, they are less complicated to construct and rarely necessitate permits or inspections. However, before beginning construction on your Patio, it is wise to check with the local authorities to make sure you do not require any special licenses
>>> Download Seattle Building Permits
Cost Comparison – Seattle Deck Contractor
1. Decking
- Material and Labor: $50 per square foot
- Annual Maintenance: $375
- 15-year Maintenance: $4.000
2. Patio
- Material and Labor: $35 per square foot
- Annual Maintenance: $775
- 15-year Maintenance: $4.500
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Materials Comparison – Deck Builders Kent WA
1. Decking Materials
a. Composite Decking
>>> Read more: What is Composite Decking
You may find composites in many different hues and woodgrain patterns that are meant to fool the eye. These boards, produced from waste plastic and wood, don’t splinter and don’t need to be stained or painted because of their inherent resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
Composites are heavier and more expensive than most woods and require regular washing to prevent mildew. It may be cheaper to install a composite deck than a wood one, but wood deck maintenance costs should be factored in.
Composites are not as temperature stable as wood and exhibit various degrees of expansion and contraction. All instructions provided by the manufacturer must be followed for proper installation. Make sure you have the correct fasteners for screwing through the face so that you don’t end up with unsightly bumps around the head.
b. Wood Decking Materials – Deck Builders Kent WA
When it comes to decking, wood has always been and still is the most popular choice because it is low-maintenance, long-lasting, easy to install, and comfortable to walk barefoot. It must be cleaned once a year and is prone to rotting, splintering, and warping.
Although prolonged exposure to the elements will cause all wood to turn silvery gray, its original appearance can be maintained by cleaning and re-staining it every two to three years.
c. Pressure Treated Lumber
This inexpensive decking should serve you well for the next 15 years. Southern yellow pine, a common component of pressure-treated wood, is prone to splintering if not regularly oiled. It’s essential to wear safety gear, including gloves, a face mask, and goggles when working with this wood.
Cancer is another possible side effect of the toxic chemicals that prevent rot and termites. Due to its corrosive properties, screws and nuts made of stainless steel are recommended.
d. Cedar Deck (Red Wood)
Even though they come from the same genus, cedar and redwood are significantly different in their distinct densities and flexural stabilities. It is easier to stain because it has less natural oil. The availability of cedar forests is greater than that of redwood forests; as a result, cedar forests are more cost-effective and kind to the environment.
Cedar and redwood are both from the same genus and share many similar qualities; however, cedar is less dense and more flexural stable than redwood. It’s less stain-resistant because it has less natural oil. Since cedar forests are more plentiful than redwood forests, they make a more economical and sustainable choice.
2. Patio Materials
a. Stamped Concrete for Your Outdoor Space
Decks made of concrete have always been and will always be a common sight. Its flexibility is one of its most vital selling points. Decks can be made to look like stone, brick, or any other material by staining, stenciling, or stamping.
If you’d want a simple, minimalist, and cost-effective pool deck, the poured version illustrated here is a great option to consider. Stamped cement or concrete, often textured or imprinted concrete, is a visually appealing substitute for plain, poured concrete. It is aesthetically beautiful, durable, and easy to clean, making it an excellent surface for a pool deck.
In addition, it offers a level of visual flexibility unmatched by any alternative pool deck material. Stains, powdered pigments, and antiquing chemicals can be used to create a variety of stone, brick, tile, and woodgrain textures. This example gives the deck a stone-like texture for better grip.
b. Classic Wooden Patio
Recycled woods are a good option because the tannins used to stain wood have already been removed during the recycling process. That you keep your feet (and other parts of you) clean. The pool’s decking was made of spotted gum and teak. Generally speaking, higher-grade wood, especially untreated wood, will not transfer its surrounding color as readily.
Wooden decks are fantastic if you want your outside space to have that traditional, cozy look and feel that only natural wood can offer. It’s easier to cut, shape, and install than other deck materials. Not to mention, it complements the outdoor settings of all designs.
Some more reasonably priced natural wood examples include pine, cedar, and Brazilian ipe. Regarding furniture, teak is superior since it is more widely available in India. Teak’s innate resistance to insects, mildew, and mold is unbeatable. Cleaning, sanding, and sealing a hardwood deck once every season is recommended maintenance.
c. Paver
To lay down a sidewalk, Patio, or pool deck, pavers composed of concrete, brick, or stone are used. Driveways are another common application for pavers. They are often made of concrete, gravel, or brick, with concrete and stone providing the most durability. These concrete pavers may look like natural stone, but their interlocking design makes them far more practical.
Even though pavers don’t need any upkeep, they may be swapped out for brand new ones if they ever get broken. If you want to prevent people from sliding around on them, you can give their surface a textured finish. They are not susceptible to breakage and will not retain moisture.
To prevent the pavers from shifting once they are laid, the ground must be exactly level, and a permanent border must be built around them. They absorb dyes and stains well and quickly lose their original hue. Weeds can grow in the crevices and between the bricks, too.
To reach Decking Pros NW – Patio Contractor Seattle was for detailed information about the services below is some more information for you:
- Phone: (206) 279-1450
- Email: info@deckingprosnw.com
- Website: https://deckingprosnw.com/
- Open Hours: 8:00 – 18:30