Deck Or Patio: Which Is Best For Your Home?

So, you're thinking about adding some outdoor living space to your property, and you're torn between building a deck or a patio. Typically, decks are raised off the ground and constructed of wood, whereas patios are installed at ground-level and are made of stone or brick. By asking yourself a few basic questions, you can figure out which option is best for your needs and then make a decision with added confidence.

What's Your Budget?

Start by determining what type of budget you're working with for your outdoor expansion project, along with how important it is for you to save money. If you're on a tighter budget, then a patio will probably be the better choice to suit your needs because patios tend to be less expensive. That's because, unlike a deck, a patio doesn't require the pouring of cement footers along with construction of a foundation. If you've got a little more money to work with, however, a deck may be the better option. Of course, this will all depend on the specific materials you use for your project.

Why Are You Building?

Furthermore, consider your reasoning for building an outdoor addition. Is it purely so you can enjoy more outdoor living space, or are you looking to recoup a return on your investment because you're planning on selling your house in the near future? If you're building the deck or patio simply for your own use, then go with whichever option you and your family would enjoy best. However, if return on investment (ROI) is what you're most interested in, then a deck is probably going to be your better option due to the typically higher ROI.

Got Time for Maintenance?

Finally, be sure not to overlook the maintenance that will be involved with each option. Typically, patios require less maintenance, which saves you time and money in the long run. Decks need to be stained and sealed every few years, and rotting boards may need to replaced from time to time as well. If you decide to go with a deck, make sure you've got the time and budget to spend on the necessary upkeep. With a patio, your primary maintenance task will be spraying weed killer to keep grass and weeds from growing up through your pavers.

For more information about the process of building a patio, contact a company like Sieben Cement Contractors Ltd.

Now that you've asked yourself these questions, which option will you choose for your new outdoor living space?