Which Is Best - A Deck Or Patio? Berkeley CA

Would you like to make the addition of a deck or patio to yourhome? This simple question requires that you put some thoughtinto which one of the two would be the most suitable for yourneeds. Use this article as a guide to help you make the rightdecisions concerning your new outdoor area.

Local Companies

STUDIO+ONE:DESIGN
510-986-0200
1395 Trestle Glen Road
Oakland, CA
Boni + Geis Design Consultants
510-544-9338
360 Vernon St.
Oakland, CA
Tranquil Spaces Design Group
800-548-3344
Pier 23, The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA
Cher Cultrona Finishes
415-974-5598
201 Harrison #811
San Francisco, CA
FQ Designs
415-568-7499
2130 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA
HBA / Hirsch Bedner Associates
415-362-8900
222 Sutter Street, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA
Signs America, Inc
415-512-7446
2141 Third Street
San Francisco, CA
The Wiseman Group Interior Inc.
(415) 282-2880
301 Pennsylvania Ave
San Francisco, CA
Adeeni Design Group
415-928-4685
P.O. Box 641483
San Francisco, CA
Forma/Funzione
415-791-0400
2 Henry Adams
San Francisco, CA

Which Is Best - A Deck Or Patio?

Would you like to make the addition of a deck or patio to your home? This simple question requires that you put some thought into which one of the two would be the most suitable for your needs. There are several factors you should observe, including building codes, the terrain in your area, the type of climate in your area, and how you plan to use the new space.

Decks are usually the most affordable choice for a home addition, but concrete patios are the most durable and require the lowest maintenance. There are many design options available for both patios and decks. This means that you are only limited by your imagination and your budget, when choosing on the appropriate design for your deck or patio.

To help you determine if a deck or patio is more suitable to your needs, consider the following points:

  • Terrain is one of the biggest factors that can sometimes dictate a patio or deck, not allowing you much of a choice. If your home is situated in an area that has a steep slope, this almost always dictate that a deck is your best choice. The cost of leveling out the ground in order to put in a patio is usually extremely expensive.

  • Will the climate make a cement patio too hot to walk on? Will rain and snow create problems with runoff? Once again, the terrain in your area and where you live can make your decision for you.

  • How much weight will the new area need to hold? If you plan on putting a hot tub on a deck, the space would need to be built sturdier due to the weight of the hot tub, but you might lose the look you were hoping for. A patio may be more suitable for your needs if a hot tub is going to be installed.


    The next major decision is what type of material is the best for your decking or patios? There are many selections to choose from. They include composite or vinyl decking, wood decking, pavers or concrete. Some of the pros and cons of each are as follows:

  • Composite and vinyl decking requires less maintenance than wood and will prove to be more resistant to insects, warping and splintering. Be careful though, because some of these can swell up in very hot and sunny climates, and in the end, could be more costly than wood decking. This is especially true if the railing and balustrade systems are used.

  • Wood decking of pressure treated pine or fir are popular choices due to their low cost, rot resistance and availability. Unfortunately these can easily warp, twist shrink and swell even with a good maintenance routine. Other wood options of red cedar, redwood and other hardwoods can be more durable, but can be more costly since they are not chemically treated. They too will still require continual maintenance.

  • Pavers of brick, stone or concrete are also readily available. They come in a range of styles and colors and are very durable. They require very little maintenance but can be costly if site preparation is required for proper placement.

    Concrete now comes in an array of colors and patterns and offers a world of design ideas. It requires maintenance of an occasional pressure wash and sometimes needs to be a resealed to protect it from damage.


    Now that you know what choices are available to you, check with your local city government to determine what codes are required, before you purchase any of them. Look at the terrain and think about the type of weather you have in your area. Decide if it is to support a hot tub or what type of use it will endure. What you are going to use this new outdoor area for should play a major role in making the decision between a deck or patio.

    As with any home improvement project, preplanning is crucial. Having a good plan that considers all of the factors mentioned in this article will help you keep from making a costly mistake that you will later regret. As a general rule you should spend as much time planning for your outdoor area, as it takes for you to consider every factor effecting your decision.

    A new patio or deck can provide enjoyment for years to come, and it could increase the value of your home if it is installed correctly. Select wisely, and enjoy your new outdoor area.

    Copyright: Copyright © 2006-2008 Emerson Lockwood

    About the Author:
    Emerson Lockwood write on topics related to Home Technology, Home Improvement and Home Financing. You can see more of Emerson's home related articles here. Super Home Ideas covers everything to do with your home: Home Improvement, Home Repair, Buying and Selling a House, Financing a Home, Buying Homeowners Insurance, Gardening and Landscaping. Visit the website at: http://www.SuperHomeIdeas.com


    Article Source: thePhantomWriters Article Submission Service

  • Featured Local Company

    Boni + Geis Design Consultants

    510-544-9338
    360 Vernon St.
    Oakland, CA
    http://none

    Related Articles
    - Tropical Style Deck Design Berkeley CA
    If you love the outdoor lifestyle, then tropical style deckdesign can provide you with an additional living space during themonths of pleasant weather. Whether your deck is raised or groundlevel, whether it has an ocean view or not, you can enjoy atropical lifestyle on your tropical style deck.
    - Walkway Installation Berkeley CA
    - Deck Demolition Berkeley CA
    - Cement Deck Berkeley CA
    - Guide To Building An Outdoor Deck Berkeley CA
    - Successful Home Improvement Projects Require Good Planning Berkeley CA
    - Plan for a Spa/Hot Tub Purchase Berkeley CA
    - Deck Makeover Berkeley CA
    - The Low Down on Low Decks Berkeley CA
    - Deck Drainage Systems Berkeley CA
    Related Articles
    - Tropical Style Deck Design Berkeley CA
    If you love the outdoor lifestyle, then tropical style deckdesign can provide you with an additional living space during themonths of pleasant weather. Whether your deck is raised or groundlevel, whether it has an ocean view or not, you can enjoy atropical lifestyle on your tropical style deck.
    - Walkway Installation Berkeley CA
    - Deck Demolition Berkeley CA
    - Cement Deck Berkeley CA
    - Guide To Building An Outdoor Deck Berkeley CA
    - Successful Home Improvement Projects Require Good Planning Berkeley CA
    - Plan for a Spa/Hot Tub Purchase Berkeley CA
    - Deck Makeover Berkeley CA
    - The Low Down on Low Decks Berkeley CA
    - Deck Drainage Systems Berkeley CA
    Related Local Events
    All Aboard 2008! European Train Enthusiasts
    Dates: 11/28/2008 - 1/11/2009
    Location: Blackhawk Museum
    Danville CA
    View Details

    Ambassadors' Committee Meeting
    Dates: 12/3/2008 - 12/3/2008
    Location: Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
    Fairfield CA
    View Details

    Chamber's Holiday Mixer
    Dates: 12/8/2008 - 12/8/2008
    Location: Courtyard Marriot
    Fairfield CA
    View Details

    Education Committee
    Dates: 12/10/2008 - 12/10/2008
    Location: Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
    Fairfield CA
    View Details

    Business Issues Committee Meeting
    Dates: 12/12/2008 - 12/12/2008
    Location: Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
    Fairfield CA
    View Details
    Rate Article
         
    Articles Insider

    Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

    Topics:
    Advertising Engineering Home Services Retail & Consumer Services
    Business Services Entertainment Industrial Goods & Services Software
    Career Family Insurance Technology
    Cars Financial Services Internet Telecommunications
    Computer Hardware Food & Beverage Legal Transportation & Logistics
    Construction Health Pets Travel
    Education Home Electronics Real Estate Wedding