Which Is Best - A Deck Or Patio? Berkeley CA

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

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