Deck vs. Patio: Which Outdoor Space is Right for You?

One of the best ways to expand your living space is with a deck or patio. Both options enhance your home's functionality and offer the perfect setup for outdoor lounging. Imagine enjoying a sunny morning on your patio or gathering friends around a cozy fire pit on your deck—it's the ultimate backyard experience!

When it comes to choosing between a deck vs patio, there are several key differences to consider. From deck vs patio cost to which is better for resale value, we've got all the information to help you make the right choice.

Key Differences Between a Deck and a Patio?

Materials & Location

A deck is an elevated structure made from wood or composite boards and is often attached to your home. Since it’s built above ground, a deck is ideal for uneven terrain or elevated views, usually featuring a railing for safety.

In contrast, a patio is built at ground level and typically made from materials like brick, stone, concrete, or gravel. With no need for structural support, patios work best on level surfaces and don’t require railings, making them an easy choice for flatter yards. Plus, stone patios are fire-safe—a great option if you’re planning a cozy fire pit setup!

Patio vs. Deck Cost

If budget is a key factor, patio vs deck cost is an important comparison. Patios generally have a lower upfront cost, as stone and concrete are often more affordable than wood. Building a deck requires more carpentry and labor, which can add to the cost. Additionally, decks may require permits, which increase the initial investment.

Maintenance costs are also something to keep in mind. Wooden decks need regular staining and sealing to prevent rot and extend their lifespan, typically lasting 10-15 years. Composite decking offers less maintenance but comes at a higher upfront price. On the other hand, a patio is low maintenance and durable, often lasting for decades with minimal upkeep.

If you're planning to sell your home, a deck may add more resale value due to its popularity among home buyers, especially when spacious and made of attractive materials.

Restrictions & Permits

Make sure to check the local building laws in your area. Some regions require inspections and require permits for the construction of a deck because they are considered a part of the building that needs to be inspected just like the house itself. Safety becomes important especially in the case of a second story deck!

Inspections will tell you the weight restrictions that you’ll have to pay attention to for your new deck. Keep those restrictions in mind when you’re selecting deck furniture.

Patios rarely face any similar restrictions because they are built directly on the ground without any elevated constructed surfaces, which makes a patio a simpler choice if you want to avoid paperwork.

Choosing Deck vs. Patio Materials  

Decks are typically constructed out of wood or composite decking—a manufactured combination of natural wood and plastic. Wood decking is a renewable resource and is burnable or compostable at the end of its use (as long as it’s not chemically treated), but it has the shortest lifespan of any deck or patio material.

Investing in hardy and durable wood like cedar or redwood will help to increase the time before your deck needs to be replaced, but it will still be less long-lasting than a composite deck or a stone patio.

Composite decks, on the other hand, are much longer lasting and harder to degrade than natural wood. The production practices can be surprisingly eco-friendly (depending on the manufacturer), using both recycled wood and plastic.

However, the combined wood and plastic material of composite boards cannot be burned, composted, or recycled, meaning that they are destined for a landfill when your deck eventually needs to be dismantled. There are pros and cons to either material and the decision comes down to your own personal preferences and building needs.

Key Considerations for Deck vs Patio

Recapping, here are some important questions to help you decide:

• Budget: Patios can be done more affordably than decks, depending on the materials you select. 

• Maintenance: Decks, especially wooden ones, require regular upkeep. Patios are generally less maintenance.

• Longevity: Every material you use will have a certain lifespan, do your research to make sure it fits with your needs. 

• Terrain: Decks are ideal for uneven or sloped areas. Patios work on flat surfaces.

• DIY Feasibility: Decks usually require professional installation, whereas patios may be manageable as a DIY project.

How to Get Started with Your Deck or Patio Project

Alright, you’ve been won over by the concept of a gorgeous outdoor living space. How do you choose between a patio and a deck, select your materials, and actually get started building?

Identify Your Goals

Before you start throwing supplies in your cart at the hardware store, take a step back and think about what your goals are for your deck or patio. Consider some important questions:

• How much do you want to invest upfront? If you’re sticking to a tight budget, a compact patio is the choice for you. If you’re investing for the long term, the splurge for a beautiful redwood deck could pay off when you sell your home.

• How much maintenance are you willing to do? If you don’t mind doing a little upkeep, you might appreciate giving your deck a scrub, stain, and seal every year or two. If you prefer to get all the work done at once and then kick back and relax, a patio is more your style.

• How long do you want it to last? Every element has a lifespan! 

• What terrain are you building on? If you’re building on a steep hill, the headache of leveling the land might make a deck an easy pick. If you already have a flat canvas to work on, go wild with the hardscape ideas for a patio that will be a cinch to install.

• Do you want to do a DIY install? Decks require a complex and extensive build process that we don’t recommend for an amateur—plus, any mistakes can make a deck unsafe, so stick to expert installation. Patios (particularly those installed on already level ground) can be a self-installed project if you’re willing to do some heavy lifting!

• How do you plan to use the space? If you want a space to recline with a view, an elevated deck is your spot to lounge. On the other hand, patios provide a durable surface for a high-traffic area or for showpieces like a cozy fire pit or lush patio water feature.

• Which look do you like better? The aesthetics of a patio vs deck will all come down to personal preference, and that matters a lot! You’re going to be living and lounging in this space for years to come, so use this opportunity to build a beautiful backyard that you will truly love.

Think about all these questions and rank them by how important they are to you.  Your final decision all comes down to which factors matter the most to you.

If you feel like you could use a helping hand in this process, we’ve got your back! The team at our Design Studio would love to incorporate decks and patios into your backyard remodel plans. Whether you’re considering a front patio, brick pavers, or multi level deck – we’re here to help create your dream deck or patio landscape design.