May 17, 2019
The addition of outdoor entertaining space is a wonderful asset to any home. One of the biggest questions many homeowners have is whether to construct a deck or a patio. Knowing the difference between the two, along with which one works best in each situation, is the first step of the process. We’ve taken the time to provide a quick overview to help make an informed decision.
Decks are often placed just outside an exterior door to the home.
Deck
Size and Location:
- Able to be installed on any type of terrain, even hills
- Can be attached to home or freestanding
- Size limited by ability to provide proper support
Available Materials:
- Pressure-treated wood
- Composite decking boards
- PVC decking boards
Maintenance/Longevity:
- High end, composite materials require minimal cleaning
- Wood needs to be stained/waterproofed every few years
- Mold growth on wood may need to be pressure washed
- Original build typically lasts 10 - 15 years
Cost (for a 10’ x 16’ Structure):
- Materials: $1,600 - $4,800 ($10 - $30/square foot)
- Labor: $1,600 - $3,200 ($10 - $20/square foot)
- Total: $3,200 - $8,000
Return on Investment (ROI):
- 60 - 87% ROI
- One of the highest ROIs for any home renovation
Takeaways:
- Can be built on uneven surfaces
- Expensive BUT higher return on investment
- Requires regular maintenance
- Easily customizable
Patios require level ground for installation.
Patio
Size and Location:
- Sits directly on the ground
- Land must be level and graded before installation
- No structural-integrity size restrictions
Available Materials:
- Brick
- Concrete
- Stamped Concrete
- Gravel
- Pavers
- Tile
- Flagstone
- Cut Stone
Maintenance/Longevity:
- Most materials only require occasional cleaning
- Cracking may occur over time if ground isn’t completely even
- Typically lasts 25+ years
Cost (for a 10’ x 16’ Structure):
- Materials: $480 - $4,000 ($3 - $25/square foot)
- Labor: $1,600 - $4,000 ($10 - $25/square foot)
- Total: $2,080 - $8,000
Return on Investment (ROI):
- < 50%
- Most ROI comes from personal enjoyment, not resale value
Takeaways:
- Only works on even surfaces
- Less expensive than a deck
- Doesn’t require much maintenance
- Long lifespan
