Everyone enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. Decks and patios are some of the best ways to get outside while still being comfortable and without leaving home. Your outdoor space is a canvas that can be built into whatever you imagine. Both can be good options for homeowners in Massachusetts, but we will break down the difference between decks and patios to see which comes out on top.
Cost-Effective
Look, you get what you pay for when it comes to home improvement projects. High-quality decks are very expensive, and it’s not something that you want to cheap out on. Patios are typically cheaper, even when using more premium materials. Patios provide excellent bang for your buck.
Low Maintenance
Patios just don’t have the same maintenance that decks have associated with them. Decks can easily rot if they aren’t built with the correct materials and if they are not properly sealed and stained season after season. Sealing and staining usually require hiring a professional, which can be costly. Doing it yourself can also be risky too, because it does take some skill. Patios don’t need to be sealed, once they’re installed, they are going to last a long time with little to no maintenance. Decks on the other hand undoubtedly require more maintenance with painting and re-cocking.
Durability & Aging
As we mentioned before, decks can be prone to rotting from moisture damage, but we use pressured-treated lumber and quite often azek PVC trek materials to ensure that does not happen. Patio’s don’t have this issue because patio materials are resistant to water. With high-quality installers, you can ensure that your patio will last a long time without you doing much at all. Patios last several decades, however, decks can too if built with the right material.
Decks can also provide shelter for wildlife in your neighborhood. It’s very common to have raccoons, skunks and other critters make nests under a deck. This problem is non-existent with patios because there isn’t space under them. Patios don’t offer anything that will attract unwanted guests, only friends, and family for summer fun.
No Hassle
Spring and summertime are some of the most popular seasons for building, which means that your town has many permits to approve and review. Decks require building permits, and that means that your project can be a significant setback. With patios, you don’t have this issue. Once you plan the project, it can be completed without any holdups.
Patios provide tons more versatility than decks do when it comes to design, too. There is no fussing over permits and approval from your local community to build a patio. So you can build a patio in any size or shape that your outdoor space allows. Decks are raised, so they need to be supported, and this is where permits and regulations come into place. With patios, you don’t deal with those headaches because it’s level with your home. Style options are plentiful for both decks and patios, but patios’ versatility tips the scales in their favor. Plus, you’ll never have your project delayed because of things out of your control.
Which Works Best for Your Home?
With most life decisions, figuring out what will work best for your lifestyle and situation is important. Your home’s exterior may not be conducive to a patio over a deck, or vice versa, making the decision on which to choose a lot easier. For example, if you’re debating on a deck that will be lower to the ground or a patio, a patio would be the more appropriate choice. In this case you would be better off putting a few stairs coming out of your home that go directly to a patio. If your slider is 3 feet or more above the ground then you need a deck.
We assist people on these large-scale projects all the time. We are able to help you make an informed decision on which option would work best for your home.
Contact our team at Lamacchia Landscape Landscape Construction today to learn more about our patio installation services. We can make your outdoor space more beautiful and functional at the same time. You can reach us at 877-856-9273.