Deck Vs. Patio

In Maryland, home owners love their outdoor spaces. We entertain, plan cookouts and eat crabs. All-in-all, we enjoy our warmer seasons, usually on the deck or patio of our homes. If your home is in need of some outdoor living space, but you aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for, consider adding a deck or patio.  Decks and patios each have their own unique benefits and no matter which you choose, you’ll be grilling and enjoying it in no time.

What is the Difference?

You might find novice homeowners using the terms deck and patio interchangeably, but there are ways to tell the two apart. When speaking about a patio, you are referring to the space that is placed directly on top of the ground. A patio may be attached to the home or free standing and they also often have a concrete base. Some homeowners like to build patios from stone, pavers, or bricks to enhance the patio space.  Patios tend to not have railings and often feature add-ons like fire pits and built in seating. Lastly, the cost of a patio, in general, is about half that of an average decking project (by the square foot). While some patios may cost more than decks, when you choose high end materials and additives they are usually the cheaper alternative.

On the other hand, decks are almost always built of wood or wood composite. While built near the ground, a deck features a support system of beams. If your outdoor space is built on a second floor or a roof, you’ve got a deck. While decks also can be built off the ground level, they are always second level spaces. Decks are almost always enclosed with a railing. Decks, especially those made with composite, are more expensive than patios, though some factors can change that.

What about Value?

If it’s return on investment you’re after, consider that the return on a deck is around 70%, and 30-60% for a patio. So in the long run and for better resale value, a deck is better. Most Maryland home buyers are looking for some type of outdoor living space in the new home, so if you’re trying to sell your home, consider adding a deck or patio in addition to a new coat of paint – they both add some resale value.

What is right for me?

Depending on what you are looking to use your outdoor space for, a patio or deck may make more sense for you.  If you are interested in incorporating your home’s landscaping in your space a patio may fit the bill as trees and bushes can easily be integrated into a patio space. If you’re a homeowner who wants to highlight an amazing view, a deck is a better option as it can be elevated to the height required to create the perfect view from your back yard.  If you have an unlevel yard, consider the added cost of grading that would come with a patio. In this case, a deck may be a better option.

The bottom line is, whichever is right for your home, you can count on North American Deck and Patio to work with you each step of the way and create a dream outdoor space that you can be proud to entertain on. Contact North American Deck and Patio at 866.535.1961 for a free consultation.

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross