Patios and porches are both great ways to create extra outdoor living space for your home. They both can be paved, be in the front of the house, be in the back of the house, and be covered with a roof. However, there are things that distinguish one from another. Let’s take a look at their differences:
Installation
Porches usually match the home’s exterior appearance, therefore making it a more complex project. Installing a porch requires professional installers to come ensure that your porch has the same design and materials as your home as well any other add-ons the homeowner desires.
Patios require less work since they can be built directly on the ground. Patios usually only require a leveled and compacted ground. They can be great DIY projects for the handyman or handy-woman at home.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance for porches varies by the materials used to build it. Some porches require regular sanding and staining while others don’t require this at all. If damage does occur to the framing or the flooring, it is recommended to have a professional repair it.
Patios are quicker and easier to maintain. As long as the patio is regularly sprayed with a hose, it should last a long time with minimal upkeep.
Costs
One of the biggest differentiators between a porch and a patio is the cost. Porches cost significantly more to build than patios. This is because building a porch is more labor-intensive and requires more materials. Building a porch means that you need to hire carpenters, painters, electricians, and other contractors to get the job done. You can expect to pay or pay close to $17,000 on labor costs alone.
Patios don’t require as much material and labor as porches. A new patio that’s professionally installed can cost anywhere from $2,000 and $4,000 when built to cover the same dimensions of its porch counterpart.
Purpose
Even though it’s up to the owner how they want to utilize both of these structures, porches are usually designated for casual relaxation and entertaining. It’s not uncommon to find rocking chairs and other leisure furniture present on the porches of a homeowner’s home.
Patios, however, are usually designated as a place to entertain. Patios usually include seating, dining furniture, and even an outdoor cooking space. Larger patios can include amenities such as a pool or a fireplace.
Can’t Decide Which One to Build?
North American Deck and Patio can work with you to help determine the best living space is best for you. Whether you decide on a new porch or a new patio in MD, we’ll provide you an outdoor living experience that you and your family are sure to love for years to come. Call or contact us today for your free estimate.
Thousands of Happy Customers
“ 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
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