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| Which Is Best - A Deck Or
Patio? |
By: Emerson Lockwood |
Would you like to make the addition of a deck or patio to your home? This simple
question requires that you put some thought into which one of the two would be
the most suitable for your needs. There are several factors you should observe,
including building codes, the terrain in your area, the type of climate in your
area, and how you plan to use the new space.
Decks are usually the most affordable choice for a home addition, but concrete
patios are the most durable and require the lowest maintenance. There are many
design options available for both patios and decks. This means that you are only
limited by your imagination and your budget, when choosing on the appropriate
design for your deck or patio.
To help you determine if a deck or patio is more suitable to your needs,
consider the following points:
Terrain is one of the biggest factors that can sometimes dictate a patio or
deck, not allowing you much of a choice. If your home is situated in an area
that has a steep slope, this almost always dictate that a deck is your best
choice. The cost of leveling out the ground in order to put in a patio is
usually extremely expensive.
Will the climate make a cement patio too hot to walk on? Will rain and snow
create problems with runoff? Once again, the terrain in your area and where you
live can make your decision for you.
How much weight will the new area need to hold? If you plan on putting a hot tub
on a deck, the space would need to be built sturdier due to the weight of the
hot tub, but you might lose the look you were hoping for. A patio may be more
suitable for your needs if a hot tub is going to be installed.
The next major decision is what type of material is the best for your decking or
patios? There are many selections to choose from. They include composite or
vinyl decking, wood decking, pavers or concrete. Some of the pros and cons of
each are as follows:
Composite and vinyl decking requires less maintenance than wood and will prove
to be more resistant to insects, warping and splintering. Be careful though,
because some of these can swell up in very hot and sunny climates, and in the
end, could be more costly than wood decking. This is especially true if the
railing and balustrade systems are used.
Wood decking of pressure treated pine or fir are popular choices due to their
low cost, rot resistance and availability. Unfortunately these can easily warp,
twist shrink and swell even with a good maintenance routine. Other wood options
of red cedar, redwood and other hardwoods can be more durable, but can be more
costly since they are not chemically treated. They too will still require
continual maintenance.
Pavers of brick, stone or concrete are also readily available. They come in a
range of styles and colors and are very durable. They require very little
maintenance but can be costly if site preparation is required for proper
placement.
Concrete now comes in an array of colors and patterns and offers a world of
design ideas. It requires maintenance of an occasional pressure wash and
sometimes needs to be a resealed to protect it from damage.
Now that you know what choices are available to you, check with your local city
government to determine what codes are required, before you purchase any of
them. Look at the terrain and think about the type of weather you have in your
area. Decide if it is to support a hot tub or what type of use it will endure.
What you are going to use this new outdoor area for should play a major role in
making the decision between a deck or patio.
As with any home improvement project, preplanning is crucial. Having a good plan
that considers all of the factors mentioned in this article will help you keep
from making a costly mistake that you will later regret. As a general rule you
should spend as much time planning for your outdoor area, as it takes for you to
consider every factor effecting your decision.
A new patio or deck can provide enjoyment for years to come, and it could
increase the value of your home if it is installed correctly. Select wisely, and
enjoy your new outdoor area.
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About the Author:
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Emerson Lockwood write on topics related to Home Technology, Home Improvement
and Home Financing. You can see more of Emerson's home related articles here.
Super Home Ideas covers everything to do with your home: Home Improvement, Home
Repair, Buying and Selling a House, Financing a Home, Buying Homeowners
Insurance, Gardening and Landscaping. Visit the website at:
http://www.SuperHomeIdeas.com
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