If you’re ready to spruce up your outdoor space, both decks and patios are great options for adding living areas. Both provide a beautiful and functional space ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing as family gathers. However, despite their commonalities, decks and patios differ in key ways that can make one more ideal for your budget and lifestyle than the other. If you’re trying to decide whether a deck or patio is right for you, consider these key factors before making your decision.

Privacy

Is the goal of your backyard to provide privacy and seclusion or to enjoy majestic views? If you’re hoping to kick back, relax, and enjoy the view, a deck system is likely the best option for you. Deck system’s elevation, as well as the option to add railings, makes them perfect for homes with sweeping views of the forest, ocean, or mountains. You also have the option for a raised deck, attached to the second floor of the house, which offers even greater views. Since patios are built low to the ground, they don’t offer the same opportunity for a view, but they can offer you more privacy. Especially if your backyard is enclosed by a fence or walls, you can turn your backyard into a secluded oasis.

Red Tape

Another factor to take into consideration is the amount of paperwork involved in the construction process. Since a deck system is attached to the home and can impact its exterior structure, building permits and inspections are sometimes required. You’ll need to make sure you obtain the proper permits prior to beginning the project, and inspections may need to occur throughout the building phase in order to ensure that everything is being completed up to code. If you fail to meet the requirements, your deck may need to be disassembled or you may have to pay a fine. With a patio, you can avoid these requirements and the red tape associated with building a deck. They’re simpler to build, and so they usually don’t require any sort of permits or inspections.

Cost

One of the most important factors in any renovation is the cost. The project you undertake needs to fit within your set budget. Patios are the cheaper option to build since they’re less complex and have fewer structural requirements. With decks, there are a lot more components involved that can drive up the cost. However, decks have a greater long-term ROI, if you plan on selling your home in the future. 

Terrain

Terrain considerations may dictate whether a patio or deck is best for your property. If your property is more or less flat, a patio can be easily installed. If you have sloping or hilly terrain, a deck is the better choice. Patios can be installed in sloping yards, but more prep work may be required to even out the land before building, depending on the installation method chosen. With Tile Tech’s porcelain pavers and adjustable deck supports, you can create a perfectly level patio or deck with ease.

No matter what you choose — deck or patio — Tile Tech has everything you need to complete the installation to the highest standard. Our porcelain outdoor tiles are incredibly user-friendly and easy to install, especially when paired with our adjustable deck support system. To find out more about our deck system pavers, give us a call today at (888) 380-5575. We’d be happy to walk you through our product selection and help you decide which outdoor living area is right for you.