Patios Vs. Decks: What's The Difference?

There are actually several important differences between a patio and a deck that you should know about

Patios and decks are certainly similar, as they both allow you to enjoy the great outdoors and entertain your family and friends. But there are actually several important differences between a patio and a deck that you should know about. Continue reading to learn about what those differences are, especially if you are planning on having a deck or patio installed in your outdoor space.

Defining Patios and Decks

Let’s start by defining what a patio is versus what a deck is.

Basically, a patio is an open outdoor area that does not need to have any walls. Although outdoor patios can be attached to a house, they could also be totally detached. Also, custom patios can be built in any shape and using a wide array of materials, but they are almost always found at ground level.

On the other hand, a deck is typically not found on ground level, as it is made with the aim of allowing you to be up higher, enjoying a fantastic view. Because they are above ground, decks do require railings, unlike patios, and they are often attached to a house (though they can be detached as well). Also, because they are usually made using composite or wood materials, they will need to be sealed and cleaned regularly in order to prevent the formation of mould and rot.

More About the Materials Used

It is worth expanding upon the materials that are used in building patios and decks, as they serve as important distinguishing factors between these two outdoor entertainment areas.

Generally, patios are constructed using everything from pebbles and bricks, to tiles, pavers, concrete, and more. Decks, as mentioned above, are usually constructed using a composite material or wood, such as cedar and redwood.

Maintaining Your Patio vs. Maintaining Your Deck

Wood decks tend to create more of a challenge when it comes to maintaining them and keeping them looking like new, simply because of the materials that they are made of. Every year, you will need to do things like scrub and sand your deck. A range of deck maintenance products are available, and they can help make it easier to prepare and clean your deck, as well as repair loose boards, screws, and nails. You will also need to sand and refinish the deck to prevent splinters caused by peeling wood. Neglecting these tasks could lead to excessive damage and a deck that will not be attractive or safe.

The maintenance that will be required to keep your patio looking like new will depend upon the materials that were used to construct it. Generally, patios will not need the same amount of attention as decks do. You can rake and clean pea gravel, as an example, or replace bricks over time. You can also use patio washing products or a pressure washer to clean concrete patios and remove any mildew or mould that develops.

As you can see, there are several key differences between patios and decks, even though these outdoor areas can also be quite similar. Your choice will depend upon the design that you prefer and how much maintenance time you are willing to put into keeping your outdoor space looking like new.

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