Patio vs. Deck

[Dotch]

Have gotten to the point in our project where we need to decide whether we're going to go with a deck or a block type patio off the south side of our addition. The rest of it is finished except some interior painting (wife's job) The area is partially shaded and the step down from the sliding glass window is about 2'. The area I'd like to cover is about 12' x 15'. I haven't priced anything yet but was looking for some of the pro's and con's from those who have one or both. The view is is nice the way it is but a deck may be more winter friendly. Not sure. I know, maybe I could park a bale rack there part of the year!

[bigdog]

I removed a deck and put in pavers. With a southern exposure remaining ice/snow will melt after you shovel. Pavers require little to no maintanence and wear better than wood. I much prefer pavers.

[swandog]

I'd do a patio no question...with a patio there is virtually no maintenance. The height you have to come down is minimal.

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[fishinchicks]

We are putting in a stamped concrete patio instead of replacing the deck that we tore down for our project. The deck we took out was rotting, and the screw holes were getting bigger - something you won't run into with a patio! We are going with the stamped concrete, because we really like the look, and we don't want to mess with pavers and sand, etc.

[The_Duckslayer]

Dotch... since you don't have any neighbors you should go with a patio! Decks just have those fences and rails to keep the neighbors out anyway! Besides that way when you get that overgrown jacuzzi and your "little fat buddies" out there ya dont have to worry about whether or not the deck would hold up or not. Have a good one and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[Deep_Sinker]

Pavers are fairly timeless, very minimal maintenance and can be sloped for better drainage away from the house. I did pavers and love it...

[311Hemi]

I did pavers also......less maintenance and I got them for a very good price!!!

I have a post a few pages back in the lawn and garden area (I think) about my patio installation.

[Bigdaddy18]

Doing a raided patio up against the house all depends on how high you siding is and what is behind it.

Might have to do a platform and steps that lead down to the patio.

hard to say with out seeing the area.

Depending on what you do, deck might be cheaper than a raised patio, if cost is an issue.

[Pooh]

ever thrown around the idea of exposed aggregate concrete. the stuff looks good. might cost a bit more. if you've never seen it, it looks like the floor in the pool area in the Americ Inn hotels. just another idea to throw out there

[Valv]

Dotch,

I have a deck that surrounds 60% of the house. It was built in early 90s.

It's junk now, we are spending money to fix what's possible (rotted wood, broken dangerous boards, etc.) and it's not going to be cheap.

This summer will do a stamped concrete patio, with a small decorating wall to border it, a small barbecue grill and a wood burning pizza oven (viva l'Italia).....

Go with the patio, you are welcome to come and check my deck and get disgusted with me.

[waskawood]

I think both have their place. With the composites that are out there today I think rotting no longer has to be an issue. I finally put a roof on so I could screen it in and enjoy it once the darn skeeters start.

[Scoot]

I went round and round on this decision recently. I finally decided that I want a deck AND patio. This past weekend I finished the deck- a 16 x 20 with about 2/3 bench seating made out of composite decking. I'll post pics later today.

After weighing all the pros and cons, we decided that we'd like to walk straight out the door onto something (i.e., no steps down right away), didn't want to deal with wet patio for quite a while after it rains (most decks dry quicker than most patios), and wanted less hassle with keeping it clean (dirt and junk blows in on patio that it doesn't on decks). These were the things that weighed heavily into our decision. Don't get me wrong- there's lots of pros with patio and plenty with decks that I didn't mention. I think we thought them through pretty well and ended up deciding on a deck. A patio may be a better decision for others.

Anyway... I agree with the above post- both decks and patios have their place. Figure out what you want and what'll serve your purposes better, then make your decision accordingly.

[toughguy]

How much does a plain poored concrete patio cost? Let say a 15 x 15?