What’s Better – A Wood Deck Or A Paving Stone Patio?
A patio or deck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some outdoor living! It gives you a spacious area to set up somewhere to relax, with seating or perhaps a dining space and a grill. When you decide that you want to create an outdoor living space, you will need to consider whether a patio or a deck is the better option.
Decks are typically made of wood or a composite material, while patios use pavers or natural stone. Both offer stylish options for your backyard, but is one better than the other? A patio could provide a more practical option that’s still attractive. Central Home Supply is a building material supplier that can help you with your patio needs.
Installation
Wooden decks are a popular option to enhance a backyard, and there are some good reasons that you might choose to build one. A wood deck is elevated, whereas a patio is built at ground level. This can help to save space, as a deck could be a good solution for sloping yards or can even provide balcony space. However, a ground-level paving patio is easy to install, particularly if you already have a prepared flat area where you want to put it. New products like porcelain pavers and Stonedek grids are a cool option to build an elevated deck structure that allows for a durable, non-combustible finish with a tile that looks just like real stone, marble, or even wood thanks to 3-D printing technology!
Costs and Return on Investment
The expense of home improvement is always important to consider. If you are comparing a wood deck with a patio, you might be thinking about the cost now and whether it will improve the value of your home if you want to sell later. By choosing a wood deck, it’s possible that you might get a good return on your investment, however, it will take a lot of maintenance, sanding, and re-applying a stain annually to prevent fading and splinters.
A paving stone patio is a more affordable option if you’re thinking about your costs now, as well as maintenance costs in the future. Installing a patio can be easier, given that you often will not need to get building permits, and might be able to do it yourself without specialty tools. Another added perk of porcelain tile, concrete pavers, or natural flagstone patios is that they offer a non-combustible area to place a firepit or offer the safety of being a fire-break from your home.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Maintenance is another issue to take into account when deciding between a wood deck and a patio. If you’re thinking of installing a wood deck, it’s important to remember that it can require a lot of maintenance. Wood needs to be protected so that it doesn’t rot, which means cleaning it and applying protective stains and coatings on a regular basis. On the other hand, a paver patio doesn’t require nearly as much maintenance. Cleaning it now and then with a hose or re-applying an optional sealer every 5 years or so would be about it.
A deck will likely not last as long as a patio, especially if it doesn’t receive the proper care. Regular maintenance can help it to last longer, but it takes time and money. A patio made with concrete pavers or natural stone is more durable without the need for too much maintenance.
Another issue to consider for California residents is the practicality and environmental impact. A wooden deck may not be the smartest choice when wildfires during the summer have been on the rise. If a fire occurs, having a flammable outdoor feature isn’t going to do you any favors. A patio is more practical in this instance and can help you to avoid putting your home at more risk.
Style
The design of your outdoor living space is also important. Before you decide whether to build a deck or patio, consider the rest of your yard and what might fit best. A patio is a good choice if you want something that blends in with other elements that you might be using for the space, such as a fire pit, grill, or other hardscaping. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that wood decks are warm while stone patios are cold. You can still create a warm and inviting environment with a patio, especially with a variety of colors, materials and designs available.
Why a Patio Is the Best Choice?
Choosing a paver patio over a wood deck is a smart decision. By choosing a patio, you get a durable, practical and stylish outdoor living space.
Some of the reasons to choose a patio over a deck include:
- Affordable Materials and Installation
- Low-Maintenance and Long Lifespan
- Easy to Replace Individual Pavers When Necessary
- Practical Option for Hot California Summers When Fire Risk Is High
- Plenty of Stylish Options, with Concrete or Natural Stone Choices Available to Design Your Perfect Patio
Building Your Paving Stone Patio
When you decide to install a paver patio, the first thing you need to do is choose your pavers and design your patio. With our range of pavers, you can choose from a large variety of products, including popular brands with registered trademarks. You can use various materials and colors, whether you’re looking for a beautiful natural stone, porcelain tile, or an affordable concrete paver. Our interlocking paver options make it easy to build your patio seamlessly.
Our pavers include:
- Calstone
- Basalite
- Belgard
- McNear
- Stepstone Inc.
If you’re taking the DIY route, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you out. Just ask us any questions that you have, and we would be glad to assist you. We can also refer you to top contractors in the area, who can take care of the work for you. A patio is quick and easy to install, and it should have a long lifespan too. It’s an affordable option if you want to create an outdoor living space, whether you want a traditional style or something more contemporary.
Central Home Supply Can Help with Paver Materials
Select Central Home Supply as your materials suppliers for your patio, and we will help you to find the perfect paving stones. Take a look at our range of pavers to discover interlocking pavers, concrete pavers, natural stone, and a variety of colors. Call us to talk about your requirements, send us an email or fill out our contact form to get in touch.