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Which Is Best - A Deck Or Patio?
Copyright (c) 2006-2023 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.
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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Top-Level Category: Home and Garden Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Emerson Lockwood
Home Improvement Projects Can Increase The Value Of Your Home
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2010-06-17 |
Word Count: 578 |
Page Views: 7549
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.73
Home improvement projects can improve the look and value of your
home dramatically. Though in some cases, using a home improvement
project as a way to increase the value of your home can actually
backfire and cost you money. So how will you be able to tell if
the project that you have planned will add to the value of your
home or decrease the value of your home?
Hot Tub Installation Planning Guide
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2008-12-30 |
Word Count: 1347 |
Page Views: 8237
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.41
Now that you have made the decision to purchase a hot tub, you
need to think long and hard about where you will place your new
hot tub. Basically, you have three choices for a location;
indoors, outdoors or inside a screened in porch. The choice is
completely up to you as to where you put it, but there are many
considerations that you should take into account before you make
your decision.
Buying Guide and Tips To Get More Life Out Of Your Clothes Dryer
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2007-01-09 |
Word Count: 1681 |
Page Views: 5159
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.10
Buying a clothes dryer for your home is a fairly simple decision
process. Once you have read this report, your buying decision
might even be a bit easier.
How To Choose A Fireplace or Heating Stove For Your Home
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2007-01-03 |
Word Count: 647 |
Page Views: 4299
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.13
Before deciding the type of fireplace that would be best for you
and the model that you would like to own, keep in mind some of
the following points:
Add Natural Lighting To Your Home
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2006-12-28 |
Word Count: 1110 |
Page Views: 6472
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.35
The addition of simple natural light to a remodeling project can
have a huge impact on your level of satisfaction. A well designed
home that maximizes the use of natural lighting without
compromising energy efficiency brings extra sunshine into your
life.
Guide to Understanding 'Green' Home Remodeling
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2006-12-20 |
Word Count: 797 |
Page Views: 4436
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 1.55
Americans are now spending up to 160 billion each year on
remodeling their homes and businesses. A fraction of this money
has been focused on what is known as "green
construction". Green construction or remodeling is using
energy saving, recycled products, and is experiencing nothing
less than a renaissance or rebirth. You can help restore a
significant portion of the world's ecosystems by using "green
construction". Such a practice can also help create a healthier
indoor environment for your family.
A Checklist of Hot Tub Features
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2006-09-28 |
Word Count: 724 |
Page Views: 5116
| Votes: 27 |
Rating: 1.89
What do people look for in a hot tub? The answer is as varied as
the customer, but most hot tubs come with a set of standard
features. In this article, we will examine the features that
matter most to people shopping for a hot tub or spa.
How To Pay For The Finer Things In Life
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2006-09-28 |
Word Count: 605 |
Page Views: 4063
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 0.54
Everyone likes to enjoy luxury, but often the average consumer
does not consider himself financially able to do so. The truth
is, that with a good budget and smart financial planning, many
people can afford to treat themselves to fineries they may not
have considered a possibility.
The Big Decision: Hot Tub Or Swimming Pool?
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2006-09-27 |
Word Count: 747 |
Page Views: 6198
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.30
Many homeowners look for ways to add comfort, luxury, and value
to their properties. There are many ways in which a homeowner
might increase the appraised value of their home, but perhaps the
most popular is installing a swimming pool or hot tub.
Treat Yourself To The Finer Things In Life - A Shopping List
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2006-09-08 |
Word Count: 943 |
Page Views: 4150
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.33
There are a limitless number of ways that you can spend your hard
earned money. What you choose to spend your money on is really a
matter of what is important to you and what you find to be fun or
worthwhile. Some people spend a great deal of their money on
hobbies, while others spend it on top-of-the-line luxury items.
Here is a shopping list of luxury items that have my attention.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Emerson Lockwood Articles
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Distributed: 2011-03-22 |
Word Count: 473 |
Page Views: 6570
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Perhaps you've reached a point where you think it's time
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Tips for Choosing the Best Building Materials for an Outdoor Play Set
Written by: Giana Briggs |
Distributed: 2011-03-15 |
Word Count: 422 |
Page Views: 6736
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.00
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Distributed: 2011-03-10 |
Word Count: 466 |
Page Views: 6908
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Rating: 1.20
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Distributed: 2010-11-17 |
Word Count: 855 |
Page Views: 6062
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Rating: 1.00
Mohamed Hage, founder of the world's first urban commercial
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Distributed: 2010-10-26 |
Word Count: 441 |
Page Views: 5536
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
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Word Count: 553 |
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Rating: 1.50
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Word Count: 466 |
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Rating: 0.33
Using solar lamp post lights is a simple and affordable way
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Word Count: 741 |
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Word Count: 739 |
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Word Count: 429 |
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| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.00
For homeowners who have been considering adding home
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Word Count: 417 |
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Word Count: 261 |
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Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 621 |
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| Votes: 24 |
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Word Count: 855 |
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| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 3.00
Nowadays it pays to be aware of the choices available in the
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Word Count: 615 |
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Rating: 2.89
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