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Many people dream of one day having a gorgeous deck or patio that they can enjoy. Whether it’s a barbecue with the family, expanding the room you have to entertain, or just relaxing in the shade with a good book, a deck or patio can make a surprisingly large difference in your quality of life. A good deck is like an extension of your home itself, and a patio can provide an open, family-friendly area for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between a deck and a patio, and the pros and cons of both – including the cost of patio and deck construction.

Deck or Patio: What’s The Difference?

Decks and patios are in the same ballpark, but there are several key differences between them. First off, decks are usually made of wood or wood imitations such as vinyl. They are often raised off the ground and attached to a floor of your home so that you can walk directly out onto it. A good example of this is a deck attached to a kitchen or living room. Decks don’t even have to be at first-floor level; they can be constructed as balconies on upper stories as well! These can provide stunning views of the local Wyoming scenery, whether you’re in Cheyenne, Laramie, or somewhere in between. Most of the time, decks have railings built in to ensure the safety of the people who use them. Because of their raised nature, deck construction is a little bit more involved than patio construction, but the results can be stunning.

Patios, on the other hand, are usually built directly on the ground and are commonly made of concrete, pavers, stone, tile, or something similar. Since there’s not much danger of falling off of them, they don’t usually have built-in railings. Instead, they’re more about providing a stable place to put chairs and tables and are excellent for relaxing on – especially if you have a few trees or an awning to provide shade. Also, patios can feature a number of cool things that decks can’t, like fire pits and built-in seating areas. However, they don’t provide the stunning views that decks do.

Patio and Deck Construction

In general, deck construction is more expensive than patio construction simply because of the extra cost of materials and labor it takes to build a structure off of the ground. Some sources say that a patio can be 1/3 of the cost of a deck! However, there are many other factors to take into account before deciding which one to go with. For example, it’s essential that your patio is built on level ground. If you have to smooth out a place before you start construction, that will add significantly to your cost. Adding in a fire pit, grill, or seating areas will also increase your cost – but add value as well. Though decks cost more, they also generally have a higher return on investment than patios.

If your home is built on a hill or you’re dealing with land that isn’t flat, a deck might be a more cost-effective option. It also depends on what you’re looking for in your landscaping style. Decks can offer great views and be excellent for entertaining. They really act as an outdoor extension of your own home. Patios, on the other hand, can blend very well with the natural look and feel of the rest of your landscaping. They’re also easier to naturally shade with trees.

 

If you have any questions about decks or patios, or are thinking about building one and have questions, feel free to ask the experts! Send us an email or give us a call at 307-745-9670 (Laramie) or 307-772-1322 (Cheyenne).