We're trying to decide. We want to do something in the backyard. Our house is about 4 steps above grade. If we do a deck it will be pressure treated (not cedar) and if a patio, pavers of some sort. Assuming same size, location, both at ground level, ie step down from house, which would you do and why? Oh, and it'll be a complete DIY project but we are very experienced at DIY and are not afraid of work. The total area will be around 500 sqft.
thanks!
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I think I would prefer a multi level deck because of what Peral girl has mentioned and also because I like to be able to walk out my patio doors & be right on deck. I go out many times during the day just to hang some dishcloths or sit for a few moments while on the phone and yet I feel like I am still close to the house. I also feel less buggy when I am on a deck.
I then think you could put some interesting stone pathways to the shed and perhaps a dry riverbed or such to cut down on grass areas.
To make it more interesting, you can tier the deck into 2 or 3 levels. Have a walk out from higher elevation, one or 2 steps down to second level and then 2 more steps to ground level. This way you have more than one conversation area also a barbque /eating area.
I'm more of a patio person, but I might choose a small sheltered deck against the house with the rest patio. I find also I am drawn to photos showing pergola structures with bench seating out on the patio.
Do think about sheltered areas as you make your decision. Would you place your BBQ there to use in less-than-perfect weather conditions? Will you need room for storing outdoor furniture cushions there in wet weather?
Well, I agree with everyone's opinions so far. Particularily with PearlGirl's level-ness arguement against patios. One way to get around the rotting/painting or staining aspect of a deck is to use the composite deck boards that are available. They're expensive, but indestructible and quite attractive, and feel fantastic to walk on barefoot.
Our deck base is a poured concrete perimeter built up with a wood base and floored with composite deck boards. We had to replace the previous owner's deck floor (porcelain tile layed over plywood that looked great, but rotted and oozed green stuff because the grout had cracked years (???) ago) I would do a composite decking material deck again in a heartbeat. Love the stuff.
I also agree that patios are easier to maintain and can look very natural. I particularily like ones fashioned from slate or flagstone.
One thing to consider with decks is how high up it'll be in relation to your fence. Some people don't like entertaining and relaxing up on a 'stage' for all the neighbours to see. Conversely, if they have elevated decks, they'll be able to see you whether you're down on a patio or not.
In my mind's eye, I can see your house with a deck; a white/offwhite one to match the gingerbread on the front of your house, but furnished with sleek modern furnishings and squared planters.
It's a tough decision. Use gardening magazines or the summer issues of decor magazines for inspiration I guess, and go from there.
Good luck,
kipper
Having seen all the pics of your renos, I know what you and your husband are capable of pulling off! You and Homegirl are the two who inspire me the most on this BB. Knowing you, you'll document the whole process throughly for the education of all of us (thank you!), and your hubby will create interesting angles, flowerboxes, railings, etc., that the rest of us will drool over.
I eagerly await the fruits of your labours!
Ah, the pros and cons of patio versus deck. We've had to deal with this one too, and wound up doing both. Having a patio at grade means you can spread out when you have a lot of people, and you're not confined by the size of your deck. On the other hand, the patio area can get more bugs and mosquitos, since you're that much closer to the grass, which makes sitting there a bit more uncomfortable. The raised deck helps a bit more with this.
At our place, because we have a pool, we would up doing both. We built a deck off the house (about 10 x 12, about 4 feet above grade) with steps down to a patio area around the pool. Our table and chairs are at that level for outside dining. Our barbeque sits on the deck, since it's easier to reach in the wintertime (shovelling snow off our back deck to dig out the barbeque is bad enough when it's right by the house!)
And I totally agree about the maintenance. We used the composite decking for the floorboards of our deck. We had a cedar deck at our old house and it looked great for the first two years, and then looked dirty and peeling ever after, no mattter how many times I pressure washed, sanded, and restained.
Dependiing on budget and how long you plan on living in your present house would help decide on what you do.
Ideally I like poured concrete stairs/patio with stone overlay. This would be more long term and minimal maintenance. More $ though.
I would go patio also for the same maintenance reason as Jeep. I've also never seen a patio rot (one done well that is, not counting those ones with the big concrete slabs or pourly poored conrete that crack and heave). Wood will only last so long and then it has to be replaced. When patios are done right the first time (and you guys seem to be good at doing things right) I think they are good for a long long time.
My vote is for patio no painting or staining and once it is in you are done with it no upkeep. Also if there are little ones around no fear of them falling off the deck.
they are easy to keep clean as the stuff around a patio blows onto it all the time.
they have less bugs when they are up some off the ground
after a rain they dry off quickly
you can have a railing around the perimeter with a deck which is handy for all sorts of things, evem a couple of built in benches or planters.
patio chairs slide easier on wood than on stone.
the table does not rock as the deck is more even than most patio stones are after a year or so. :)