After living some time in your home, you might be thinking about adding a nice outdoor space for your property. Whether you plan to add a space for relaxing, holding parties, or doing yoga, adding a deck or patio will expand your living space in stylish and practical ways.
If you are looking to kick your property’s curb appeal up a notch, the answer is to build a balcony at home! Whether it’s a deck or patio, it will make a difference in your home’s aesthetic appeal and high functionality, which also increases the overall value of your property.
However, have you ever thought about the difference between a deck and a patio? In this article, we will distinguish between the two and what factors to consider when building a balcony for your home.
Understanding the difference between a deck and patio
Let’s first take a look at the difference between a deck and a patio by definition. Take note of the following:
- Deck: It is an open outdoor platform that extends from a house without a roof. It is typically made of wood, which can be exposed to outdoor elements and weather conditions. It also works well with uneven areas and slopes, which can be elevated as a balcony.
- Patio: It is a paved area situated directly on the ground, either attached or detached from your house. It varies in materials—from concrete to gravel to brick. It is more versatile in terms of materials and design, often cheaper to build, and will last longer than a deck.
Four key factors to consider
If you’re having a hard time deciding between the two, below are four variables to consider:
1. Building requirements
As far as building requirements are concerned, it depends on your city ordinance or state regulation. For the most part, a deck automatically requires a permit while a patio sometimes does. In the end, it’s best to check with your regulator to determine the requirements. Be sure to comply as not doing so might lead to a fine or, worst, getting your structure demolished.
2. Construction details
Another consideration to make is the construction details, such as the size, features, and other vital attributes. Consider the following:
- Features: It’s best to have a central theme where all the elements will be anchored from. Whether it’s a deck or patio, you can kick your outdoor space up a notch that will entertain guests or hold a party.
- Size: Your deck or patio construction depends on how large your outdoor space is and what you hope to achieve. Just be sure to factor in the functionality and visual appeal!
- Safety: Ensure that your balcony construction is safe for you, your children, and even your pets. Whether it’s a deck or patio, you don’t want them to trip over or fall off.
3. Material supply
The materials for your balcony will make all the difference in the construction outcome. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Deck: This area is typically made of wood or composite material. When it comes to wood, cedar and redwood are easy to work with. As for the composite material, it is usually a mix of wood and plastic. Even PVC, which is all plastic, can also be used as a material for your deck.
- Patio: It can be made of all types of materials. Some of your options include concrete, brick, flagstone, pavers, and gravel. You only have to factor in their strength, durability, installation, maintenance, and aesthetic value to see what works for your property.
4. Maintenance
The regular upkeep helps you decide between a deck and a patio. Keep in mind that a deck must be thoroughly cleaned and maintained at least twice a year or when necessary. On the other hand, a patio requires less maintenance due to its material durability. Yet, you still need to have this space pressure washed at least once a year.
Conclusion
At this point, you now know the difference between a deck and a patio for your home. When planning to have a balcony construction, be sure to consider the four variables outlined above—building requirements, construction details, material supply, and maintenance. With all these in place, you’ll ensure to have the best balcony construction that will take your property up a notch!
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