In order to decide whether a patio or decking is better for your garden, you need to familiarise yourself with the distinctive qualities of these two forms of hard landscaping, including pros and cons. Also consider how you’ll use your terrace, the type/style of garden you have, your tastes and your budget. We cover all these topics in this guide to patios vs decking.
Our team, led by principal designer and landscaper Kerry Jackson, is ideally placed to advise homeowners about patios and decks. We provide bespoke patio installation and composite decking installation across Devon. Many of our stunning projects are in our gallery.
Why You Need a Patio or Decking
Patios and decks transform gardens by providing stable, level, durable surfaces for entertainment, dining, relaxation and more. Choose the right terrace for your needs and it’ll enhance your life as well as your home.
Patios and decks make your garden feel like an extra room (especially if you have bifold doors), create zones and reduce garden maintenance. They’re practical yet attractive and suitable for all weathers. With features such as firepits and solar lights, you can enjoy everything from your morning coffee to stargazing on your terrace all year round.
Estate agent database GetAgent suggests a well-crafted patio/deck can boost a property’s value by 4.3% (i.e. several thousand pounds).
Patios and Decks Have Distinctive Qualities
A patio is a paved outdoor recreational area that takes its name from the Spanish word for courtyard and is usually installed at ground level. Popular garden paving materials for patio installations include characterful natural stone, versatile concrete and sleek porcelain in various shapes, colours and finishes.
A deck is a raised outdoor recreational area composed of decking boards (which are usually rectangular) and a supportive framework – it’s a platform similar to a stage. Composite decking, which is made of wood fibres and plastic and available in various colours, ‘is easier to maintain than wood decking and will last longer,’ explains Ideal Home magazine.
Patios – Pros and Cons
High-end patios have compelling benefits:
- They look elegant and impressive in both contemporary and classic gardens. Premium porcelain patios, in particular, have the wow factor.
- There’s tremendous scope for creativity and customisation – minimalist, bold and intricate designs are all possible.
- Patios can support very heavy objects (such as hot tubs), withstand high footfall and last 50 years. Paving is extremely strong, hard-wearing, weather-resistant and low-maintenance.
- Connecting patios to paved pathways helps garden designs to flow and makes outdoor spaces more accessible.
- If you sell your home, a patio can add thousands of pounds to the sale price.
But keep these points in mind:
- Building a patio is challenging, not least because the ground must be levelled and paving is cumbersome. Thankfully, Devon homeowners can rely on our expert patio installation
- Materials and labour costs can be somewhat higher than for other forms of hard landscaping. However, patio maintenance costs almost nothing.
Decking – Pros and Cons
Advantages of high-end decks include:
- Composite decking brings warmth and style to both modern and rustic gardens. Although it resembles timber, it isn’t vulnerable to rot, pests, etc.
- Because decks are raised, they’re ideal for creating single/multi-level, even surfaces in sloping gardens. Plus, they’re easier to install than raised patios and can offer superb views.
- Enclosed under-deck storage areas maximise the available space in small gardens.
- If you sell your home, decking can add thousands of pounds to the sale price.
But don’t overlook these points:
- Decking can’t bear as much weight as patios or last as long. Customisation options are more limited too, notes landscaping supplies firm Marshalls.
- Composite decking can cost more than timber. But it’s more durable and doesn’t need sanding, re-staining, etc. Composite decking and paving prices are similar.
- You may need to factor steps and railings into your design.
Key Questions to Help You Choose
Is your garden flat or uneven, small or spacious, traditional or modern?
Would you rather have more privacy or commanding views?
Would you prefer an attention-grabbing or more organic-looking terrace?
By considering your answers in the light of what this guide says about patios and decking, you’ll get a clearer idea about which kind of terrace is best for your garden.
High-End Devon Patios and Decking
As garden landscaping experts, we can create a superior patio or deck – or both – for you.
Take a look at our complete, tailored Devon patio installation and composite decking services: we offer design consultations, detailed plans, expert installation and maintenance guidance.
For the perfect garden patio or decking, call Jacksons Landscape Designs in Newton Abbot today on 01626 332533.