Decks and Patios - Your Ticket to Enjoying Life in the Great Outoors.
Published: 04/08/2010 by Lindsey Getz
A deck or patio can be added to almost any home, and is an easy way to get more enjoyment out of your backyard at a cost that fits your budget. You can have your deck or patio designed with the bare minimum to keep the cost down, or you can invest in all of the extras if you have the funds available. Both decks and patios have plenty of benefits and can add value to your home.
One of the biggest pluses of adding a deck is that it expands your living space. “I’d say this is the biggest difference between a deck and a patio,” says Gustavo Delacruz, owner, Barrett Contracting. “Decks are essentially an addition to the house—and it feels like a true addition because it’s at the same elevation. When you walk out from your kitchen or your backdoor, you walk right onto the deck. So you’ve made your house bigger.”
Delacruz says that adding a covered or shaded portion, such as a pergola, has been very popular because it extends the use of the deck by giving you more time outside. “If there’s a little bit of rain, or it’s a really hot day, you can still spend time outdoors because the deck is partially covered,” he explains.
When planning your outdoor living space, adds John Keller, owner, Sequoia Supply, it is important for homeowners not only to visualize the product they are considering, but to see the product within its setting. “Actually seeing, touching and walking on the product in place within a setting surrounded by outdoor accessories, such as those in our expansive showroom in Hatfield, allows homeowners the luxury of getting a firsthand look at the texture, style and coloring,” he says.
Composite Decking Means Low Maintenance
If you’re considering a deck, but don’t want the maintenance involved with wood, you may want to consider composite decking, says Bill Wilson, owner, Amazing Decks. These have the look of wood but don’t require periodic sanding or staining. Though they can be more expensive upfront, they’ll save you the time and expense of the regular upkeep associated with treated lumber.
Wilson says that homeowners today are requesting composites that have a deeper and richer tone. These darker colored decks make a bold statement and look nice with the contrast of bright white rails. “Today’s composite materials are exceeding customers’ expectations,” he adds. “These materials no longer look artificial, are incredibly durable and are impervious to mold.”
Tropical Hardwoods Offer Durability
Another option is tropical hardwoods, such as ipe, which is quite durable and also requires minimal maintenance when compared to treated lumber. “You don’t have to stain it and it really doesn’t require much protection,” says Juan Cardona, Chester County franchise owner, Archadecks. “Although these woods can be expensive, they will last up to 30 years without a problem. Ipe is actually the kind of wood they chose to build the boardwalk in Atlantic City, which gets a lot of traffic. It was chosen for its durability.”
Cellular PVC is a newer choice, which has been called the next generation of decking, reports Delacruz. It gives homeowners yet another choice of materials. While composites generally contain a mixture of recycled woods and plastic resin, cellular PVC does not contain any wood fibers. That means it is not porous and is completely resistant to stains, whereas with composite, stains could potentially occur, and with treated lumber they are likely to occur.
“You could spill red wine on your deck and not have to worry one bit,” says Delacruz. “It’s definitely lower maintenance, too.”
Because the product is still relatively new, there are only a limited number of colors available compared to composites, and the technology to make it look like wood may not be up to par yet. Also, cellular PVC typically costs up to 25 percent more than composite materials. If you’re looking for a maintenance-free product, this new decking material could be your best bet.
Patios Provide the Ideal Gathering Place
Adding a patio is a great way to enhance your backyard. “It also adds a place for entertaining,” says James Texada, owner, Texada Landscaping, Inc. “You can create a space where everyone can gather outdoors.”
Materials, including manmade concrete blends and natural products, like slate, fieldstone or brick, are available. The choice depends largely on your sense of style, budget and what might blend well with the surrounding area. “A lot of homeowners are going for a more natural look to incorporate their landscaping as well,” notes Bill Weingartner, owner, Hammerhead Landscaping.
When most homeowners decide on a patio build, they are often also interested in improving their surrounding landscape. That may include the addition of a waterscape, says Weingartner. “It is a feature that promotes relaxation and can be incorporated nearby, in a pool or as an accent pond or fountain.”
Creating Rooms for Outdoor Living
The biggest trend in both decks and patios is the concept of outdoor living areas. “We’re finding that families are creating rooms in their backyards that are similar to the indoor kitchen or family room,” says Weingartner. “With the economy people are vacationing less, and instead investing money into their home and making it a place they really enjoy. It’s like bringing the vacation destination to your own backyard. And it’s something you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.”
Today’s outdoor living area incorporates virtually anything you have indoors. “We’ve even done flat screen televisions as part of the patio,” says Texada. “If you have a fireplace, a grill and a TV, it’s the ideal place to hang out with friends and family.”
Fireplaces or firepits are definitely one of the biggest trends that enhance a deck or a patio. Adding a fire element extends the amount of time you’ll be able to spend outdoors. “You may get as many as two or three extra months outside because the fire keeps the space warm,” Texada points out. “With a fire going, you can enjoy the outdoors in the evening when the temperature drops.”
Other popular add-ons include hot tubs, bars, fridges and grills. “What’s also popular right now is using natural gas as opposed to propane tanks for the grill,” adds Weingartner. “Homeowners want to run a gas line out to their grill so that it’s constant, eliminating the chore of running to the store to refill the tank.”
Regardless of your final choice, a deck or patio adds extra space for entertaining, as well as the opportunity for more enjoyment in the great outdoors. And no matter which features and add-ons you choose, you can be sure a new deck or patio will quickly become your family’s new favorite gathering place.
