Deck vs. Patio: Which One Is Right for You?

The weather is warming up quickly in the Los Angeles area, and it won’t be long before millions of the region’s residents find their way outdoors to pass the time on a gorgeous summer evening. Of course, to make the most of the summertime, you’ll need the perfect place to hang out. It’s time, once again, for residents to ponder that age-old summertime question: deck vs. patio in Los Angeles, CA?

If you’ve found yourself struggling with that internal debate, we can help.

What’s the difference between a deck and a patio?

Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a clear distinction between a deck and a patio. A patio is a paved area outside a home that sits directly on the ground. A deck, by comparison, is a platform, most often made of wood, that can be attached to or nearby a home. Essentially, a deck is suspended above the ground and a patio isn’t.

Price point

In terms of home improvement, a patio is relatively cheap. Once it’s laid, a concrete patio looks great, and it only costs about $5 per square foot to install. That means you get a lot of space for a low cost. The same cannot be said for a deck. Depending on the materials you use to construct your deck and its overall size, a deck can get pricy very quickly.

What’s more, a patio is cheaper to maintain in the long run, where a deck requires semi-annual power washing and staining to keep looking great. That makes a deck a more costly option than a patio from beginning to end.

Return on investment

When it comes to ROI, there’s no fight at all when it comes to deck vs. patio in Los Angeles, CA. Perhaps because of its lower installation costs, a patio doesn’t reward a homeowner with drastically improved property value. A deck, on the other hand, offers an average 76 percent return on investment. That means a new deck delivers a higher return on investment than many kinds of indoor renovations.

Durability

When it comes to standing the test of time, materials don’t get much tougher than concrete. Even more enticing, when a concrete patio begins to crack, it can be replaced piecemeal. Wooden decks, meanwhile, won’t last nearly as long as a well-constructed patio. Even if it is regularly treated, you will still need to replace a wooden deck every few decades.

Come to the pros who know

If you still can’t decide whether a patio or a deck is right for your home in Los Angeles, CA, then come to RainforestLA, Inc. We have nearly 20 years of experience installing a massive selection of outdoor upgrades. Want a stylish patio? We can do that! Need a deck that looks out over your property? You can count on us.

Our highly-skilled team of experts can completely revitalize your yard, turning a drab patch of grass into the best part of your home. We take immense pride in using sustainable materials and practices, as well. To find out more about how RainforestLA, Inc. can help you, give us a call or visit us online today.