Deck vs. Patio Question

We have a pretty big backyard and are now deciding between a deck and a patio (or both)

The problem with building a deck is that it would be off the sliding glass doors in our house - which really isn't in the best location. We also have a tenant that has a backyard entrance so it will be annoying for them if we build the deck there.

We could go onto the other side of the tenants entrance but then it won't be off the sliding doors (which to me is annoying)

We can also just lay bricks (or stone) down and make the entire thing a patio and forget the deck.

What would you do???

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

Patio

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It sounds really compex. lol I would just brick the entire thing.. It would look beautiful.

OR

What if you did a 2 or 3 tier deck and have it fan out? that way, it'll be out of your tenant's way? I don't know what your yard looks like so I'm not sure if this would go?

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

We could make the tenants entrance on the other side of the house if we had to and still build the deck off the sliding doors - but I don't think the deck would look right - its a long, narrow area.

I think that a patio may be the way to go. My cousins do great masonry work so I know it will come out amazing --- where as if we build a deck my DH wants to build it and god knows what that will look like

I attached a picture of my backyard from when we first moved in (so ignore the statue holder) but that really isn't where the deck or patio would be (its back where I was taking the picture)

Image Attachment(s):

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

I would just brick it. I love the look of brick and it's zero maintenance!

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You dont need a permit for the patio...dont need a c/o for it either - which means your taxes wont go up. I'd go with a patio.

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Another patio vote, I am all about less maintainence.

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We just took our deck down -- I hated it. We are having a patio put it, but it will be cement -- no cracking, chipping, or grass popping up between cracks. Brick would be very expensive. Now you can get stamped cement, so it LOOKS like brick, or cobblestone, or whatever pattern you chose, in the color you want... but none of the issues that happen with stones. Here are some pics:

Concrete stamping

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

my friend has a stamped patio, it looks like slate of various sizes ... it looks really wonderful.
Here is another site

Message edited 11/16/2005 2:13:47 PM.

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

Oh funny --- I JUST accepted Pinnacle's estimate today!! I should have asked for recommendations on here...
I am sure you will get something wonderful!

We are getting a new front stoop and the patio. I'll take pictures when it's all done!! Personally I have always liked a patio better than a deck - no need for me to see my neighbors or for them to see me!!

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

I LOVE our deck....but with a patio..it will cost a lot more, but there is NO maintenance, so i say patio, because in the long run it will save you

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Is the concrete stamping more money?

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It's just about the same. I had a man come in and give me an appraisal and I didn't like it. It looked cheap to me. It also has this shiny glaze to it and I don't like that look. but this is entirely MO.

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You might also want to consider paving stones. They look a little like brick, but are made of concrete and come in different colors. If they are done correctly, the maintenance is not too bad.

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i would do a combo deck/patio as you can have separate spaces to enterain...
different levels gives that feel of separation as you entertain, groups or couples can enjoy other areas of the outside simpley by going to the other side of the deck/patio

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I say the brick patio..I love how that looks!

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My vote is for a patio

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my dad had a deck- he made it, it's all wood- lasted about 15 years 'til it started to rot.

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Hey Diana -- your cousin just left!! What a nice guy, very chatty. So now, I will wait for his estimate. He had some interesting things to point out and I am doubting our original decision with Pinnacle... Well I will let you know how it turns out but thanks for putting me in touch with him!!

Re: Deck vs. Patio Question

We have both...


Here some pics of them from MLSLI...

Message edited 11/18/2005 4:16:09 PM.