The Difference between a Patio and a Deck

Did you ever wonder what the difference is between your patio and your deck? How do you know which one will suit your outdoor living environment better? What are the main differences in functionality of a deck and a patio set?

For starters, Patio is actually a Spanish words that means a courtyard of a house or a building. A courtyard is typically defined as an open space surrounded by walls or in an area of ground which is adjacent to a building. How a patio differs from a courtyard is that id does not have to be surrounded by walls, or a building for that matter. It is an open space but it can be either attached or detached from the house. Patios are often designed with the landscape in mind. They are built with a variety of materials such as concrete, stone, tile, brick, pebbles and rocks, or pea gravel. Most patios are set on top of a concrete slap or a pebble base. They are built on ground level and are traditionally viewed with an outdoor Patio Dining Set. Patios are the outdoor spaces in which families eat their meals and spend time with nature.

Decks like patios can be attached to a house or building or they can be freestanding. Decks are typically built to take advantage of a desirable view. They are constructed at different levels and therefore need railings. Decks are primarily made of wood or a composite wood material. Certain vinyls such as Trex are sometimes used as well. The most popular woods for decks include cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine. Certain types of these woods are insect resistant, making them perfect for outdoor comfort.