What Kind of Deck or Patio Should My Home Have?
By Chris Petry
Okay people, we made it. It’s officially the first week of June, which means summer (regardless of the actual calendar date) is in full swing. If you’re one of those “ordinary” folks, you’re probably looking forward to spending a large portion of your off time outside, soaking up generous doses of ultraviolet radiation. If you’re like me, you’re swimming in a tub of 100 SPF sunblock and griping about mosquitos. Now, I can certainly get down with enjoying a relaxing evening on the patio. The keyword being “evening.” No matter what time of day you choose to enjoy your outdoor relaxation, you’ll want a quiet, relaxing and eye-pleasing space in which to do it.
So, let’s talk about, arguably, the most important ingredient of an attractive backyard recreational or relaxation space. The foundation. The base. The floor. I refer, of course, to the deck or patio itself. You’ll need somewhere to park your grill and wicker furniture and the cold wet ground is no substitute for a weather-resistant deck or patio.
When it comes to patios, there are oodles of options. Let’s review some of the most common types you’re likely to find in residential neighborhoods.
Concrete- Concrete patios are highly customizable, extremely cost-effective and, unsurprisingly, among the most durable options available to homeowners.
Brick- Brick has a very special charm, as we discussed in our earlier blog on the subject. They’re relatively easy to maintain and replace and come in a wide array of colors and shades.
Flagstone- Flagstone patios are… well, big stones. One of the major advantages they have over brick or paver stones, however, is their reconfigurability. They can be cut and formed into almost any irregular shape.
Paver- Paver patios are similar to brick but comprised of different materials. They are not the most affordable option because of the installation and curing time. However, they do provide a wealth of customization options.
Tile- Tile patios are nice because they can be seamlessly blended with other materials, including decorative stones and gravel for a multi-tiered appearance. They also come in an innumerable spread of color choices.
Travertine- Travertine stone patios are a little pricey but their naturally porous nature makes them incredibly attractive in areas with heavy rainfall and around pools, fountains and ponds. Travertine patios are revered for their longevity. See the Roman Colosseum, which was constructed out of travertine nearly 2,000 years ago.
Now, how about decks? Decks, too, can be constructed out of a number of different building materials. What type is right for your home? Well, that depends…
Wood- Wood decks are a classic for a reason. They are surprisingly durable if well-maintained. That means you’ll need to apply a weather coating, after allowing treated lumber to dry for a few months after installation. Wood is also highly customizable. There are, of course, many different types of lumber than can be used, including bamboo. Take care of it and your wood deck will be standing for years to come!
Composite- Composite decking has really taken off in recent years and it’s easy to see why. It has all the charm and appeal of a traditional wood deck but since it’s blended with plastic fibers, it provides more weather protection. Because of this, it’s unlikely to rot or warp in the way wood inevitably will. Planks can be purchased in a plethora of colors and shades and give new and old homes alike, a modern sheen.
PVC- PVC decking is entirely synthetic, so it doesn’t have the naturalistic charm of wood or wood-blend planks. The positives? It’s easy to clean and it’s almost impervious to moisture and rot. Plus, it’s undoubtedly one of the more cost-effective options out there.
Aluminum- Aluminum decking, besides being the most recyclable, is both fire and water resistant, making it perhaps the most low-maintenance option available. It’s also highly malleable and easy to shape and customize.
Okay, we hope the above gave you a better idea about what material you’ll be using for your luxurious outdoor gathering space. To purchase a home that already has the one you’ve been looking for, chat with an agent from your local branch of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty.
