A patio or decking: which is better?

1st February 2019 Garden

This is a collaborative post.

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Spring is fast approaching and if you’re anything like me, you’re already looking out into the back garden and dreaming of warmer days to come. We love our garden but admit that it’s been rather neglected over the past few years. With hopes of warmer weather to come though, I’m looking forward to investing a little time and money in our little green space and have been browsing some of the gardening services available for the best way to make the most of our garden.

For us, the key to enjoying our garden will be to set up a space where we can relax and enjoy. Think summer BBQ’s and evening drinks. A space to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy our outside space. What format this could take we haven’t decided yet, though it will be between either a patio space or decking. So, the question is: which is better?

A patio is a space which is placed directly on the ground and most commonly made from a concrete base. Often additional cosmetic features are added such as tiles, fire pits and built in BBQ’s. In contrast decks are most commonly made from wood, and although near to the ground they are often raised a little on a short platform. Typically enclosed in some way with a railing, this separates the space from the rest of the garden.

MEETING OUR NEEDS

There are real benefits to choosing a patio or decking. A patio for example can work very well in a landscaped garden as it can very easily be added in to an existing design. Design elements of flowers can be added in post to carry on a theme into the paved area. Also, a patio is a great option when the space is away from the home as the foundation can be laid anywhere you wish.

However, if you have a view that you want to enjoy, then a deck can be a wonderful option as it can help to draw the focus of a scene. Especially as they can be built off the ground. They are also a great option for any property which doesn’t have level ground as the supports can be adjusted to level out a space. This last point is going to be a key one for us.

COST

It is clear that patios cost less than decks. When you compare garden quotes, each time a patio fitting service regularly comes out as the cheaper option compared to decks. However, this will always come down to a variety of factors:

1. which materials you ask to be included in your build
2. The location of the patio or decking and how complicated it may be
3. The size and complexity of the space
4. Any addition features you may want to include such as seating, railings, BBQ’s or seating
5. How level the ground is

Therefore, before deciding on which option would best suit your needs – a patio or decking – you really need to consider what you need and want from the space, alongside considering what the current situation is.

Whichever option we choose – patio or decking – there is no doubt that a space such as this would bring more flexibility to our garden. We’re looking forward to enjoying the space in a new way.