After what feels like a very long and snowy winter, spring is finally just around the corner. Homeowners everywhere are looking forward to escaping the house they’ve been cooped up in for too long and finding a little place outside where they can rest and soak in warmer weather.
If you’re looking to create a new retreat right in your own backyard, you might be wondering what kind you should choose: a deck, a porch, or a patio? In this article, we will walk you through the differences between these types of outdoor spaces to help you decide which one is right for you and your home.
First, What’s the Difference?
First of all, let’s look at the difference between these three structures.
A porch is a covered structure that is physically attached to the house through a front or back door. Porches can be screened-in to keep bugs and wildlife away, or they can be open air. Porches also tend to be part of the house’s architecture instead of just an add-on.
While a porch is always attached to the house, a patio can either be attached or it can be a separate landscaping structure. Patios contain a paved surface and do not have a covering or an enclosure. Patios are more versatile than a porch in that they are usually much larger and can be utilized by homeowners for a variety of purposes including dining and entertaining.
Finally, a deck is a wooden platform that is built to connect to the house. Decks tend to be higher off the ground than a porch and often have a stairway that leads to a door of the home. Unlike a porch, a deck is not an architectural part of the home but an addition. They can be open or covered with a canopy to control the amount of sunlight that hits it.
Which One Is Right for You?
There are several questions you want to ask yourself before you invest your time and money in one of these three structures: What do you want to use it for primarily? What kind of weather does your location usually get? What kind of maintenance are you willing to put up with? What’s your budget?
All three structures have pros and cons depending on what your answers are to these questions.
For example, because a porch is covered, you not only have a dry and shady spot to sit, but maintenance will also be lower since it’s protected from the elements. A porch also enhances curb appeal of your home. However, while curb appeal is higher, a porch will not raise the value of your home. Also, a porch is typically more expensive to put in than a deck or patio.
A deck, on the other hand, is less expensive than a porch but still more expensive than a patio. However, a deck can handle extra features such as a hot tub or a firepit. In addition, a deck has the best return on investment as it will increase the value of your home. However, a deck will require more maintenance, such as minor repairs and restaining, and unless you buy additional cover, your deck won’t be protected from the elements.
Finally, a patio is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a structure that will accommodate entertaining large groups of people as it can be customized to suit your needs. A patio is also really easy to maintain and enhances the curb appeal of your home. However, a patio needs to be built on level ground, so if your house is on a hill, this could be an issue. Also, rain and ice can not only make it a slippery surface, but extreme weather can also cause it to crack.
Once you’ve decided what you want to use your outdoor space for the most, your next step is to partner with a reliable contractor like Dependable Home Services. Serving Richmond and surrounding areas for almost 30 years, DHS can help you budget, design, and build the outdoor haven of your dreams. Contact one of our professionals today to discuss what kind of structure would be best for your home this spring!