If you are starting with a “blank slate” backyard, no patio or deck, what should you start with?
Choosing between a deck or a patio for your single family home depends on what you like to do outside, whether you have a walk out basement, what the view is like and more.
Choosing between a deck or a patio for your single family home depends on what you like to do outside, whether you have a walk out basement, what the view is like and more.
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Main Level is about 10 feet above Ground Level
If your back door is 10 feet or more above the ground, or has a walk out basement and the door is at ground level, you can go either way and install a patio or deck. Budget plays a big role when considering a deck or patio if you have a walk out basement door as the ideal access to a deck or patio is from the kitchen.
If you choose a deck, you can simply walk out onto your deck. Eliminating stairs is a better option for everyone. If you want access from the kitchen to the patio, you’d still have to install steps connecting both. Stairs and a patio translate to a bigger budget. If you are content with accessing the patio from the basement door, then you can install a patio for significantly less than a comparably sized deck, also there are no permits needed for ground level patios.
You another option, build a deck first, then add a patio later down the road, or vice versa. The convenience may be the biggest factor, so a deck is in order. If you really need some outdoor space for a cook out but money is tight, a patio is the cheaper and faster option.
My Back Door is At/Close to Ground Level
This is the ideal situation for expanding your home’s living space outside. When your back door is close to grade level, you can choose between a deck and steps or paver/stone steps. Cost will actually be similar in both cases.
It is still best to create a 3 foot wide landing at the level of the door, in many cases, it’s required by code once the door ledge is 30 inches from the ground. Either way, it’s safer to have the landing as a visual cue of where the steps start and end.
Patios will be the best choice if your door is near the ground. Having a ground level patio allows you to take more advantage of landscaping, tree screening and the shape of the land nearby. Ground level patios also present an opportunity for the lawn to “blend” into the patio space. Kids can run back and forth between them without a trip hazard.
If you have a Town home, read our article specifically for your situation here >>