Decking vs Patios: Which Would Work Best for My Home?

When deciding to take the next step in your home improvement odyssey, you might be thinking about adding a proper, established seating area. 

This will give your garden that extra wow factor and give you the chance to entertain the summer months away - and have everyone compliment you on just how stylish everything is. 

But when it comes to decking vs patios, which would work best for your home? Both options offer different benefits and disadvantages; it all depends on what is the best to suit you. 

What might work for some people might not necessarily be the case for your garden and so understanding the advantages and pitfalls of each is crucial to making an informed decision and getting the outside seating area you deserve. 

Decking Pros and Cons

Decking is an option that can offer a much more natural feel to your property. By using wood, you stick with the natural look of the garden which prevents it appearing out of place and garish. 

Because of this, decking is considered a much more versatile option. With decking, you get the chance to experiment with different wood stains that you can use to match with the aesthetic of your property.  

It’s also easier to install, especially if you choose to go with above ground decking that overlooks the garden area. Not only is it easier to install, it can also work out cheaper - depending on the type of wood you choose. 

But it’s not without its drawbacks. 

Decking requires more maintenance than a patio and will command greater attention during the cold, wet winter months. 

While you can take steps to protect it from the weather, it’s not as durable as a resin patio, for example. This can result in you needing to spend more money in the long run on ensuring that the decking remains in top condition. 

Installing a patio will also add value to you home, which is a massive selling point for those considering which option to chase

Patio Pros and Cons

The biggest advantage about a patio is that you can guarantee that it will last long enough to see you through the entire time at your home. Once it’s installed, you don’t need to worry about updating or carrying out detailed maintenance every five or ten years. 

Immediately, this convenience can draw people towards selecting the patio option for their property. 

On top of this, it’s the better load bearing material, so you can store heavy items on it during times of the year where it will not see much human use - without the worry of causing irreparable damage. 

Installing a patio will also add value to you home, which is a massive selling point for those considering which option to chase. 

When it comes to disadvantages, the patio does cost more to implement than if you were to follow the decking route. 

Other considerations that people take into account is concrete’s impact on the environment. In a time where people are becoming more and more conscious about how they can affect the world around them, this could prove to be a deal breaker when thinking about your outdoor living space. 

To avoid the problems with concrete, you’ll need to look at the alternatives, like resin patios, the eco-friendly and hard-wearing alternative. 

Thinking about the style of your garden helps you to imagine what would be right for you and your family in the Summertime, as well as in the Winter

What About the Style?

But before you go away and think long and hard about whether decking or a patio is best, you need to consider the type of style that you want to achieve with your garden. 

Both options can help to improve and complement existing garden styles, so looking at what you have already and wanting to maintain that or go in a different direction will help you decide what works best. 

Garden styles can range from the classical English garden with walkways and planters that encapsulates class and sophistication, to modern gardens designed for entertaining. 

Thinking about the style of your garden helps you to imagine what would be right for you and your family in the Summertime, as well as in the Winter. 

It’s not the only style though, and many people might prefer something much more modern that will allow them to entertain larger parties well into the night. 

Combining the classic patio with the more modern decking is a great way of having the best of both worlds, encouraging you to dine alfresco!

Decking and Patio – Best of Both Worlds

When it comes to what works best for you, it always depends on the purpose. Of course, if it comes to the point where you just cannot decide, then why not have both? 
Combining the classic patio with the more modern decking is a great way of having the best of both worlds. 

If you have any questions about your options for decking work or high-quality patios, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team today by calling 0800 1700 636. Alternatively simply click the button below to get some green-fingered advice today!