Decks vs Patio Stones; Designing your backyard

Are you thinking about upgrading your backyard this summer? One of the main decisions when looking at any sort of backyard plan is whether to go with a deck or framed structure versus a concrete or stone based area, you can even utilize both. When comparing the two options for your hangout spot, there are a few important items you should think about when making your decision. The first and most obvious is appearance. Some people love the way a traditional wood deck looks with a subtle stain, while others prefer a modern look with large concrete pavers and darker colours. With many composite materials available for decks as well there are many materials and designs available to fit your needs while providing the look you desire

Another important factor is the price, and this can vary greatly depending on the type of material you use. Patio stones can be the cheapest option if done in a low cost manner, but a more thoroughly designed one could be more than a deck. Generally speaking wood is the cheaper material, but that is for basic pressure treated lumber. Depending on the species and finish of your would it could be a much more expensive product. All this to say it is impossible to predict the price of a project just solely based on the material, but options are available for a broad range of budgets regardless of your material of choice

The durability of wood vs concrete should also affect your decision. On average concrete will last a lot longer than wood, as wood is prone to rot. Thats not to say wood cannot be regularly resealed to prevent rot but that is also another cost to bring into consideration. On average a concrete project may cost more initially but will have a longer life span than wood, so the cost throughout its life cycle may be less. These are just a few of the considerations that should go in to your decision when looking at a back yard project or renovation to have the best experience possible. Understating the differences in each choice will allow you adjust you home maintenance plan accordingly to keep your space in the best shape possible which will serve to protect the long term value of what you have built.