When designing an outdoor living space, most people will opt for a new deck or Patio as the foundation for garden furniture, barbeques and planters. But which is better for you?

This post will highlight the pros and cons of both Decking and patio, to help you make a more informed decision about which option is best for you.

The pros and cons of using patio in the garden

Pros

Patios are massively durable and can withhold large, heavy items. As patios have been around for so long, there are now plenty of styles and shapes to choose from at varying price points – giving you the freedom to create your very own dream garden, just the way you want it.

Unlike decking, patios have to be installed at ground level, but this can help create privacy in the garden when paired with fencing around the perimeter of the space. It is incredibly low maintenance and can last decades.

Cons

Depending how you look at the situation, having to build your patio at ground level could be a downside to this choice of material. If you don’t already have a flat area of land, you may need to pay for additional landscaping which could cost a pretty penny.

The concrete slabs are also prone to cracking or chips if things are continuously moved around on the patio or dropped onto it. Replacement slabs can always be purchased, but installation for the whole patio can often be costly and a much longer process than decking.

Sadly, patios are not very environmentally friendly and they require quite a lot of cleaning if you want them to stay looking fresh. The slabs are pretty prone to staining and can become quite slippery if not maintained.

The pros and cons of using decking in the garden

Pros

Unlike patio, you have a lot more freedom with both wood and composite decking. A St Louis fence and deck company like Fence & Deck Depot will be able to install your decking at both ground level, or raised into a terrace or balcony style. This is ideal for anyone with a hilly or uneven garden.

Both decking options are low maintenance, but a composite deck requires almost no maintenance. A quick clean in the Spring and you’re good to go. Wood decks do require resealing from time to time to ensure they stay waterproof.

When using grooved panels, decking can be less of a slip risk in wet or icy conditions.

When it comes to composite decking, it is made from 100% recycled materials, making it much more environmentally friendly. It’s also UV resistant with low water absorption rate, meaning your deck will look as good as new for longer.

Wood decks are usually quite cost effective for those who want to create a low maintenance garden on a budget, too.

Cons

In comparison to concrete patios, decking isn’t as strong. Composite decking, for example, wouldn’t be able to withhold the weight of a hot tub, but is perfectly fine for barbeques and other lighter furniture.

Composite decks look good for longer, but they don’t last as long as their patio counterparts.

Even with the grooved panels, decks can still get quite slippery in the colder months.

Finally, decks can be quite complex to install, so it’s worth calling in the professionals.

So, depending on the type of land you have, and what type of furniture or appliances you’ll want in your outdoor living space will certainly help you determine whether a patio or decking is the right choice for you.

The post The pros and cons of decking and patio for your garden first appeared on Loser 2 Winner.