What’s the Difference Between a Patio Area and a Deck?

A patio area is a paved space adjoining a home and often used for outdoor dining or entertaining. It’s often screened from the rest of the garden by tall fences and plants to create privacy and intimacy.

Add a fire pit to your patio to enjoy the great outdoors – whatever the weather. Make a comfortable seating nook by placing benches either side of the fireplace.

Deck

A deck is a raised platform that’s usually attached to the house and overlooks your yard. It may or may not have a roof. It’s generally elevated above ground level, so you’ll probably want railings for safety.

While a patio sits on the ground and is not significantly raised, it’s still exposed to the elements. That means your outdoor furniture will need to be protected from rain, snow, pollen and dirt when it’s not in use.

Earthy terra-cotta tiles and casual wicker-and-wood chairs help create this lively Spanish-inspired patio area that adds interest to the back of a stucco home. Cobalt blue accessories and climbing vines add a splash of color that helps the space stand out from the grass. A hanging daybed provides an inviting spot for relaxing, while a table and chairs offer a place to host barbecues and parties. A few decorative accents, like a planter filled with olives and a large painting propped against the wall, add to the appeal.

Balcony

Although many people use the terms patio, deck, balcony, veranda and porch interchangeably, there are some key differences between these outdoor living spaces. Understanding these differences can help you decide what kind of structure to build or purchase.

A patio is a roofless platform attached to a house or building and often overlooking the garden area below. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, including wood or concrete. A deck is a raised surface, usually made from treated or composite wood material. It can be built on the ground or on top of a terrace, like a flat rooftop.

A balcony is a balustraded elevated platform attached to a room on the second floor or higher of a building. It can be used for seating, entertaining or simply enjoying the view. It is a popular option for apartment residents who don’t have access to a backyard.

Pavers

When laying pavers, consider not only your aesthetic preferences but the size and shape of your outdoor space. Larger pavers create a more contemporary and expansive look, while smaller pavers add intricacy and detail to the design. Pavers in a variety of shapes are available, including rectangular, square, and circular, which create more natural and organic looks.

Choose the color of your pavers carefully. Unless you have a strong vision for how the new patio will complement your home, it’s usually best to choose neutral or earth tones that won’t fade from sun exposure. If you want a splash of color, consider repainting the exterior trim or replacing window shutters and gutters to tie the new patio in with your existing palette.

Determine how many pavers and the base material, such as crushed gravel or sand, you’ll need to buy. When calculating the amount of each, add 10 percent to account for expected wastage. A landscape professional can help with these calculations and assist with the purchasing process.

Seating

Whether you’re hosting friends or relaxing with a book, make sure there’s ample seating in your patio area. For dining, a table is essential; for lounge areas consider options like a daybed or oversized chair.

Adding a feature that doubles as seating is an easy way to maximize utility in your garden, suggests landscape designer Simon Orchard. A raised pond, for example, can function as an inset seating area when the top is semi-sunken to a height that’s comfortable to sit on.

If you have a long, narrow border lining your seating area, instead of a hardscaping element, use the space to plant a shrub that offers screening. This softens the line of the seating, making it less harsh and more welcoming.

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