A very common question which arises when planning your dream outdoor living space is whether a deck or a patio is the best solution to create that finished portion of your backyard oasis. The answer is quite simple if you know the correct questions to answer when narrowing down your decision. Decks and patios, when installed properly using quality materials, not only add value to your home but create clean usable spaces for grilling, entertaining or simply relaxing after a long hectic day.
The first question to answer is “where is my access point?” Accessibility is crucial and will make the difference between an area which is truly optimized for your home and an area which is mismatched or barely usable. For example, if your access point to your entertaining space is the kitchen sliding or French door we need to consider how high this door is from the ground.
If the door is 8’ off the ground you definitely need a deck. A lower patio area is quite possible and depending upon how the steps from the deck to the ground are designed can create a great 2 tiered effect which will really make your backyard pop. Decks must be permitted in the State of Maryland and how your property is laid out will generally determine how large a deck you are allowed to build once the permit goes to zoning and planning.
Decks are not without their limitations even if you have plenty of latitude on your property. Primarily decks are generally more expensive than patios. When I refer to patios please keep in mind that I am specifying an at grade patio that does not require a retaining wall to elevate it or protect it from surrounding grades.
A raised patio is technically a porch and must be designed and built accordingly. Those will be the subject of a future article. Decks also require railings which really limit the entertaining space the same way a wall does within the home.
Now what do we do if the kitchen walkout door is 3’ off the ground. This is an area where a deck or masonry landing with steps will most likely come into play and lead you safely to a patio. These small landings (we recommend at least a 3’ projection from the house for safety) and steps may require a permit. Check with your local permit office.
An area which is 3’ or less off the ground is not optimal for a deck. Any at grade or nearly at grade deck can trap moisture causing problems at the foundation, mosquitoes or simply a yucky area. A deck or masonry landing with steps to the patio provide some great advantages. Patios do not require railings nor do they require permits in Maryland as they are not attached to the house.
Having no limiting railings will allow you and your guests to easily access the back yard and will allow for seating in the lawn which is not separated from the patio. Many of my clients do entertain large groups of people on a regular basis, however, most only have large gatherings very infrequently. We always design our patios and decks with your needs in mind. Gauge the size of your finished entertaining space with furnishings and some room to move around in mind.
Armed with this simple information you should be able to decide which course to pursue. The location of the kitchen is extremely important even if you are designing an outdoor kitchen. I have a covered deck directly off my kitchen walkout door (which is 7’ above grade) and whenever we entertain or simply choose to cook and eat outside having the kitchen close at hand makes the space much more enjoyable.
I have met plenty of people who did not take this into account when designing their primary outdoor entertaining space and hate having to go for a hike because they forgot to grab the ketchup.
Setting a consultation with a professional may be well worth it once you have done some research. If a full scale Landscape design with an elevation survey is called for remember that this is a professional service. If you get your landscape design for free, especially if a thorough elevation survey and some level of engineering is included, I guarantee it will be worth exactly what you paid for it, nothing. We really do get what we pay for.
One very important to remember when interviewing a potential contractor is quite simple. Square foot pricing is impossible when it comes to decks and patios. Factors such as access to the work area, variations in preparation and reparation and the wide range of different products along with other crucial factors make this seemingly simple way to get your cost incredibly inaccurate.
A contractor who wants to give you a per square foot price, sometimes even sight unseen, is either cheating you or themselves not to mention being lazy. A contractor’s warranty is only valid if they are still in business so if they give too many good deals they probably won’t be in business for very long.
Another extremely important question to ask is “does your company build the deck or patio or do you use subcontractor’s?” Subcontractors are not necessarily a bad thing as long as your contractor can tell you precisely who the subcontractor is, how long they have worked together and why they work with this particular sub.
If stuttering, stammering or any type of evasive answer is provided you have eliminated a contender and most likely saved yourself a lot of headaches.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly regardless of where you live. Our company covers a very limited service area mainly focused on Howard and Carroll County Maryland. We have been in business since March 6, of 1984 and do not use subcontractors, only our own full time payroll employees. We are absolutely committed to elevating the Landscaping, Landscape Architecture/Design and Construction industries through educational partnerships, format and best practices.
Send me an invitation on LinkedIn. Follow me on Twitter @kevincarrolllan or email me at Kamoorecl@gmail.com. Please subscribe to the Carroll Landscaping YouTube channel as well. Check out our website at www.carroll-landscaping.com. I am always here to help, no strings attached.
Kevin A. Moore, is a multi-award winning design, landscape and general construction expert with 30 years of hands on experience solving complex grading, retaining wall, erosion and storm-water management problems and creating dream outdoor living spaces. A Baltimore native, Kevin has exclusively worked in the mid-Atlantic area. Kevin A. Moore is the Vice President and Chief Operating officer of Carroll Landscaping and CLI Home Services Incorporated.