Huettl Landscape Architecture I would like to clarify that cozypalmer is not referring to our project here. This deck has over 8" of airspace underneath with drains. The concrete border is actually a retaining curb wall.

Widner Product Finishing I've never had an issue with Ipe. It all depends on the installer. If you pay high price, demand perfection. Ventilation is important, but also the materials used for install. Sealing all sides helps expand and contract, but there's a reason that some of the world's largest boardwalks use Ipe, because it works!

Huettl Landscape Architecture I don't really know for the house and the Ipe' deck had not been stained yet in this image.

Huettl Landscape Architecture We usually use redwood or Ipe' wood. Redwood is softer but will hold a stain longer. Ipe' is more scratch resistant but it is hard to get a sealer to penetrate, so people often have to stain every year.

Julie Patenaude Thank you very much for your expertise.
Julie from Montréal

atruly I like the idea of a patio - I just had one put in with various shapes of pennsylvania bluestone - flagstone - it is gorgeous - and does not need staining, sanding, won't deteriorate since it is stone. I also had a small deck that serves more as an entry point into the house - I love it, too. It's size was small enough that I chose IPE wood with metal railings to minimize upkeep. I guess it depends on where you are putting it.

Humphries Homes Consider the elevation in relation to your doors, if you only have a few inches to work with between the bottom of your door and your grade (ground level) I would suggest a patio but if you have excess room around 10-12 inches you have plenty of room for a deck. You just want to be mindful that whatever you choose is not creating more labor (which ups the cost) than would be required for the other option. In short don't put a patio where a deck should be or vice versa. Good luck and have fun