Patio or Deck or Both?

8 years ago

I was hoping to get some more feedback on our deck vs. patio debate. My husband would like to replace the deck with a patio. I have included a design we are considering which replaces both the deck and patio with a new patio. I am still considering the deck and patio combo with maybe extending the deck into the flower bed in front of it and leaving a patio off to the left in front of the sun-room. I was also looking to add some shade by either including a pergola or a possibly covered roof portion but I am afraid it might make it look to busy on the back of the house.

Any thoughts on deck vs. patio? Thoughts on the included patio plan?

Thank you!

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PRO

Yardvaark

8 years ago

While I think what has been designed is workable, I don't think it's optimum. A big question is whether one wishes the convenience & luxury of extending the floor level of the home interior with a same level exterior deck, or if one accepts the imposition of a half flight of steps separating the indoors from out. It IS a luxury to be able to walk outdoors as if one is merely walking into another room. The outdoors suddenly becomes much more remote if one must walk down a few steps and then back up to finish the round trip. If the outdoor space is made harder to use, it might (as is often the case) be used less. Part of the answer to the question lies in how the deck is used. If frequently or for short lounging trips throughout any day, the deck would be better. If it's used less -- like for weekend cookouts or occasional parties -- the patio & steps would suffice. A combination of deck & patio would be an acceptable compromise, especially if the patio were raised a little so that there was less vertical separation between the two. A combination would also allow for a single, and larger, set of steps between the levels (which would be an appearance and utility upgrade.)

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Comments (8)

Lauren W
8 years ago
Hi there!

I LOVE the patio redesign, I think if you did a patio and then maybe down the line a dark stained pergola it would look absolutely stunning! Definitely a place I know I would love to hang out on during the summer months! Perhaps it's just the picture, but I think that a deck would be too cluttered and take away from the overall design of your house (which I love btw). Just my two cents!

Good luck!
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Judy Mishkin
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
i love decks, and not just for the reason mentioned... no steps down. carrying a platter of something to and from the grill without tipping and dripping is pretty tricky on stairs.

i like that they dry much faster from morning dew or a passing shower. and it's much much easier to give them a quick sweep than a patio. while patios look awesome 'over there', 'over here, by the house' i want a deck.
nuthinontv
8 years ago
I don’t know.. I would like to see the front view of the house with planned deck added. Does it respect the integrity of the Tudor vibe? I’m not so sure. Yes the large curved deck could look spectacular... but on THIS home? I’m not so sure. The English style architecture begs that any new added bits be considerate of the building and perhaps more traditional in character. Just my 2 bits.

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Judy Mishkin
8 years ago
i took this to be the rear.... i could be wrong. decks don't belong on the front of any house, but i agree on a tutor its even more egregious.
kontrella
Original Author
8 years ago
Here is the front of the house for reference. It is a 1980s Tudor style. The proposed drawing I have included is for a patio. I haven’t had a deck drawing done at this point because my husband is hesitant about getting another deck. Another issue with the current deck is that it completely covers our basement egress window. We can probably work around this with either option going forward if we plan it in the design. Thanks for all the comments and feedback so far!!!
PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Your design is nice. Here are some alternate ideas:
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I think you will never forgive yourself if you do not develop a patio at the level of your doors to eliminate all the steps. When you're walking in and out with food and dishes it's just to easy to miss a step and fall and recovering from a fall is far more expensive than switching to pavers. Additionally, I rarely see a concrete patio that doesn't crack over time. That's not an issue with pavers.

However, I understand your husband's desire for a patio as opposed to a deck. Why not consider something like this below using pavers, (which complement the style of your Tudor home) You can build your

water feature and fire pit using all the same material. You'll have a better view of your yard from the raised patio.