Patio vs. Deck Throwdown
Two Fine Homebuilding editors face off on the pros and cons of these popular exterior spaces.
Synopsis: Two FHB editors face off on which is better: a patio or a deck? Citing the need for continual upkeep and the possibility of human-caused disasters, Matthew Millham argues that patios are a safer bet. Kiley Jacques counters that decks have a much higher return on investment, and can have lower maintenance costs.
Both patios and decks serve the same general purpose: providing a surface on which to comfortably enjoy an outdoor space adjacent to a home. Both can be great places to hang out and grill. Both essentially extend the living space when the weather’s right. Both require maintenance (sort of). Both can add value to a house.
But when you consider all the things we use these spaces for and the life of a home, one is inherently safer than the other (not just for people, but for the structure it sits next to): patios.
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