If you’re giving your garden a makeover you may be wondering whether to opt for a patio or decking to provide a focal point or an area for seating. Both have pros and cons so which will win in the battle of Patio Vs Decking?

Patio Vs Decking – Which is right for me?

There are lots of things to take into account when deciding whether to add a patio or some decking to your garden. It will depend on your budget, the condition of your garden, and whether or not you’re able to install it yourself.

You may also want to consider how much maintenance each one will require in the long term.

Which is cheaper – patio vs decking?

Generally speaking, creating a patio is more cost-effective than decking. The cheapest way to create a patio is by using poured concrete or by using concrete slabs which can be picked up relatively cheaply or even for free from places like Freecycle and Facebook.

The concrete option will need to be installed by professionals but even with this added cost, it is still usually the cheapest way to go if you’re sticking to a tight budget.

However, it is worth noting that it depends on the condition of the ground in your garden. If the ground is uneven and will need lots of preparation and levelling then decking may be the cheaper option when everything is considered.

A gravel patio is another budget-friendly option. Gravel is easy to install yourself but the ground will need to be prepared with a membrane to prevent weeds from growing through.

Which requires more maintenance – patio vs decking?

Typically decking requires more maintenance that a patio. To keep the wood in the best shape, repainting and waterproofing each year is advised. Decking panels can be replaced if they begin to rot out.

You could also choose to use composite decking boards which are less prone to damage than traditional wood decking.

A patio may need occasional weeding and annual cleaning with a pressure washer. Concrete patios can suffer from cracking caused by moisture getting in and then freezing during the winter months. To prevent these, using a sealant is advised. The sealant will need topping up every few years.

Is it easier to install or patio or decking?

Decking is more complicated to install and you may need to get professionals in to do it.  However, if the ground in your garden needs a lot of preparation for a patio, decking may be the slightly easier option in some cases.

Which will add more value to my home?

According to research by Nationwide, installing decking adds more value than adding a patio. This is because it is a more popular choice for potential buyers.

Which will last longer – a patio vs decking?

Traditional wood decking rarely lasts more than fifteen years. Composite decking, while more expensive, lasts up to twenty-five years.

A cement patio will last around twenty-five years whereas paving and natural stone slabs can last for over fifty years if well maintained and looked after properly.

Which is Safer – Patio or Decking?

Both decking and patios can cause some small potential hazards.

With decking, the biggest issues are the wood becoming slippery when wet and the wooden panels rotting. This risk can be minimized by taking good care of your decking and treating annually with anti-slip paint.

You can also perform maintenance checks to ensure the wood is holding up well and replacing any that is damaged or starting to rot.

Patio slabs can come loose or or become broken and thus become a tripping hazard. These should be replaced to avoid any accidents.

Pros of installing Decking

• Decking can add more value to your house than a patio, so is a better return on interest if you plan to sell shortly.
• Easier to install on uneven or rough ground.
• Can be self-installed with some level of skill.
• Lasts for around fifteen years for standard decking and twenty-five years for composite decking.
• Can occasionally be more cost-effective than a patio, depending on your circumstances and the materials used.

Cons of Installing Decking

• Decking can be very slippery when wet.
• Wood tends to rot.
• Less long-lasting than a patio so could be less cost-effective in the long run.
• May need professional installation.
• Lots of maintenance is required.
• Usually more expensive than a basic concrete patio installation

Pros of installing a Patio

• Usually by far the cheapest option even when needing professional installation.
• Gravel patios and slabs can easily be self-installed.
• Long lasting compared to decking – anything from twenty-five to fifty years.
• Requires less maintenance than decking.

Cons of Installing a Patio

• Less likely to add value to your home.
• Extra preparation and cost if the ground is uneven.
• Gravel patios are uncomfortable to walk on and can be hard to place furniture on.
• Frost can cause issues with the concrete patio.
• Occasional weeding may be required.

I hope taking a look at these points has helped you decide what to use in your garden. Both wood decking and patios can look stunning and I have both in my garden.