Decking or patio?

There are so many types of outdoor area- suitable for a range of spaces and budgets. But how to decide whether to have decking or Patio in your garden? Here’s our key considerations for each, to help you decide what will work best for your outdoor space.

Decking

Key benefits:

• Usually lower cost for supply/ install.

• Quicker and easier to prepare for, particularly where there are level changes and steps. It is easier to DIY- although with medium to high skill level required, along with lots of tools!

• Lots of options for finishes and laying patterns. Carefully considering the layout of boards can make best use of materials and lower cost. For example this deck has herringbone layout to reduce offcuts and cost. It also looks great/ adds interest!

• Natural wood (frame and boards) with a natural oil finish is a fairly ecological option. NB wood should be sustainably sourced/ certified and carefully dried to avoid warping- which would necessitate replacing sooner.

Considerations:

• It requires regular maintenance such as cleaning and oiling to keep it in good condition.

• Composite options have better longevity particularly in wet or very sunny spots where wood can be affected. These often contain non-recyclable materials and aren’t considered an ecological choice. Also, the frame for the decking is done in natural wood, so may need replacing sooner than the top decking boards.

• Things can fall between the cracks of boards (which is annoying but not impossible to get back by removing a couple of boards!). Also (depending on board size), it is difficult to access things below- i.e. manholes.

Patio

Key benefits:

• Lots of different styles/ sizes/ finishes available.

• Longevity: Porcelain tiles can last a significant amount of time, making the initial outlay (both in cost and embodied carbon), more worth it over time.

• Low maintenance: Only occasional cleaning and ensuring drainage clear/ functioning well, is required. (NB it is imperative you select suitable/ weather and slip appropriate finishes).

• If there is a manhole in the location then you can tile the manhole cover, making it easier to access/ maintain without drawing attention to it.

Considerations:

• Higher cost for installation: Paving requires significant prep work to prepare a slab/ base OR you can fit onto patio feet (but again this requires patient/ skilled labour to set up and make perfectly level).

• Requires consideration of drainage: This should fall away from any buildings, and if level with a door threshold then an aco drain should be installed. If using patio feet, the slabs may need to be removed and any drainage channels cleared/ maintained properly.

• Heat: Patios tend to be warmer as they absorb and retain heat. Dark finishes will trap more heat and could end up burning your feet on very warm/ sunny days. Lighter finishes are better in sunny spots (though these will also show up dirt more).

• Requires significant skill to prepare for and lay - ideally should be done by a professional rather than DIY.

If you’d like help deciding/ designing/ preparing for OR implementing your new outdoor space- please get in touch.