Paver Patios vs Decks: Which is Better for Your Rock Hill Home?
When it comes to outdoor living spaces, the team at Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features knows a thing or two. We’ve been serving customers on the East Coast since 2012 with customized paver patios, water features, and landscaping services. We’ve had the chance to landscape homes of all sizes, and one of the things that we come across often is the question of whether a deck or a patio is the better choice for a backyard outdoor living space.
Paver stones are the better option for outdoor living spaces in Rock Hill based on a number of factors, including durability and maintenance requirements.
While we’re partial to paver patios ourselves, we thought now would be a good opportunity to compare and contrast decks and paver patios to help you decide which is best for you. Both have their benefits, but one option may work better for specific outdoor spaces and goals than the other.
To help you decide between decks vs. paver patios at your home in the Rock Hill, SC, area, below are some pros and cons to consider based on our years of experience in the landscaping, hardscaping, and water features industry:
Durability
Decks
While decks can be built to suit different-sized outdoor spaces, they are susceptible to weathering and wear over time. Constant exposure to sunlight, rain, and humidity can lead to rotting, warping, and decay. The solution is to treat your deck with stains, finishes, and protective coatings, but this can get tiresome and expensive. On top of that, these products may not be good for the environment or your family.
Paver Patios
Compared to wooden decks, paver patios offer exceptional durability, with materials like concrete, brick, or natural stone standing up to the elements with minimal maintenance. They are less prone to damage from weather conditions, making them a long-lasting outdoor solution. There are, however, some types of natural stone that require sealing, and your landscaping professional can provide more information when you contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features for a free on-site estimate.
While decks can look nice, we’ve found that paver patios offer more customization options for color and texture.
Aesthetics
Decks
When it comes to looks, decks have a lot to offer. Because decks can be built to scale and painted, they offer a lot of customization options. Plus, you can add railings, seating, and other additions to a deck to make it match your home’s theme and the vibe of your outdoor living space.
The problem once again becomes upkeep. In order to keep a deck looking great, you’re going to have to constantly perform maintenance, and this can become a major chore after a while. Plus, wood has the potential to stain, so you may need to be extra careful around your deck to avoid spills and smudges.
Paver Patios
Paver patios offer a lot of versatility in design, allowing you to create custom outdoor spaces that reflect your personal style. From rustic cobblestone to sleek modern layouts, the possibilities are endless for crafting a unique and visually appealing patio. The really nice thing about natural stone pavers is that they blend into natural landscapes and artificial landscaping just the same.
You can still mix and match colors with paver patio stones, but the added benefit is that you can also play with different textures and types of stone. Plus, natural stone tends not to stain nearly as easily, making paver patios the superior choice for keeping up appearances with minimal effort.
The need to apply coatings to a wooden deck can be a major drawback to owning one
Maintenance
Decks
We touched on this above, but decks require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best and functioning safely. This includes staining, sealing, and occasional repairs to address wear and tear from foot traffic and exposure to the elements. You’ll need to inspect your deck often too, and it’s best to have a professional take care of this to avoid safety concerns. The last thing you need is someone getting hurt on your property because of a loose bolt or screw.
Paver Patios
Paver patios, on the other hand, are relatively low maintenance, requiring only periodic cleaning to remove dirt and debris. As mentioned, some stones benefit from sealing, but this will depend on your design. In the long run, though, paver patios are going to be the option that has the lowest maintenance cost associated with upkeep.
Decks often have a greater impact on the environment compared to paver patios
Environmental Impact
Decks
If you’re environmentally minded, decks may be a problem. Modern decking materials often use chemically-treated lumber which can have a negative impact on the environment. Wood decks may also contribute to deforestation if sourced using unsustainable forestry practices.
This, of course, does not apply to all decks. Decks constructed from engineered materials or natural wood may not carry the same environmental burdens, but those are few and far between and may be more expensive.
Paver Patios
Paver patios offer a more eco-friendly alternative, as they are made from natural materials and can be sourced from sustainable sources. At Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features, we use paver stones from local sources as well as Cambridge Pavingstones with Armortec. They have a smaller environmental footprint compared to wood decks treated with chemicals.
The cost of a deck may be lower initially, but it will likely be more expensive in the long run
Cost
Decks
The cost of building a deck can vary depending on factors like the materials required, the size of the deck, and the complexity of the design. Wood decks are generally more affordable upfront but may incur higher maintenance costs over time. Of course, this is on a case-by-case basis and varies from project to project.
Paver Patios
Depending on your project goals, paver patios may have a higher initial cost due to the materials and labor involved in the installation; however, they offer long-term savings through reduced maintenance expenses and increased durability. The cost of a paver patio is usually based on the size of the project, what stones and how many are used, and the labor involved in design and installation.
Both decks and paver patios can enhance your home’s value, but paver patios tend to perform better overall and require less maintenance before showings
Resale Value
Decks
When it comes to adding value to your home, a well-maintained deck can enhance the resale value and attract potential buyers. Once again, however, an outdated or poorly maintained deck may detract from the overall value of the property. This means that you’ll have to really put in time and effort or money to clean up an old deck before you can get any real resale value out of it.
Paver Patios
Paver patios are highly desirable among homebuyers, adding curb appeal and increasing the resale value of your home. A well-designed and maintained patio can be a selling point for potential buyers, contributing to a higher return on investment.
Paver Patios Win in Our Opinion
When you compare the pros and cons of decks vs. paver patios, we think that paver patios are the clear winner. While decks can provide fantastic additions to outdoor living spaces, paver patios simply offer more benefits, both in the short-term and the long-term.
Contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features for Your Free Consultation in Rock Hill, SC
To learn more about the benefits of paver patios, landscaping, and water feature design and installation in Rock Hill, contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features. Our landscapers will be happy to provide a free, on-site, no-obligation estimate to bring your vision to life.
Call us today at (803) 371-2324, or use our contact form to reach our team on the web.
