should I build a deck or a patio?

Are there steps involved?

Yes, in either case there would be two or maybe three steps down to the ground. In the patio scenario, we would have a little landing right out the door, with a couple steps down to the patio. Kind of like a mini-deck down to the patio. The deck would have steps as well, but nothing fancy. Should also note we would have railing all around the deck (Tamrail), if we go that route. It's not very high off the ground, but high enough that we'd worry about our toddler dashing off.

Should also note that our ground slopes a bit, and drops about 18" over a span of 20'. We would need fill and a retaining wall for a patio.

You're asking for advice, so here are my thoughts:

Go with the deck.

For the patio you need fill and also need to build a retaining wall. Unless that fill is really, really packed down tight, eventually it will settle and your concrete slab will be sloped and/or cracked.

One more thing....you indicated that you have a toddler. Toddlers occasionally fall down. Do do want skinned knees from the concrete, or just a little boo-boo from falling onto wood?

That's my free advice. Good luck.

Free advice is why I'm posting here, so thanks. The settling and cracking is one of my main concerns. BTW - the decking I'm looking at is Evergrain composite, so pretty soft and obviously no splinters. Anyone have experience with this material? The same question for Tam-Rail composite railing.

Also, I just got a cost estimate for the deck: $2750 for all materials (decking, railing, steps, screws, nails, footings, concrete, etc, etc). And $1950 for labor. Estimate was for 10'x16', although I think I can go to 12'x16' for a couple hundred more. So $4700 would cover the whole thing, materials and labor. Seems like a pretty good price to me, but what do others think? Yes, yes, I know I can do it myself for much cheaper, but I'm a lazy, lazy man.

Again, this is a composite deck, not wood, so it would be a bit pricier. I have another estimate from a different contractor coming in a day or so.

Well, I have a toddler as well, and I have a deck. I wish I had a patio, though. Honestly, by the time you would be worried about settling and cracking, the deck - even composite - would look awful.

I just feel like patios are much more sturdy, and with the choices in stamped concrete, you can get something that looks great.

At some point I am going to switch to a brick patio, but I have enjoyed my deck.

If you took the time to level the ground and build a nice solid retaining wall a patio woould be better.

It doesnt need to be a concrete slab. You could use brick pavers or some other sort of stone. These are pretty easy to do. But with a concrete slab you never have to worry about grass and weeds growing in the cracks.

The composite decking material is awesome but it does shrink over time and you would eventually have to replace your deck. Why not build the patio properly now and never have to worry about it again.

These are the good problems to have in life

a piano sounds tricky. i recommend the desk, easily obtained at IKEA.

Do you have termites in your area?

Timber is the way to go.It's so much more liveable.

Some local regulations are way over the top for timber decks(due to the number of collapses)so that may be a consideration.Make sure you cover it.

Look into doing the pavers. You can get some interesting effects for a decent price and a bit of sweat.

I have a combination of pavers (done myself) and redwood deck (elevated) done by someone else, as I am about as bad with tools as most Let's Runners are about lying about their PRs.

I would probably go with a stone patio (not concrete) over a deck. It kind of depends on what your house looks like and where you live.

One thing to remember, even with treated wood, it can splinter. Got a big chunk in my foot after the RnR 1/2M a couple of weeks ago. Especially if you have kids.

Decks are cooler though.

I would go patio. As others have mentioned, you can use pavers for a very unique look and feel. In my opinion, brick and concrete just have an overall better look than wood decks. With that said, I did just expand my wooddeck but money was the major factor.

We live in the Rocky Mountain region, dry climate. Our house is stucco (top) and brick (bottom). House is on a mild slope (as stated). Our neighbors have about every kind of deck and/or patio imaginable, so whatever we build will fit in fine with the neighborhood.

Build a gazebo nobody builds a gazebo anymore.

A gazebo would indeed be sweet.

Kilgore Troute wrote:

A gazebo would indeed be sweet.

Yeah, a gazebo juxtaposed next to a stucco/brick house would be stunning. Are you completely devoid of aesthetic sense?

Obviously I am. That's why I'm asking for outdoor living tips on letsrun.com

A good deck is an extension of the house. If you have steps to climb down the patio will always be the backyard.

Decks stay cleaner than patio's and are better in cooler weather.

Nothing beats: a steak on the grill, brew in the hand while you are on your DECK!