Patio vs Deck vs Porch: What's the Difference?

Patios, Decks and Porches are all very popular. If you are wanting to incorporate one into your garden but you're not entirely sure about the differences between them, we have created a way to define each feature.

Deck vs Patio vs Porch

If you are wanting to add a new feature to your garden, a porch, a deck or a patio can be a fantastic addition, however knowing which one to add can be a hard decision to make. You need to take into account space, practicality and materials to find which would be the best for you. Below, we have explored what each feature is, the benefits and disadvantages associated with each and the average cost.

Regardless of your decision, all features can provide you with the perfect place of calm and tranquillity, allowing you to enjoy your garden. 

What Is a Deck?

Historically, a deck was defined as a small space, usually, 8 by 10 feet, attached to the side of a house in a rectangular shape. Most decks were created from hardwood. However, over time these started to adapt and change.

You were able to create bigger decks that were much more functional than before. The issue with creating decking with the material hardwood was the durability of the material. They were good for structure but did require regular maintenance to extend the life of the decking. Hardwood is not as eco friendly, nor as sustainable as other materials.

In more current times, treated wood is a much better option and you can now use a whole different material entirely such as vinyl. The different types of decking material are:

• Pressure-Treated Wood
• Tropical Hardwood
• Concrete
• Redwood
• Composites Decking
• Cedar Wood

Decks are a great way to add a modern element to your garden that remains functional and if it is elevated, you can have decking steps that contribute toward the practicality and functionality of the deck. You always want to ensure that it is easily accessible.

Benefits of a Deck

Decking adds a great aesthetic to your garden and it can transform it into a new and exciting space that is perfectly catered to your needs. You are able to style the deck however you wish from natural wood finishes to paint or stain for a complete transformation and match the rest of your aesthetic.

In most cases, installing a deck can increase the value of your home. If you are looking for a way to invest and boost the potential value of your property, then this is a great way to do so. You are expanding on the current size of your home and adding a space that acts as an extension.

You can expand the use of the deck depending on the weather, for example, you can host dinners and entertainment evenings for your friends. It becomes a place for the children to play or a space where you can enjoy some relaxing time without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

You are able to add furniture, plants, garden features and many more to create your perfect garden area.

Disadvantages of a Deck

With most wooden garden features and structures, there is always the risk that water is going to create damage. In cases where you experience large quantities of water, this can cause the decking to become swollen and crack.

In repeated cases, you will see that the wooden structure can become unstable, especially if your deck is not floor level. This is due to the water causing wood rot and this weakens the wood. Note that if you have an elevated structure, this does allow room for more drainage and waterlogged wood is less common.

You are able to semi-avoid this by treating your decking, but this does require a lot of maintenance and should be treated with high-quality decking oil. Check out our article on the best decking oils here: Best Oil For Decking: Which to Choose?

This can protect the wood and prevent it from being water damaged. Additionally, you can find great positives in using composite decking. Of course, wood does not need to be the only material that you use for a deck, but it is one of the most popular options.

The Average Cost of a Deck

The average cost for a deck in the United Kingdom will vary depending on the size of the deck you wish to instal. It is also important that you take into account the varying prices of the materials that are going to be used.

However, with that being said, the typically garden decking is going to cost you around £1,000 to £2,000 but can increase. This does not include the cost of installation if you are wanting a company to instal it. This will be dependent on the company costs.

What Is a Patio?

A patio is another outdoor feature that is typically found at the rear of a property. Historically, you would find these built very close to the house, but you can essentially build them anywhere you want them in your garden.

They are commonly made from pavement slabs made of concrete or stone, but over time you would have seen the progression of certain materials like bricks, pavement blocks, tiles and cobbles. 

They are essentially used as a house extension, similar to decks, but they vary in look, material and height. Decks can often be raised and patios will be attached to the floor. With that being said, you can essentially make either out of any material. However, the concept of each does start to become looser.

Some deckings will also have railings, but you would often find that a patio is just a stand-alone feature that is not enclosed. When it becomes enclosed, it will typically be referred to as a courtyard.

Some different types of patio materials include:

• Gravel
• Cobbles
• Pebbles
• Paving
• Tiles
• Brick

With many many more to choose from!

Benefits of a Patio

A patio can serve as an additional space where chairs, tables, plants and essentially any form of garden furniture and even some types of garden features can be stored. A patio will often serve as a dedicated area for relaxation where you can find BBQs, sometimes built into the structure, and family can gather in one particular space.

In some instances, incorporating a patio into your garden can actually increase the value of your home. They will increase the appeal of your garden and in some cases, it will increase the useability of your garden.

It can make the space more attractive and encourage a better space to enjoy your garden. If you regularly entertain your friends and family, it provides an outdoor space that can be enjoyed by them too. You will have a designated area where forms of entertainment can be stored. You can invest in patio features, such as swimming pools, grills, and family-sized tables.

Finally, if in time you do decide to enclose your patio, you are added to your living space. Walls around your patio can create an extra space attached to your home. These can then also expand into extensions and other forms of home expansions.

Disadvantages of a Patio

Most patios are made of concrete and brick, so if you have children this can be a rough surface for them to play on, especially since you are going to want to avoid accidents. Since the surface is quite hard, falling onto it can be painful.

Installing a patio can be quite difficult, especially if you are looking to do it yourself. Most patios are directly installed onto the ground and so it is very important that the surface is completely level. This can be difficult to maintain in gardens that are particularly unlevel and it can mean that quite a lot of landscaping is needed.

If this is not done properly, it can lead to cracks in the concrete where support is not offered and this can look unappealing as well as cost a fair amount to repair. 

In terms of costs, you are looking at higher prices when you are using paving slabs in comparison to other patio materials such as gravel, concrete and stone. However, there is typically less maintenance than if you were to choose a different material.

The average cost of a Patio

Depending on whether you are going to instal your own patio or not, costs really depend on the size of the patio area. On average, you are looking at paying between £55 to £150 per square meter.

Note that this price could increase depending on the type of material that you are using and your location.

What Is a Porch?

A porch is a structure that is built outside your house, but it is attached to the house, typically near the front or back door. They have a roof, but the walls are not solid and they are often made from screens or windows.

A front porch attaches to the front of the door and encloses the entrance and a back porch would enclose the door attached to the back of your house.

The concept of a porch dates back hundreds of years ago, but the common feature that we see today was created around 125 years ago. Although styles have adapted over time, you can still find the basis of the original design incorporated. You can find different types of porches which are as followed:

• Screen Porch
• Sleeping Porch
• Rain Porch
• Sun Porch
• Stoop

As well as many other different kinds of porches, all of which can be enjoyed. You can find an open porch, which typically holds frames and spindles instead of walls. This is still considered to be a porch. Below we have explored the different types of materials more like a porch.

• uPVC porches
• Brick porches
• Aluminium Porches

Advantages of a Porch

Typically, you can find that a porch adds to the appeal of a home and it can increase the aesthetic appeal of a property. It adds an element that differs from the traditional front and back door look.

You are able to increase the amount of natural light that comes into your home. If you add a porch with windows onto your back doors, which may also have windows, then this allows a bigger allowance of sunlight to come through the windows and into your home.

You are able to provide an extra element of security to your home by installing a porch as this creates a gap between the intruder and the front door. They would have to break through the porch door before they get to the front door and if you equip your porch with security, this can allow time for you to call for assistance.

If you require extra space, then this can provide you with some extra storage, especially if you get one that has enclosed walls. You can store your shoes, coats, bags and other outing equipment by turning it into the most effective use of space.

Disadvantages of a Porch

Some types of porches do not offer full protection from harsh types of weather. For example, those that are not equipped with walls. A porch with a flat roof can cause water to gather, but those with a slanted roof are designed for the water to drain off the roof.

Porches are typically elevated which means that they will often require regular maintenance and this can be costly if there is ever an issue. In addition, if you do not already have a porch, it can be quite costly to build one and in some instances, you are going to need planning permission.

The average cost of a porch

For a new porch, you are looking at an average cost of £3,500 without the cost of construction workers and those that are going to install the porch for you if you do not intend to do it yourself.

Note that this price can increase or decrease depending on the type of material that you have selected.