Virginia is one of the nation's states with natural beauty built directly into the scenery, and no matter where you look, there are virtually limitless ways to be awed by the world around you. Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors is from the comfort of your own home.

Homeowners have been faced with the decision of decks versus patios for decades. To help you understand which is the better investment for your personal situation, we've created this guide to help you through the shopping and designing processes.

How Much Weight Can It Hold?
If you'll be using your outdoor space for everyday actions like grilling out and socializing with family and friends, either space will work just fine as far as weight is concerned. If you're planning on adding a hot tub or other super heavy objects, however, you'll want to start taking weight into consideration. Decks can absolutely be built sturdy enough to accommodate hot tubs, but sometimes the added reinforcements can detract from the aesthetic appeal the homeowner was going for. In cases like this, a patio might be the better option.

How Would You Describe Your Property?
Many parts of Virginia lend themselves to mountainous terrain. Depending on the physical geography of your property, a deck could be much more advantageous than a patio if you don't have the space necessary to create a flat foundation on the ground. If your home is located on rough, rugged, or sloping terrain, a patio could require substantial excavation costs.

Do You Have a Preferred Type of Material?
Although you certainly have many material options in either situation, when you're considering the advantages of decks versus patios, you should put some thought into the most commonly used materials for each. Decks are often made of wood, vinyl, or composite material. This can add an aesthetic appeal very fitting to many Virginia homes, and there is a wide variety of each of these materials used in the building of decks. Patios typically begin with concrete bases and are finished with pavers, brick, or stone. Each option comes with its own considerations regarding maintenance and upkeep.

Are you weighing the benefits of decks versus patios for your own home? Our experts at Woodscape Construction will be happy to help you understand the advantages of each. Contact us, and let us provide you with some guidance!

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