If you’re a homeowner considering a backyard transformation, you’re probably thinking about starting with a deck or patio. These are the most popular choices because they create a surface that can not only be a great place to relax with family and friends, but they can also add value to your home, and serve as a starting point for future backyard renovations like adding an outdoor kitchen, or a pool.
Choosing between the two is often where homeowners get stuck. Often, clients come to us with the question of which is the better option. While we’re not biased, we honestly feel that a patio offers a better return on your investment. Let’s look at five reasons a patio is a great choice for your backyard transformation!
1. Patios are Affordable
Even with the most economical materials, a deck costs an average of about $30 per square foot, and that’s with pressure treated wood. Cedar, mahogany or composite materials can double or triple the cost. Patios are much more budget friendly with an average cost of about $15 per square foot. Of course, that price can go higher as well, but you can see the potential savings!
2. Patios Require Little Maintenance
As long as your patio is installed properly (hire a qualified professional) patio pavers are incredibly durable. Patios require very little attention from the homeowner and they don’t need to be resealed annually like a deck.
3. Patio Have a Longer Lifespan
Patios stand up to temperature extremes along with rain and snow, like we have here in New England, much better than wood or composites. Because of this, a properly installed patio can last a lifetime. At Old Station Supply all our pavers come with life-time warranty direct from the manufacturers.
4. Patios Offer Flexible Design Options
Recent improvements in hardscaping manufacturing offer homeowners almost endless design options. Patios can be built with pavers, natural stone or porcelain tile. You can use a variety of shapes, colors and styles to achieve the desired look. Decks only offer one look. They can be stained or colored, but you have very few designs options beyond that.
5. Patios Offer a Higher Return on Your Investment
Both decks and patios can increase the resale value of your home, but patios offer a higher return on investment. In average, decks can increase your home’s value by about 10 percent (according to the Gallop Organization), while a stylish, well designed and constructed patio can increase it by closer to 12 percent. So not only do you pay significantly less for a patio during construction, it can actually provide a higher return when t’s time to sell.
Adding a deck also increases property taxes because they are considered an addition to the living space. A patio will let you take advantage of that same space without adding to your real estate taxes.
If you’re considering adding a patio to your home, give us a call. At Old Station Outdoor and Landscaping supply we carry a full range of hardscaping materials. Whether you’re looking for natural stone or concrete pavers we carry great options by some of the top manufacturers like Unilock and Techo-Bloc. Stop by our store to see our new displays and showroom. We’re always happy to help homeowners create a backyard transformation!
