What's the Difference Between a Patio & Deck?

“Patio” is Spanish for “courtyard.” While patios can either be attached or detached from a house, they are installed to help homeowners soak in the natural beauty of their outdoor spaces. Unlike decks, patios aren’t raised, and they may be created from a variety of materials including pavers, concrete, or asphalt. Patios are easy to maintain, don’t typically require permits, and are inexpensive to install. If you put one in that’s made with concrete, you’ll need to seal it regularly to prevent water seepage and expansion. Paver patios are known for being exceptionally low maintenance, as you’ll only need to replace the brick if one becomes damaged.

Decks are typically built above-grade and are always attached to the home. Because they aren’t on the ground, they are better for homes with an uneven grade. They often include features like stairs, built-in grilling areas, and doors that extend into a kitchen or living room. Since they tie into the home’s structure and can be wired or plumbed to accommodate water, fire, or cooking features, they typically require building permits issued by the city.

Permits are required since any damage to your property could potentially impact the health of nearby properties. For instance, if your DIY deck starts a fire because of a poorly plumbed gas line, it could harm your neighbor’s property. By requiring a permit, the city will know who is undertaking the construction project and will have a record of the contractor or homeowner responsible for the job.