With spring officially underway and the weather becoming more beautiful, you’re going to want to spend some time outside. But if you’re customizing your dream home to feature a wonderful outdoor entertaining area, you might be wondering whether you should build a deck, patio, or porch. Is there a difference between the three?
There is a difference between a deck, patio, and porch, and we’re here to explain so you can decide which is best for your home.
What is a Deck?
A deck is an outdoor structure most commonly made out of wood. It lacks a roof and is typically attached to your house, though it isn’t a necessity. Most people like to install their deck in the backyard, while others enjoy having it off to the side of their house. It mainly depends on the layout of your home and property.
While decks come in all different shapes and sizes, it’s important to carefully consider how big you want yours to be. If you’re the type who loves to barbecue, you’ll want a larger deck with space for a grill, chairs and a table for eating, and possibly a large umbrella. However, if you just like to sit in the sun on your own and read, you don’t need much more space than a comfortable chair and a little side table for your drink.
What is a Patio?
A patio is typically a paved area in your yard that isn’t attached to your home, though it is often right against the edge of your house. It’s most common for contractors to use concrete, bricks, or stones to create a patio depending on the client’s aesthetic preference.
A patio’s purpose is to give people an outdoor space to relax, sit and eat. They’re very popular areas for entertaining, as unlike decks you don’t have to worry about weight restrictions. You can also install luxury amenities like a fire pit or bar. Patios are most commonly found in the backyard though some can be found in the side yard.
What is a Porch?
A porch is similar to a deck in that it’s an open-air structure attached to the house. However, the biggest difference is that a porch has some kind of roof over it. If there are walls, they’re usually screens to keep out bugs but still allow airflow. Also unlike a deck or a patio, a porch is located in front of the house. While it can be used for hosting get-togethers, a porch is often small or narrow and is meant to simply be a safe and comfortable place to sit while enjoying the weather.
Porches can be made out of all kinds of materials, such as wood, aluminum, stone, plastic, and PVC. This means there’s a lot of customization available to homeowners so they can have the exterior of their dream home look exactly as they envision.
Whether you choose a deck, patio, or porch depends on your needs, vision, and the layout of your home and property. Contact JM Construction today for a consultation and begin building your ideal outdoor addition.
