by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: March 23, 2010

When deciding on a landscape for the garden, one of the dilemmas which hits home owners is whether they should install a patio or a deck. There are distinct differences between the two different elements, and each has its place within the garden and adds to the overall completeness of the landscape. The major differences between these two elements is that a deck can be installed at a higher level than a patio, as the patio itself is based upon a solid base, whereas the deck is put in place over a wooden framework.

Patios.

These are ideal sun traps, and permanent in nature. They offer the home owner a solution for introducing different textures and finishes and are easy to drain. The area that a patio forms is that which requires a low maintenance surface which can withstand the weather and which adds grace and elegance to the garden, and a dimension of bringing the inside of the home outside. These surfaces are particularly good for seating areas, for next to pools, and for areas adjoining the house, and can be reached through patio doors. The benefit of these over decking in this instance is that water can be drained away from the home, and the foundations and damp proof course of the home protected upon installation.

Patios can be formed in many different materials, giving a wide range of choice to home owners. From natural stone, based in concrete, to pavers and slabs, a patio takes on its own character. Often slate is introduced and even the wonderful color of terracotta tiling. The surface can also be tiled with those tiles which are designed to be able to take the ravages of weather. The patio is laid upon a prepared surface, where drainage considerations are taken into account, as well as solidity of the surface itself. While many paving slabs can be laid with sand between the eventual placement of the slabs, a more permanent way to deal with this is to sink these into concrete and to point the surface. These withstand the weather better than those where sand is used, and will discourage the growth of weeds between the pavers.

Conversely if you are looking for a rustic finish, the passage of time makes a wonderful pattern of green between those using sand. The disadvantages of a patio are that this will need to be protected from moss over the winter period, though this can be overcome by pressure washing at the beginning of the summer season.

Decks.

Decks are made out of woods which are pretreated and suited to the outdoors. These can be placed upon

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