When it comes to creating a living space in their yard, many people wonder whether they should base it on a decking area or a patio. We’ll try to shed some light on what we feel are the benefits and cons of each option, and hopefully empower you to make the best decision for you!
How big is your job?
The first step is to determine the size of the decking/paving area. This will influence every other choice you make during the process, so start here. It will produce most other selections throughout the remainder of the process easy.
To determine the area, measure the length and breadth of the space you wish to cover with Decking or pavement. If the area has an uneven shape or a walkway, divide it into distinct rectangles and measure them separately before putting the totals together.
What kind of timetable do you have for your project?
There isn’t much of a distinction between putting Decking and pavement. However, paving takes an additional day to install for 20m2 on average.
A 20m2 deck could take 2-3 days to construct, whereas a patio may take four days.
A 40m2 deck could take 3-4 days to build, but a patio could take six days.
Garden Design: What do you want from the space?
Here’s where your style and taste come in. Once you know your budget and the timescale you have in mind, you can begin to get creative with the space. However, before settling on a deck or a patio, you must first consider what you want it to look like and how it will function.
First and foremost, you must choose how much maintenance you want to do in the region. For example, do you want to create a low-maintenance place, or are you willing to spend time in your garden maintaining it?
Decking vs Paving Maintenance
Low-maintenance
Paving is your best bet here. It lasts a long time, and as it matures, the slabs get more and more character. The added expense up front means you won’t have to spend as much time maintaining it in the long run. There is no actual lifespan of paving slabs – they will survive indefinitely.
Higher-maintenance
On the other hand, Decking takes a bit more upkeep since it is more subject to weather. You may treat the wood once a year or so to ensure that the weather does not cause too much harm and looks as good as possible for as long as feasible. However, since Decking has a limited lifetime, paving may be worth considering if you want to install it once and for all.
Should you choose Decking or paving for your modern or traditional space?
Patio slabs are the most conventional choice. They have a more rustic and natural appearance and complement the design of an older home, cottage, or barn conversion. However, natural-looking or reclaimed timber decking can be used if you are on a budget.
A considerably more adaptable kind of space. Decking and pavement may be used here, but the key is choosing something with a consistent colour. Decking complements a contemporary room beautifully since it is usually a single colour. However, higher-quality slabs like slate, granite, or porcelain are ideal for a modern area.
Finally, is paving or decking the better solution for you?
Hopefully, we’ve helped you decide which is best for you. Overall, the budget comes first, but it all comes down to style, taste and landscape company choice. We attempted to demonstrate that both are viable solutions. For example, Decking is a less expensive approach to building an outdoor living space, while paving is a more durable alternative.
