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What is a Patio Deck?

Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter

A patio deck is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. A patio deck is a deck that is attached to the home. They are often added outside of a dining room or living room door. On nice days, the patio deck becomes an extension of the home.

The patio deck is typically made of a material that coordinates with the exterior of the home. Some people choose wood while others choose stone. Either stone or wood are available in a wide variety of looks, so it is possible that anyone can find a material that appeals to them, regardless of their tastes.

Patio decks are typically added outside a living room or dining room.
Patio decks are typically added outside a living room or dining room.

Patio deck is an informal term that can encompass a variety of designs. Some patio decks are simply a small square of wood or flat stone outside of one door. Other patio decks may involve multiple levels of decking and stairs with built in benches. Some patio decks are covered by a roof extending from the home while others are unprotected.

If you are considering the addition of a patio deck to your home there are several things to consider. Your first choice will be where the deck will be placed. You are somewhat limited in your choices by the location of doors in your home. If you have strong feelings about where you want your patio located and there is no door there, you can often replace an existing window with a door.

Patio decks are popular for being a space to grill foods.
Patio decks are popular for being a space to grill foods.

There is no rule for which room the deck should enter into and out of, however some rooms are better choices than others. If you plan on entertaining on your patio deck, think about if you want people entering and exiting the deck area through your mud room.

Once you have decided on a location for your deck, it is time to choose the materials that you will use. The cost of materials as well as the style of your existing home will probably have a great influence on what materials you choose for your patio deck. Before settling on the exact materials that you want, you should determine how large your deck will be so that you will have a better idea of the costs associated with the materials.

Patio deck is an informal term that can encompass a variety of designs.
Patio deck is an informal term that can encompass a variety of designs.

Wood decks may be made from treated lumber, teak, redwood or cedar. Stone patio decks may be made from natural stone, brick, flagstone or other composite stone choices. The selection of materials for patio decks is huge, and there is a material available to fit every budget.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@rundocuri- I actually think that patio decks with wood floors and vinyl railings look nice. I like the contrast of the two colors. Since the flooring of your friend's patio deck is in nice condition, I think it would be a good decision to leave it along and add the new vinyl deck materials to it.

Spotiche5

@rundocuri- If there is not need to replace the wooden flooring of the patio deck, I certainly wouldn't take on that work or expense. Also, I'm assuming that the vinyl decking that you will be using will be white in color. If this is the case, my advice is to leave the flooring in place and paint it white to match the new vinyl rails.

Even if you plan to use deck materials in another color, you can still paint the flooring to match. When you are finished, the patio deck should look as good as new.

Rundocuri

I'm helping a friend fix up his house, and we are looking for the best way to improve the wooden patio deck. While the flooring appears to be in excellent condition, the rails are worn and many of them are damaged. I'm wondering if it would look good to leave the flooring but replace the railing with vinyl deck materials. Do the two materials go together?

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    • Patio decks are typically added outside a living room or dining room.
      By: trailfan
      Patio decks are typically added outside a living room or dining room.
    • Patio decks are popular for being a space to grill foods.
      By: digidreamgrafix
      Patio decks are popular for being a space to grill foods.
    • Patio deck is an informal term that can encompass a variety of designs.
      By: rodho
      Patio deck is an informal term that can encompass a variety of designs.
    • Lag screws, which have coarse threading and a hexagonal head, can be used to secure wooden planks, such as those used for building decks.
      By: junej
      Lag screws, which have coarse threading and a hexagonal head, can be used to secure wooden planks, such as those used for building decks.
    • Patio decks are often made of wood, which may complement the look of a home.
      By: junej
      Patio decks are often made of wood, which may complement the look of a home.