The process of choosing the right design for your NY home’s outdoor space can be quite tricky, but ultimately comes down a few key points. As a homeowner you no doubt want to create a functional yet attractive outdoor space, so if you are deliberating between building a wooden deck or a paver patio in your remodeled backyard, here is some advice that will aid your decision.
Cost and Installation
When it comes to initial expenses, a number of things must be taken into account. Paving is done at a ground level, or else requires the construction of a raised foundation. Decking, on the other hand, is elevated. Decking is therefore a great option for adding balcony space to a room on the second floor of your home, since less construction will be necessary. It is also a good solution for steeply sloping yards or yards with tricky topography.
For a ground level construction, concrete pavers are a better option, providing a quicker, easier and less expensive construction process. If additional construction is necessary, however, a wooden deck may offer a less expensive alternative.
Return on Investment
Although wooden decking can offer a high percentage of return on the initial investment if you’re looking to quickly increase the resale value of your home, over the long run, however, pavers are more cost-effective, lower in maintenance cost, and provide the better option for saving money over the course of your home’s lifetime.
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Maintenance
A paved patio is by far a better option if you’re looking for a low maintenance feature. Once your pavers are installed, there is very little further maintenance required apart from the occasional hose down or quick replacement of an individual faulty paver. On the other hand, wooden decks require regular cleaning, staining, and replacement of rotten or worn deck boards. Using wood-plastic composite materials for your decking, however, can greatly reduce long-term maintenance.
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Lifespan
Wooden decks have a shorter lifespan. If not protected properly, wood is predisposed to rot, fungus and general decay. While regular maintenance can extend a deck’s lifetime, a paver patio definitely has the advantage when it comes to permanence. Paver patios last a lifetime, with Unilock offering a transferable lifetime guarantee for their pavers.
Design
When choosing between these two materials, take a look at your overall landscape design and home and consider which one will blend in more naturally with the existing design and architecture.
Concrete pavers often integrate better with other hardscaped outdoor elements, such as fire pits, steps, grill islands, and water features. If you’re looking to enhance the visual appearance of your landscape by adding these elements, concrete pavers make a good match.
Although wood offers warmth and rich character, the same can be said for pavers. Many are designed to replicate the appearance of natural stone. Brussels Block pavers from Unilock, for example, are ideal for creating a timeless natural stone look for your outdoor space. Camelot pavers from Unilock give an amazing cobblestone/brick paver warmth with a contemporary touch. With all the pattern and color options available, pavers allow for a multitude of designs and can be selected to match the style of a property and add appropriate color accents.
