With the hectic schedule that everyone has to live with and the economic turmoil that is felt most everywhere, outdoor living spaces have become must-haves. Not only do these types of amenities offer every homeowner their very own distressing personal retreat but can also be a cost-effective way to enjoy gatherings with family and friends more often. Now that you have decided to extend your living space outdoors, it is time to decide whether a deck or patio would work best with your New York home. So whether you are in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Brooklyn or Staten Island; weigh the pros and cons carefully and understand what each project entails before jumping head-on into the home improvement bandwagon. First off, the best resource that you can take advantage of is the evaluation and advice of a qualified contractor. As quality craftsmanship and advanced knowledge in construction and building is essential in the success of whatever project you decide to pursue- a deck or patio, it would be better to hire a contractor early on and get valuable insights from him. Other than you and your family’s needs and wants, there are a lot more major considerations to take like the topography of the property and local building codes. Other factors to look into include: Site Since a deck takes the form of a raised platform-like living space, a sloping and rough terrain serves ideal for such construction. But a site that is plain and level, calls for a patio as this choice would prevent you from unnecessarily paying for added excavation. It is also important to know the consistency of the soil to better judge the type of foundation that will efficiently hold the deck. Use and Capacity If you love throwing parties and are planning on extending an outdoor living space to entertain guests, a patio would be best. Though you can make a deck stronger to accommodate more people or additional amenities, beefing up its structure too much can cause homeowners to sacrifice aesthetics. A deck however, being elevated, can afford the household more privacy and can be used to sunbathe, have quiet coffee moments and even have a relaxing Jacuzzi. Cost and Maintenance When discussing both factors with your hired contractor, it is important to be very honest. Is the family willing to put up and can afford the costs and maintenance that a deck or patio entails? When it comes to cost, a deck is an affordable option while a stamped concrete patio offers the most durability as well as lowest maintenance. Other materials and their varying cost and maintenance levels are: â€Wood Decking. The most popularly used material when it comes to wood decking are pressure-treated fir and pine for their high availability, low cost and resistance to rot. On the high end array of choices, hardwood provides more durability and appeal but can be expensive and requires regular sealing and sanding to maintain its beauty. â€Composite and Vinyl Decking. These materials are low-maintenance alternatives to wood but are on a pricier range especially if tailored balustrade and railing systems are used. For cleaning, only occasional pressure washing is needed. â€Concrete. Concrete has become more than just a dull slab of gray as it now comes in a very wide selection of patterns and colors making up for countless design options. â€Pavers. Pavers come in concrete, stone, and bricks and can be bought in a wide assortment of colors and styles. Though very durable, a patio of this material should be laid out by your contractor with enough site preparation for the living space to be used in the longest possible time.
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