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Landscape Design

deck or raised patio

16 years ago

hello,

we are going to build either a raised patio or a deck behind our house.

the structure will be about 400 square feet.

our 1st floor is about 4 feet above grade - so we will either have to build:

1. a raised deck with protective rails and steps down to the ground. will probably use trex bc wood requires too much maintenance.

or

2. a raised patio - can be multi level.

i am inclined to want a raised patio (made with pavers) bc i hate hate hate the maintenance of wood. i think that stone / pavers are more attractive than trex.

will a raised stone/paver patio cost a fortune? what kind of difference in price are we looking at for a trex deck vs a paver raised patio?

any ideas/ insights are appreciated.

thanks

nancy

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Comments (3)

inkognito
16 years ago
You really need to have someone on site for this.
marcinde
16 years ago
If you're amenable to the idea of a multi-level patio anyhow, perhaps a good option would be to consider a generous landing constructed of composite lumber or similar (be sure to look at the issues with Trex & mold) stepping down to a patio at grade. That's the simplest.

I agree with inkognito's comment, but ESPECIALLY if you're contemplating a raised patio against the structure of the house. There is a lot that can be done wrong in this scenario and it can get quite expensive.

Dave
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Wow, 8ft? We want to do a similar thing - have 4ft in corner now by slider (modular home was designed for 11ft slope but we hit ledge and ended up with less, moved walkout to end). We could fill a bit more but would still have about 3ft drop coming out the door - would love to do multi-level deck or patio stepping down to grade on left hand side (where foundation is only 6" off grade). Let us know what you find out. What are "deadmen"?
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From what I hear maintenance or lack there of is a priority with most homeowners these days. True, composite decks are wood underneath..but that is not what needs re-staining/re-sealing every year or so. To each his own but ROI has nothing to do with our choice to rip off the deck and raise a patio..forget the entire "deck" idea. Usability and lack of maintenance were the only considerations. When we literally only have a few weeks of "patio" weather--I am not going to spend ANY of it on maintenance.
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I'm not sure how a raised patio that looks like it's only a step or two down from the house is going to offer much more privacy than a deck. Raising that patio is what's killing you. You're talking several truckloads of gravel and days just moving and compacting fill. The three doors are the design challenge as far as getting you down to grade faster. Along the lines of Doug's concept, it may be worth considering a smaller deck that connects the two doors and offers some outdoor living space, and then a larger patio at grade. That could also be done in phases if budget requires.
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JAN MOYER, Goodness gracious, please do not comment or patronize people with stupid comments stating the obvious! I wasn’t trying to make any PLAN on this site. I was trying to show commenters who are not familiar with the look of newer/modern pavers. As I stated from the very beginning I’m familiar with all the ins and outs of the choices as I do have a team of professionals I work with. I am simply undecided on the look and feel of my options. It’s a very subjective question and I’m hoping to hear from people who have had both or have personal experiences with both. Have you had personal experiences with both? If not, why butt in? If you have no experience or opinions, please don’t patronize, moderate or try to control a free public board, with obvious, angry, useless comment to boot! Ha! Yet, After scolding me for asking harmless question of “hey, which do you like better?” In the end you DO have an opinion. In turns out you could just say “ I happen to detest composite, they’re slippery,” and that would be enough and perfect! SMH!
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njsnjs
Original Author
16 years ago
hi inkognito and dave,
thanks for your help. i am working with a lanscaper - but as your know - i need to be informed myself for the best results. i am waitning for the landscaper to put together skecthches/pricing.

i sounds as if i should go with a wood deck and suck it up and maintain it with sealer every year!
my pool has a trex deck - it may be the less expensive trex - but its ugly and i would not put it on my house.
i'll look up issues with mold.....

ps - my dad said the same as you - that a raised patio will be a fortune if it is done correctly...

i'll check back with you when i have nore info....
thanks again,
nancy

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