Deck, Patio or Screened Porch? Choosing the Right Backyard Addition for Your Urbandale Home

The best backyard addition for an Urbandale home depends on a lot of different factors. You need to consider how you plan to use the space and your property’s layout. Also important is how much protection from the elements you want. A deck works well when you’re looking for an elevated platform for flexible entertaining. Patios give you a durable ground-level space. Screened porches let you enjoy the outdoors without worrying as much about bugs, sweltering sunlight, and heavy rain. But in a lot of cases, the best way to build an outdoor space is to combine two or more smaller spaces.

We’re experienced Urbandale deck builders and a full-service outdoor living company. Every day, we help homeowners like you make a decision on what kind of space to build. Here is a breakdown of the different options we consider with each project.

Deck vs. Patio vs. Screened Porch: What's the Difference?

A deck is typically elevated and can connect directly to an upper-level door. Decks have all kinds of flexible design options and they work well for entertaining. A patio is a ground-level hardscape that functions a lot like a deck. It’s another space where you can have dining, seating, and entertaining with the added benefit of being right there in the yard. A screened porch attaches to the home, gives you shelter from the persistent bugs that call Iowa home and gives you added shade and shelter from the elements. It’s like an enclosed outdoor room.

When Is a Custom Deck the Right Choice?

Decks often make sense when your home has an elevated entry, when the yard has grade changes, or when you want multiple levels. It really shines for entertaining. It’s also hard to beat the customizability of layout. You can have custom railings, lighting, and other features built right in.

When Is a Patio the Better Option?

Patios work better when you’d prefer ground-level access. This assumes the grade of the yard cooperates, of course. You can have a durable entertaining surface that integrates beautifully with the landscaping. Patios can also easily hold furniture or even a fire feature. Thoughtful hardscape design with pavers or natural stone really pays off here.

When Should You Consider a Screened Porch?

A screened porch is about the experience as much as the structure. It appeals to homeowners who want protection from insects and who welcome shade. It feels more sheltered, but it still feels like the outdoors. It also has the bonus effect of feeling like a natural transition from indoor living space to the backyard.

What About Combining a Deck, Patio and Screened Porch?

Reading the above sections, you might have the impression that this is an either-or choice. That’s not so. A custom backyard can have multiple structures that all work together while serving different purposes. You can go from an indoor space to a screened porch for dining, out to a deck for grilling and entertaining, down to a patio with a fire feature and more seating, and then out to a backyard. It sounds like a lot, but a smart designer can make it all feel coherent. It’ll flow together. And that’s where design matters the most.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Backyard Addition

1. How do you want to use the space?

2. Do you want an elevated or a ground-level area?

3. How much protection from the elements do you want?

4. How much maintenance are you comfortable with?

5. How will the new space connect to your home?

6. How will you use the space across different seasons?

7. Are you planning to add other features later?

8. Would combining multiple structures create a better layout?
    

Deck vs. Patio vs. Screened Porch at a Glance

Keep in mind, these are general characteristics. They’re not to be treated as rigid rules. With individual designs, some things might change.

Not Sure Which Backyard Addition Is Right for Your Urbandale Home?

Choosing between a deck, a patio, and a screened porch is not about picking a product. A good design needs to consider your home and property as well as your lifestyle. That’s the beating heart of our consultation and design process. We figure out what you would like to see, then we design and build around it.

You don’t have to choose between decks, patios, screened porches, or a combination of these spaces on your own. Archadeck of Central Iowa can help. We can check out your property and chat with you about how you want to use the space. Then based on what we see and hear, we can make from scratch a custom design around your goals for your Urbandale home.

It would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation. Call Harold Cross and his team at 515-203-8734, or contact us using our online form.