How to get the most out of your Central S.C. backyard with a deck or patio addition, or maybe both

This Central SC custom deck features a pergola and built-in seating for the ultimate outdoor room.

The outdoor living season is in full swing. With this in mind, you may be considering the addition of an outdoor living space that will increase the enjoyment of the time you are now spending outdoors. Archadeck of Central SC specializes in delivering backyard bliss with the many high-quality outdoor living structures we build. At the top of this list of outdoor spaces are decks, and running a close second is the patio. Decks and patios are a staple of backyard enjoyment but when left with the choice of which space works best for your needs there are many considerations.

Beautiful low maintenance composite deck in Lexington, SC

Deck and patio considerations

The first thing to consider is the grade of the area where your anticipated deck or patio is to go. Both decks and patios will work well in low areas, but in higher grade areas a patio may not be the best choice. There are high decks and low decks, but rarely is there ever a high patio. Sure, a high patio is possible, but the amendments needed to facilitate a high fill area to position the patio would be rather costly. A deck works with all elevations.

This composite deck in Lexington offers plenty of room for dining and entertaining.

The next consideration in choosing a deck or patio is deciding the function you want to utilize within your outdoor space. Decks are among the most all-American of all the outdoor structures and are the most common as well. The concept of the “backyard deck” spans many decades and many homeowners feel a deck is a base used to build upon when adding additional outdoor structures. A deck can be used for grilling out, entertaining, or just relaxing on a beautiful South Carolina afternoon. The materials that go into building a deck, whether they are wood or low- maintenance synthetic, sit on an elevated floor. Decks, just like homes, also contain a supporting structure underneath, even in low to grade situations. Deck addition can become part of your home by serving as an extended living room. By adding a pergola to your deck, for example, you can create the atmosphere of a room where the pergola would serve as the ceiling and your deck railing would serve as the walls. Outdoor furnishings, or even built-in amenities, will complete the “outdoor room” feel of your deck and serve the chosen function you wish to enjoy within your deck space.

This Central SC lakefront patio is placed to enjoy inspiring waterfront views.

Patios are in essence an extension of the landscape. Patio construction is composed of either natural stone, concrete, or manmade hardscape materials that are built upon a base of crushed stone or sand. Patios do not need a supportive structure underneath and patios are rarely ever attached to the home itself. Building a patio just off the back of your home with a low grade will deliver the feel of stepping from the home onto the patio but, the patio is actually part of the landscape. Often patios are designed at the grade level of your yard and rarely require a step down for access. Patios can be used for many of the same things as decks including outdoor living, dining, and entertaining. Patios also add a rustic appeal to the backyard setting. If the dimensions of your lot are low then a patio may be the best choice for your backyard, and you can emulate the same feel of an “outdoor room” in a patio addition through the use of seating or retaining walls.

This deck in Irmo, SC overlooks a serene hardscape patio with an outdoor fireplace.

Why not have your cake and eat it too?

If you are still on the fence about whether a deck or patio best suits your needs and caters to your individual style, why not have both? Outdoor living combinations are very popular. A combination outdoor living space can be composed of a deck and patio combination, deck and porch combination, and every other outdoor living space combination you can imagine. There are many benefits to having a dual outdoor living area which includes more room for entertaining and outdoor recreation. This is especially the case where large families gather or for homeowners who entertain frequently. Decks and patios work together beautifully – the combination of rustic stone in unison with wood or low-maintenance decking that mimics the look of wood marry together perfectly. Nothing is more beautiful than a deck that gently descends down into a hardscape patio, and this combination is sure to become the focal point of your landscape as well as your favorite room(s) in the house!

Notice how the spacious composite deck descends into the patio below…

If you are ready to add function and beauty to your backyard this season, contact Archadeck of Central SC. Our elegant outdoor living designs are sure to please even the most discriminating taste. Contact us today for a free design consultation and let us show you a glimpse of all your backyard can be (803) 784-1566 centralsc@archadeck.net

Mike Reu owner Archadeck of Central SC

You can see more inspiring images of decks and patios by visiting our deck photo gallery and our patio and hardscape photo gallery located on our website.