Perhaps you know you want a roof over your outdoor living space, but you’re not sure what ought to be underneath it.
If you’re planning an outdoor living space for your Nashville area home, you might be wondering whether a covered patio or covered deck would be better for your needs. Both provide shade and shelter. Both are comfortable spaces, where you’ll be able to spend more time outdoors.
But a covered patio and covered deck are not exactly interchangeable. Variables, like your home, your lot shape and size, and your outdoor living intentions can make one of these designs a much better fit than the other.
What’s the Difference Between a Covered Deck and Covered Patio?
The basic distinction between these two outdoor living spaces is fairly simple. A deck is typically an elevated structure, with a base constructed of wood, and a surface finished with your choice of wood or composite decking.
While a patio can be elevated a bit, most patios are usually built at ground level. Patios are commonly constructed with concrete, patio pavers, or other hardscape materials.
Add a roof to either of these spaces, and you have a sheltered outdoor living space that can accommodate usable features, like ceiling fans, lighting, televisions, and more.
From there, the differences are more about the existing home itself.
A Covered Deck Makes Sense for an Elevated Home
Many Nashville area homes were built on lots with changing elevations. If your lot slopes, a covered deck can create a natural extension of your main living level – without requiring you to walk downstairs any time you want to step outdoors.
The elevation of a covered deck can additionally provide beautiful views across your sloped property.
And like any custom Archadeck outdoor living space, a covered deck can include separate living areas for lounging, dining, and more. You might even consider an outdoor kitchen for your deck.
A Covered Patio Will Keep You Connected to the Backyard
For homes that sit on lots with grade-level access, a covered patio can provide a wonderful connection to the yard itself. Just open the back door and you’re there – on your patio and in your yard at the same time.
Paver patios offer tremendous design flexibility, both in aesthetic and usability. Different patterns, borders, materials, and additions, like seating walls, steps, and integrated lighting and fire features take standard patio designs to the next level.
A covered patio can be a very appealing spot for a full-service outdoor kitchen, dining area, and gathering space. And because you’re already at ground level, the transition from your covered living space into the backyard, garden, pool, or open patio area will feel seamless – because it is!
Considerations: What’s Above and Below the Space?
An elevated deck has one particular advantage over a ground level patio: there’s very often usable space underneath it. For homes with enough elevation, the area below and elevated deck can become a great place for outdoor storage, or even an additional outdoor living space. Imagine a covered deck above and a patio below that creates two distinct levels for entertaining.
If your home sits close-to-grade without a need for an elevated deck, building a patio offers a straightforward way to create an outdoor room that flows naturally into the backyard.
At Archadeck of Nashville, we believe that a great outdoor living design works with the property, not against it.
Does the Entire Patio or Deck Have to Be Covered?
Nope. Archadeck of Nashville very often designs covered outdoor living spaces with an open space connected. This gives homeowners the option to sit beneath protection of the roof or enjoy the open-air space – and it’s all connected for easy movement between the spaces, which is especially useful for entertaining guests.
Outdoor living spaces are ultimately useful when every square foot isn’t designed (or expected) to do the same job. For instance, you can have an open-air outdoor kitchen and covered dining space; or an open area with a fire pit and a TV lounge in the roofed space.
With Archadeck, your options are virtually endless. Our experienced outdoor living designers can guide you through the decision-making process, starting with your project type and preferred materials, and on through every added amenity.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START? Download Our Design Guide
Searching for a Deck and Patio Builder in the Nashville Area?
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The team at Archadeck of Nashville wants to be your first choice for a Nashville deck and patio builder. Get in touch with us today at (615) 640-3628 or contact us online here.
