The terms deck and patio, common to outdoor living, are often used synonymously. Is a deck the same as a patio?
There are differences between a deck and a patio. It doesn’t matter what you call your outdoor living space, except in certain conversations you might have with deck and patio builders or even insurance companies. The nomenclature in these cases should be specific. That is because your patio and deck builders in Toronto must be clear on the space you wish to build, and there could be differences in insurance rates for a deck or patio. As you can see in the photo of the Toronto area deck and patio below, there are differences in basic form between the two.
What is the difference between a deck and a patio?
What is a deck?
A deck is built on top of a structure made up of footings, support posts, beams, joists, and blocking, which is attached to the home with a ledger board. Decking, fascia boards, skirting, and deck railings are usually all applied to the deck structure to create the final deck design.
Decks are built atop custom structures and are usually attached to the home.
Can a deck be built on a freestanding structure?
According to the insurance industry’s definition of a deck, it is an open structure that is connected to the home. However, there are instances where a deck can be built as a freestanding structure. Depending on your local zoning requirements for setbacks, a deck could be built as a floating structure, to enhance the use and aesthetics of the recesses of your backyard. This could be a low-to-grade deck, which is 23.75 inches or lower from the ground, and does not require a deck railing. Low-to-grade, floating decks provide much the same function patios do – open-air, ground level outdoor living spaces.
Being attached to the home is not a requirement for a deck.
What is a patio?
A patio, unlike a deck, is not built atop a structure. Patios are constructed on the ground. At Archadeck of Toronto, our outdoor patios are constructed with high-quality pavers, which are custom designed to our clients’ shape, size, and usage requirements. Our Toronto patio designs are perfect spaces to stage an outdoor dining area and can be made even more functional with a full-scale outdoor kitchen. While patio floors are not structural in nature, there can be elements of a patio that are. These vertical structures include outdoor kitchens, seating walls, outdoor fireplaces, and patio columns that might serve as light posts or decorative surfaces. Archadeck builds Toronto hardscapes that can incorporate many of these functional elements and more. We design open patios as well as covered patios, which include a roof or a pergola for shade.
Your Toronto hardscape can have many aesthetic and functional design elements.
What is a deck with a roof called?
If a deck is partially or fully covered with a roof or a pergola, it is simply called a covered deck. At Archadeck, covered decks and covered porches can be used interchangeably. Typically, if the structure is built onto the front of a home, it will be referred to as a porch or front porch.
Backyard covered decks are synonymous with covered porches.
Can a patio be built in front of a home?
Paver patio surfaces have many uses and can be installed anywhere around the home. In the photo below, you will see how patio pavers can be installed to create a beautiful and unique private driveway.
This beautiful private driveway was constructed with patio pavers.
Search for patio builders near me in Toronto and choose Archadeck of Toronto East. We build custom decks and patios throughout the area, including:
- Toronto (Leaside, The Beach, East York, Leslieville, The Danforth, Riverdale, Don Mills, Willowdale, Rosedale, Moore Park, Lawrence Park)
- Markham (Agincourt, Newmarket, North York, Unionville, Richmond Hill, Thornhill)
- Scarborough (The Rouge, The Guild)
- And many more!
Archadeck, Toronto patio and deck builders.
Archadeck is a team of local Toronto deck builders and patio installers backed by the strength of an international design-build firm, specializing in outdoor spaces since 1980. If you are ready to discuss your new Toronto hardscape or deck or Toronto hardscape and deck, fill out this form or call (647) 952-2361for a complimentary design consultation.
