Definition of Patio Vs. Deck
Many houses boast patios or decks or both. While some people use the words interchangeably, there are significant differences between the two areas commonly used for informal lounging.
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Patio Definition
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A patio area
Garden Patio 1 image by Bucks from Fotolia.com
A patio is defined as an area, often paved, adjoining a house and used for lounging. The word comes from a Latin word meaning meadow.
Deck Definition
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A deck for lounging
deck image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
A deck is defined as an open, uncovered porch extending from a building. The word, interestingly enough, comes from a Middle English word meaning to cover.
Materials
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Brick patios are common
Brick wall with a unique blue brick image by Pete Linforth from Fotolia.com
Patios are most often made from brick, stone, tile or concrete. Decks, on the other hand, are most often composed of wood or synthetic wood substitute.
Levels
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A deck is often higher than the surroundings
deck with a view image by Bruce Shippee from Fotolia.com
Patios usually extend from the ground floor of a building, while decks are most often elevated, sometimes extending from the second floor or higher.
Similarities
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Many grill on the deck or patio
grill image by Dron from Fotolia.com
While there are differences in materials and height, decks and patios have a lot in common. They are both used for lounging in warm weather, for dining and often grilling.
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References
- Photo Credit patio image by cherie from Fotolia.com Garden Patio 1 image by Bucks from Fotolia.com deck image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com Brick wall with a unique blue brick image by Pete Linforth from Fotolia.com deck with a view image by Bruce Shippee from Fotolia.com grill image by Dron from Fotolia.com
