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Original poster

Decking vs Patio

47 replies

StripyHorse · 04/06/2020 23:53

We have quite a small back garden and want to put a patio / decking in the corner of it - probably about 3m x 3m.

We can't decide whether decking or a paved patio would be better. DH is learning towards decking because he thinks the extra height will help get a bit more sun there (our garden is slightly lower than next door's so the fence works out as over 6ft from the ground).

I think a paved patio would be better from a maintenance perspective but I do see where he is coming from, and I do like the look of decking.

We would be finding someone to fit either option as neither of us are great at DIY.

If you have decking or a patio what are your thoughts please? Would you choose the same again and why/why not?

Thank you.

OP posts:
converseandjeans · 05/06/2020 00:25

I would put a patio in as it's likely to last a lot longer. It won't need much maintenance except for getting rid of some weeds occasionally. Decking also gets slippy which can be dangerous.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 05/06/2020 00:28

Decking is slippery if it even drizzles and if you eat on it, the crumbs attract rats.

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 05/06/2020 00:29

Patio. Decking gets slimy in winter, it rots, it won't last as long. Looks great initially, but grubby after a couple of years.

You could always raise the ground level slightly to increase the height of the patio. Potentially the cheaper option as well

I've had both.

nbee84 · 05/06/2020 00:31

More expensive but have a look at composite decking. Some of the quality ones look and feel just like wood and are pretty much maintenance free.

TimeWastingButFun · 05/06/2020 00:31

Decking is high maintenance, it needs regular treatment but parts could need replacing from time to time. We have some around the kids play house and it all needs replacing, 8 years later. But the stone patio has been there 30 years and just as good.

OhioOhioOhio · 05/06/2020 00:33

Omg patio.

queenmother · 05/06/2020 00:33

We have a raised patio. It's lovely and tiled with outdoor/indoor kitchen flooring tiles and I love it! It's about a foot off the ground I'd say.

PickAChew · 05/06/2020 00:34

Decking absolutely needs maintenance, especially in the shade. Though a patio would need to be treated for algae, too. The decking would be a better home for vermin. You won't put your foot through a patio when it rots, though.

PickAChew · 05/06/2020 00:36

We're in the middle of replacing the decking at the back of our house, btw. Yes, the frame was that rotten.

Decking vs Patio
Iamalltheyhavenow · 05/06/2020 00:36

Patio, no question. Decking is far, far too much hard work to keep it looking good. I moved into my house a few years ago, and the best thing I have done is get rid of the decking!

C0RA · 05/06/2020 00:42

Patio. Make sure you are putting it where the sun shines at the time you will want to use it. If your neighbours fence is blocking the sun then it’s probably in the wrong place.

BackforGood · 05/06/2020 00:59

Patio, without question. As explained above.

MrsEricBana · 05/06/2020 01:08

Patio 100%

FredMerc · 05/06/2020 01:20

Patio. We removed so much decking that came with this house. Nasty, slippery, high maintenance!

Itwasntme1 · 05/06/2020 01:53

About to replace my decking. It is soo slippy and parts have rotted away.

Also deeply concerned there are rats underneath there😩.

JuneJuly · 05/06/2020 05:06

@Itwasntme1

About to replace my decking. It is soo slippy and parts have rotted away.

Also deeply concerned there are rats underneath there😩.

Same. Want to replace with patio!

I would go for patio if I were you OP.

footprintsintheslow · 05/06/2020 05:15

Patio 100%

Normalmumandwife · 05/06/2020 06:44

Patio....but make sure it is installed properly. Our old one was rubbish with wobbling flags etc

Make sure they dig down and lay (check depth) 6 inch of hard core which is wackered down solid. Then flags laid on a bed of wet cement. For our pointing he used resin which is expensive but extremely hard and doesn't wear anywhere like sand and cement. When pointing fails and water gets underneath them that's when they fail

Movinghouse2015 · 05/06/2020 06:48

Another one for patio. I have decking (here when moved in). I plan to replace it. As others have said it's really slippy when wet and lots of maintenance.

DeeplyMovingExperience · 05/06/2020 07:47

Patio. Decking is bloody awful.

C0RA · 05/06/2020 08:09

Please also leave a border ( of soil ) between the patio and the fence so you can plant some nice climbers up your fence. Or even some shrubs.

This will look much better than a fence when viewed from your house, will bring wildlife into your garden and will give some weather protection to your fence. Just remember to stain / paint it first if you want to.

Furball · 05/06/2020 08:33

@PickAChew

We're in the middle of replacing the decking at the back of our house, btw. Yes, the frame was that rotten.
This could be my back garden - we have exactly the same outlook at the moment ours too is all rotten underneath and we are replacing with patio
PinkMic · 05/06/2020 08:43

We've got a small composite deck - it was better for drainage in a damp area.
It doesn't need the maintenance of wood: Two years on it looks the same as when new.

CockCarousel · 05/06/2020 08:50

Decking = rats. And it's slippery and dangerous.

AuntImmortelle · 05/06/2020 09:10

Patio wins every time.

Decking = Rat Hotel.