
Decking, decking, decking – read all about it! Even though decking has been around for years, people seem to think it is a new novelty. Many people will tell you that they want it because it looks nice, but they can’t afford it or it’s too complicated, well decking has never been easier or cheaper. But then patios, muddy the water. Which out of deck vs patio is the best to choose, read on to learn more!
Editor’s Note [14.01.25]:
Our original article “10 of the Best Decking Ideas – Deck vs Patio, Which is Best?” was originally published on January 18, 2017. Minor revisions have been made to the existing article. We have added a few new sections though including the deck versus patio debate, a functionality comparison – choosing a deck vs patio, and 10 of the best decking ideas.


The age-old deck versus patio debate
The decking vs patio debate has been going on for years, each side has its pros and cons. When it comes to creating an impressive outdoor setting, homeowners are often stuck, deciding between the two:
- Decking - is sleek and modern; it is the go-to for those who want a contemporary outdoor space. It is perfect for uneven ground as you can build over the terrain and have a level surface.
- Patios - on the other hand, patios are rustic and charming, often using natural materials like stone or brick. Patios blend in with the natural landscape and give an earthy feel. They are perfect for flat garden areas and can support heavy features like outdoor kitchens and hot tubs without structural issues.
It is up to you. Decks or patios both have their advantages. Understand these criteria and you will make the right choice for your decking vs patio requirements.




So why decking and not patios?
Firstly, the maintenance of decking is a lot easier. Well… there is no maintenance, with patios you have to give them a yearly pressure wash which can be expensive and time-consuming. Compare this with pressure treated decking, one coat of preservative and you’re done! Because pressure treatment goes right into the grain of the wood, the wood is less likely to rot, and it can be guaranteed for 15 years.
Functionality comparison – choosing a deck vs patio
To help you decide between a deck vs patio, we provide a list of twenty features below to help with your decision-making.
Feature |
Decking |
Patio |
Aesthetic appeal |
Decks offer a range of attractive finishes for an outdoor living space |
Stone patio options provide a more natural and grounded look |
Al fresco dining |
Decking creates an elevated spot for outdoor dining experiences |
Patios offer a level ground space, which is ideal for outdoor dining |
Planning permission |
Most decks need planning permission based on height |
Usually planning permission-free, unless over a certain height |
Composite decking |
Composite decking gives a low-maintenance and durable finish |
Not applicable to patios |
Concrete paving |
Not used for decks, but supports deck joists on uneven ground level |
A concrete paving option can be highly durable |
Cost efficiency |
Decking materials vary, but are often a higher cost than a stone patio |
Patios tend to be lower in initial costs |
Extreme temperatures |
Deck boards may get hot underfoot during the summer |
Stone patios are cooler and absorb heat more slowly |
Fire pit |
Decks require extra safety for adding fire pits |
Patios allow fire pits directly on stone without structural risk |
Garden styles |
Best suited for traditional wooden decking or composite styles |
Complements natural stone designs for a rustic look |
Level surface |
Decks offer a solution for building on uneven ground |
Patios are best for naturally flat surfaces |
Long lifespan |
When properly treated, decking can last for many years |
Stone patios have an even longer lifespan than wood decks |
Maintenance free |
Composite decking boards provide a low-maintenance option |
Patios require less maintenance but may need repointing |
Minimal upkeep |
Requires occasional cleaning or staining, especially wooden decks |
Stone patios need minimal cleaning for basic upkeep |
Outdoor kitchen |
Decks are suited to outdoor kitchen setups with suitable covering |
Patios work well with outdoor kitchens and barbeques |
Patio material |
Not applicable to decking setups |
Options range from concrete to porcelain tiles and stones |
Personal preference |
Decks are popular for creating elevated spaces |
Patios provide more grounded outdoor space options |
Property value |
Decks boost property value, especially custom hardwood decks |
Stone patios add appeal and value to a property |
Raised decks |
Allows raised living areas, and is ideal for sloped gardens |
Patios are often more stable at ground level |
Regular maintenance |
Wood decks need regular maintenance to avoid decay |
Stone patios need less maintenance and are often extremely low maintenance |
Weight restrictions |
Structural joists must support decking materials safely |
Patios can support heavier loads without structural concerns |
Top 10 best decking ideas
If you are looking to transform your garden views, the right decking can make all the difference. Whether for al fresco dining or a cosy retreat, here are ten best decking ideas to suit various garden styles and needs:
1) Al fresco dining area


Connect with nature when you introduce an outdoor kitchen. Pair it with the durability of decking materials and you have an al fresco dining area, which will last for years.
2) Composite decking
If you buy composite decking boards, you will enjoy their low maintenance requirements. They provide both a sleek as well as practical outdoor floor and are a go-to option for long-term durability.
3) Decking with built-in seating
Buy 2-in-1 functionality with decking that has inbuilt seating. Save space as well as add functionality through built-in benches. This avoids the need to buy both decking and extra furniture making it ideal for both smaller and urban gardens.
4) Fire pit decking


Buy a fire pit to add warmth, atmosphere, and ambience to your decking area. Fire pits “come into their own” in the winter months! Preferably choose hardwood decking or composite decking, which are renowned for their ability to contend with heat well.
5) Garden terrace style


When you choose a raised terrace deck you are opting for a distinctive look and feel in your garden. The elevated levels of decks also add layering and dimension to your garden.
6) Hot tub decking
Why not add a hot tub to your garden decking area? This adds an element of both luxury and functionality. ALWAYS buy pressure treated or dip treated decking materials, which will stand the test of time and bear the extra weight and moisture associated with a hot tub.
7) Natural wood aesthetics
Blending in well with a timeless and traditional aesthetic, natural wooden decks or traditional wooden decking brings warmth and charm. Hardwood is preferred, but if cost is important, softwood decking options are available at more budget-friendly pricing.
8) Patio and deck blend
We know much of this article focuses on patio vs deck, but you can consider blending decks or patios with a natural stone patio for a unique look. This approach lets you enjoy the best of both worlds, rather than contrasting deck versus patio, you can also add texture and variety.
9) Pergola-covered decking
One of the more unique of our best decking ideas is to install a pergola on your deck. This brings an idyllic shade cover, but also an elegant touch, which visitors will love, and your neighbours will envy. Choose a pergola-covered deck to relax in comfort without direct sun exposure but also add an architectural WOW factor.
10) Sustainable decking
Sustainable and eco-friendly values are increasingly important, and this is possible with decking. Choose sustainable decking materials as an eco-friendly option. Decking is long-lasting, requires minimal upkeep, and can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle. Read about the environmental credentials of our decking in the next section.
Buying decking kits from Buy Fencing Direct
The price of decking has come down over recent years as more and more people see it as a viable option for their garden. What used to cost the average customer almost £1000, now only costs a few hundred, so decking is now within reach of the average consumer. The deck boards are a very cost-effective method of constructing your own decking, from just £3.50 per metre you can get the deck of your dreams for a very reasonable price!
Furthermore, all the wood is PEFC-certified, so is only sourced from carefully managed forests, with the added aim of providing social and economic benefits to the local communities who care for them.
Decking has never been easier. If you’re someone who is scared of the technicalities of putting up a deck then don’t worry, Deck Kits are the answer! With Deck Kits, you don’t need to worry about any measuring or cutting, simply select the size that will suit your garden. Deck Kits start at £349.99 (with the Forest Garden 8’x8’ Patio Deck Kit #1) and come with everything you need to construct a deck, some of them even feature pergolas and handrails.
Conclusion - decks or patios
It has been proven that your garden can also be a much more harmonic place to live and relax in, instead of laying ugly, cold and hard patios, why not lay down some soft and beautiful decking? So, whether you want to build a balcony from your patio doors or create a platform on which you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine or beer, you can’t go wrong with decking.
Contact us
Why not contact Buy Fencing Direct to discuss deck vs patio topics? We have a range of great decking products, and we believe that we have the right decking material options to ensure a longer life span. Speak to our team about the best wooden and composite decking products as well as related topics such as how to prevent patio cracking, how much maintenance is needed and how to ensure a low slip surface.
Speak to our team by using these contact methods:
- Phone - call us at 0333 003 0515
- e-Mails - complete our contact form to send emails, which is embedded in our Contact Us page
- Live Chat - message us in real-time by clicking the orange icon (Live Chat - Ask a Question) at the bottom left corner of any page