Are you facing a struggle while choosing between an interlocking patio or a wood deck? When it’s about giving a sleek upgrade to your home, it’s easy to get confused as there is so much misleading information.
Don’t worry! Whether it’s an elevated outdoor deck or an elegant interlock patio design, here you will get a detailed comparison between the two, so you don’t regret your decision!
Decks are primarily elevated structures that provide a better view, give maximum ROI, and are easy to build anywhere. Conversely, Interlock patios allow a great deal of privacy, are easier to maintain and are much cheaper.
So what’s the wait? Let’s start with comparing decks and interlocks for your patio designs. Stay tuned to get an attractive, innovative idea for your perfect home renovation by the end of this piece.
Now YOU get to be the one who makes people envious for not having such an incredible look at their houses.
How To Choose Between A Deck And An Interlock Patio?
Decisions involving construction that can bring a considerable transition to your home are pretty permanent.
If you fail to make the right choice, you will end up feeling bad about it, with nothing else to do that would fix it.
Homeowners are always looking for ways to bring some new, exciting change to their homes. It is understandable as living in a place for years; you are bound to get bored with the existing conditions.
Before discussing which choice would suit you more, let’s get over the details of what a deck and an interlock patio would look like after installation.
What Are Decks?
Decks are flat, elevated wooden platforms typically built at the rear of the house.
They can also be located at the front of your home, acting like a front porch, and may work as a patio.
What Does It Mean By Interlock Patios?
Interlock patios are made of interlock bricks which include natural or precast bricks. These blocks hold together without using mortar, as they have indentations and holes to connect appropriately.
Also Read: Deck Blocks vs. Post Holes: Which One To Use And Where?
Unlike conventional clay bricks, interlock bricks can lock together easily and save time and money in construction.
The bricks come in three types:
- Brick
- Stone
- Concrete
Now that you know the differences that set both apart, it’s time to shed light on the actual query.
Comparison Between Decks And Interlock Patios
To get a clear idea of which works the best for you, going over the benefits and shortcomings of decks and interlock patios will be helpful.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Decks
Since decks are elevated platforms, they offer fantastic views.
Whether it’s the sunsets you want to enjoy or based on where you live, they can provide incredible vistas to the water or lush greens of nature around you!
If the land around you is uneven, it will be logical to use decks.
Not only this, natural wood decks are simply beautiful. They come with an elegant look bound to capture people’s attention.
Also Read: Best Wood For Decking:
Those people might include potential buyers!
Yes, decks are a huge plus point if you plan on selling your place sometime in the distant future.
If you live in an area with a warmer climate and where people love staying outside, nothing can replace a deck. After all, who wouldn’t want to sit out, soaking up the sun? With a wooden deck installed, you don’t just get a cozy place to relax but also leave everyone in awe and wonder. Best bet!
Also, if selling is on your checklist, consider getting a deck. Install one professionally and see how the property price skyrockets. Even a DIY project done right, which costs less, can end up bumping more than a few bucks on the price!
Where there are many benefits of getting a deck, there are a lot of problems too:
- Expensive – Wood has become a costly material over the recent years, increasing the overall cost of getting a deck patio.
- Not that Long-lasting – Natural wood decks are not as durable as stones and bricks, requiring timely maintenance and upkeep.
- Harder To Maintain – Decks need restains and power washes once a year to regain their old shine and charm.
Also Read: Should You Power Wash A Deck?
- Cannot Support Much Weight – Compared to structures on the ground, elevated and raised platforms like decks have an upper limit on how much weight they can support.
- Require Permits – You need permits and have to go through inspections before you can start building your deck.
- Lack Of Privacy – The elevated structure causes you to be more exposed, limiting your private activities.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Interlock Patios
The best feature of an interlock patio, apart from its beautiful patterned themes and styles, is the privacy you get from it.
Since they are ground level, you don’t need to worry about a random stranger snooping on you while you go out to relax in the sun to read your book or enjoy the fresh air.
Unlike decks, you can spend some hours here in your most shabby appearance, and no one will ever find out!
Interlock patios do not require any permits. You do not need to pay for inspections or approvals as they are built directly on the ground and do not affect the exterior structure of your home. It makes the entire process of building a patio much simpler.
Interlock patios require less costly raw materials for construction. They also save your money when it comes to the labor needed for building them.
Maintenance is effortless with a patio as all you need to do is wash it once in a while; the stones do not mess up or get dirty for a long time.
Also Read: What To Put Under Deck To Prevent Weeds? 6 Different Options
As the interlock patios are built on the ground, they can handle any amount of weight. They also provide longevity as they are very durable and sturdy.
If you get a sudden urge in the future to get a pool on your patio, the interlock will be your optimum choice. Also, you won’t have to go through the hassle of uprooting your whole deck system.
However, you will have to face many difficulties with interlock patios as well:
- Restricted view – You might be stuck looking at the walls around you forever, contrary to what the deck offers.
- Need flat surface – It is impossible to construct an interlock patio on uneven ground. Thus, you might not be able to install one anywhere you desire, as the decision basis directly on what type of land you own.
- Can get cracks or weeds – The stones or bricks can have an outgrowth of weeds, which can be troublesome to get out. They are also prone to cracking.
- Stone or brick gets hot in summers – Ever gone out barefoot on the outside patio in the sweltering heat? Yep, exactly that. The stones get extremely hot during summers!
- Lesser ROI – If you want to sell your home in the future, an interlock patio will fail to provide you with maximum return on investment.
Also Read: Kreg Deck Jig V/s Camo? Which One To Use and Where?
Conclusion
Even though both structures add beauty to your overall home exterior, there are some things you should consider before going with either decks or interlocks.
If you want a cheaper option that is easier to manage and more long-lasting, you should go with an interlock patio.
But if you want to go for the perfect glam makeover, elevating your look literally and figuratively, then go with a nice wooden deck. It will give you the maximum ROI and the ultimate wow factor for your home.