If you want to spend more time outside in your yard, enjoying the summer weather and garden, then upgrading to a versatile outdoor space is a requirement! But which outdoor area is right for your home and purposes, especially when the weather isn’t always nice? We’re taking a look at three of the most popular options for these projects: decks, covered patios and three/four-season rooms. Here are the real differences between them, and what you should know to make the right decision for you.

Decks

Decks are generally made of wood or composites and provide a beautiful, natural outdoor area that can easily be built in many different locations based on where your house is located. Decks also excel at creating outdoor areas where you have rough landscapes or slopes that make other projects more difficult.

However, a deck can also be vulnerable. Direct sunlight can quickly wear down a wooden deck or even make it too hot to walk on comfortably, while frequent rain and cold can warp or split boards. This means you have to make very careful decisions about the type of wood you use (composite and vinyl boards are an option for especially harsh climates). Wooden decks also require more frequent maintenance for staining, fixing worn boards, etc. Keep in mind that you can easily cover and shade a deck for a more durable version – many popular decks even include outdoor kitchens and bars!

Covered Patios

A patio uses natural stone, pavers or similar materials to create a very level outdoor space. They can’t be installed in rough areas or slopes like a deck, but they are very beautiful, and a great way to transform a backyard space into a private, luxurious extension of your home. The materials used to create patios are very durable, and make it especially easy to incorporate fireplaces, fountains, and other features.

Keep in mind that patios may need to be sealed from time to time to help protect them. They may also take more labor to properly install. Also note that while decks (and their associated doors) are built up from the ground, patios are built flush with the ground (and usually require steps down from doors).

The materials used to create patios are very durable, and make it especially easy to incorporate fireplaces, fountains, and other features.

Three and Four Season Rooms

What is a three-season or four-season room? These are expanded outdoor spaces that are specifically designed to extend your home into a sunroom-like area that’s very connected to your outdoor space. Both are great options to help alleviate outdoor allergy issues as well as keeping bugs at bay.

A three-season room is designed with simple, affordable walls and plentiful double-pane windows that can easily open to the outdoor air. They are easier on installation and budgets alike, but they also have less insulation, which makes them less suitable when it is really cool or really warm…which is why they are called three-season rooms.

A four-season room is a larger, more complete project that has double or triple-pane windows and more insulation – it’s also more likely to be connected to home heating or cooling, although you’ll need to make sure your HVAC system is ready for that. However, windows and access to the outdoors are still plentiful. It’s just easier to use in cooler or warmer weather.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor living area? Contact us today!

No matter what option fits your needs, you’ll end up with a beautiful space to enjoy the great outdoors. When the time comes for you to start planning your outdoor project, let Quality Craftsmen know! We are the top local choice for custom remodeling and aging in place projects in the East Cobb area. We will be happy to provide advice and services that will make your projects a breeze.