“What’s better, a deck or a paver patio?”

It’s a question we get from many prospective clients.

You’d be hard-pressed not to favor a deck, especially when folks see how cedar and redwood decks lend rich beauty, design, and value to an underutilized, boring backyard. Plus, once we take the time to describe how DeckTec expertly blends the natural wood beauty of our decks with your home and landscaping, you’ll see that you can never go wrong with a deck in Colorado.

However, some are surprised to learn that we have an exceptional team of specialists dedicated to offering DeckTec clients the distinctive beauty of a paver patio. In fact, DeckTec has done more deck-paver combinations than any other company in Colorado. Paver patios are fantastic for ground-level outdoor living areas. They can offer all of the features that a DeckTec deck could – with fewer complexities associated with permits and building off the ground.

“Lots of people come to us thinking about building a deck,” says Vince Stover, DeckTec’s Deck and Hardscape Specialist. “When, more often than not, if the project is close to the ground, I say, ‘let’s think patio.’”

It can be tough to switch, but Stover explains that there are a lot of advantages to choosing a paver patio that many homeowners may prefer. First, the cost comparison between a deck and patio can be significant. Sometimes, a paver patio is 40 percent less than a comparable-sized deck. That’s because pavers are categorized as landscaping installations requiring no permit, which translates to faster scheduling. Not to mention, with more cost-effective material pricing and quicker installations, the price is lower.

Another advantage to adding a paver patio is a genuine lack of annual upkeep. Maintenance can be a nagging factor for clients who want their outdoor living to look great and be available 365 days a year.

What are Paver Patio Stones?

Once pavers become an option, many may ask what exactly they are. For example, how do pavers differ from concrete or even the other hardscape materials that homeowners can purchase at the large box stores? Stover quickly points out the differences and why DeckTec only uses commercial-grade concrete pavers.

“Traditional concrete is a monolithic surface, poured in place.” Explains Stover, “pavers are particularly suited to Colorado’s expansive soil because they are a modular (individual) product which performs very well over expansive soil.”

Colorado’s soil is high in clay. It heaves and contracts with temperature swings, playing havoc on everything from walkways to foundations.

“Anyone who has a concrete driveway knows about cracking. Pavers move with the soil. So, any shifting is easily remedied. In many cases, releveling, if needed, can be done in a day.”

Not so with concrete. A shift in the soil can easily become a catastrophic loss if fixed correctly with new concrete. Just because pavers are designed to move doesn’t mean they’re wimpy. DeckTec only uses concrete pavers – no flagstone. By setting foundation block, roadbase, and compaction – compaction – COMPACTION, DeckTec ensures that our patios always have a firm perimeter and structural integrity.

Stover favors brands like Belgard, Borgert, Basalite, and Keystone/ Pavestone, any commercial grade pavers that aren’t likely to be available at Lowes or Home Depot, but says we can source anything locally.

What makes paver patios an excellent fit for our clients?

Clients with 18 inches or less ground-level projects are perfect candidates for paver patios. These outdoor living environments are ground-up installations, so you’ll never worry about rabbits or other burrowing animals under your feet.

Whether helping you create a paver driveway or patio, we always develop a firm perimeter. The perimeter establishes the shape and allows for the outside blocks to be securely glued in for structural stability. Since permitting is not involved with pavers, the lead time can be up to 25 percent faster than decking.

We’re all for healthy debate, but the truth in the matter is that what’s best for you is what’s best PERIOD. And we’re here to help you figure out what that is – even if what’s best is BOTH!

You can have too much of anything. This statement is true for birthday cake, hazy IPAs – even decking.
(GASP! Don’t quote me on this! I’ll never admit it in public!)

Ultimately for the greatest outdoor living appeal, you want balance. The wood and the stone are the perfect compliments to each other.

Think about it. Wood provides warmth, whereas stone offers a sort of coolness. Decks add a different dimension to the space with elevation. Patios provide an entertaining area that seamlessly transitions to the yard’s turf. Where decks expand the living area, patios expand the usable space outside. They’re very complimentary when artfully designed.

Combining a deck and paver patio is an attractive and cost-effective way of expanding your outdoor living environment. Suddenly, your backyard makeover is more than a deck or patio; it’s a multi-dimensional, multi-use environment, perfect for cocktails on the deck at sunset and pizza on the patio under the stars. The combination is far more valuable because you had the choice between a deck OR patio. But you said, “NOPE, we want a deck AND patio.”

Good choice. Or lack thereof?

If a deck and patio combination right for you, call us to find out how you can have the best of both worlds in outdoor living.