There is quite a difference when it comes to decks vs. patio pavers or stamped or poured concrete. Lets face it, they all look great initially. However, over time the patio pavers as well as the poured patio will become less desireable because we live in a very tempered climate in the midwest. There are huge fluctuations in temperature due to the fact that we experience all 4 seasons. This makes the top surface of the ground rather unstable and the ground tends to heave in the colder months and can be rather unforgiving with the approach of the spring time as it thaws, making it become muddy and unstable, and making anything that’s built on the ground rather unpredictable as to how it will hold up long term. When you build a deck, whether its a treated deck , cedar deck or a composite deck, the principles of construction are the same. You dig a series of holes below the frost line (the frost line in the midwest is normally any where from 32″-42″ depending on your municipality. Then a concrete pad is poured in the bottom of the holes for the treated post to sit on, which is called a footing. This process ensures the above deck structure will remain the same elevation as it was initially built. Unlike a pad or paver system that is built to float on the unstable ground.
Blog Decks vs. Patio
