Decks vs. Patios: Which Is More Popular?

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, March 07, 2016 

 

Patios are winning. In 2014, a majority of all new homes – 56 percent – were constructed with a patio. On the other hand, 23 percent of the new homes had a deck, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction.

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While patios or decks both let you enjoy the outdoors, the differences matter. Patios are like courtyards and can be attached to or separate from a house. They can take any shape and can be built using any type of material. They’re always at ground level so they do not require railings, as decks do. Decks, typically made of wood or composite wood material, are not usually built at ground level so they can be used to enjoy a great view.
While patios are more popular nationwide, geographic preferences come into play when it comes to patio and decks. Patios aren’t the most popular everywhere. For example, patios are less common than decks in the Middle Atlantic, New England, and East South Central regions. But they reign in the West South Central, Mountain, and Pacific divisions.
The map below from the National Association of Home Builders indicates regional preferences for decks and patios.


Source: “Patios: A Popular Feature in New Homes Started in 2014,” National Association of Home Builders’ Eye on Housing Blog (March 3, 2016)