Summer is the best time of year to relax on your deck or patio. These two structures are staples of backyard barbeques and relaxation but come with a few critical differences regarding installation and management. Here are a few things you need to know when it comes to decks and patios for your mobile home as you consider this project.

Differences Between Decks and Patios

A patio generally consists of concrete or other stone and is installed directly on the surface of the ground. The paved area offers space for furniture like tables and chairs and creates a comfortable place to relax in the backyard without resting in the grass. Many people connect their patio directly to their home for easy access, but a patio can exist separately from the house.

Decks, by contrast, are structures made from wood or other composite materials. Unlike patios, decks are usually built on a foundation system that raises them off the ground. They are typically connected directly to the home itself and commonly accessed by a sliding glass patio door or French doors.

Installation and Maintenance

Since patios are installed directly upon the ground surface and consist of concrete, flagstone—or similar natural stone—or brick, many people find that they are easier to install, more cost-effective, and require less maintenance. The ease of maintenance for concrete patios can be especially significant when making a decision on whether to build a patio or a deck. Common patio maintenance includes regular sweeping, light cleaning with a hose or light pressure washer, and occasionally fixing cracks that occur over time, which is common with concrete slab patios.

Decks on the other hand can be a much more substantial investment when it comes to materials and general upkeep. Cedar decks, while especially beautiful, require sanding, staining, and sealing at regular intervals, either annually or bi-annually. And while they hold up well in certain geographic regions such as the Pacific Northwest, they are less durable in harsher climates like the Southwest where prolonged UV exposure can break down the wood more quickly. The fact that decks sit above ground level can be advantageous from a look and feel standpoint, and they do not require any sort of “step down” to access the inside of the home. Those looking for a deck should definitely consider composite options to reduce the amount of maintenance and upkeep and improve the lifespan of the deck.

Which Is Best for a Mobile Home?

When it comes to mobile homes, something to know about decks and patios is that the inherently raised structure of mobile homes may change which option is ideal for you. Since patios are on the ground, homeowners will need to install stairs, such as mobile home fiberglass steps, leading from the exterior door down to the patio. Keep in mind that if you decide to build a deck, you will need to install skirting around the perimeter of the deck as you would the rest of your home. Our skirting calculator will help you easily determine the amount and type of skirting you need to accomplish this.

As mentioned previously, a raised deck provides mobile home owners more direct access to the interior of the home. As such, they may be more advantageous for homeowners to whom ease of access is a priority.

Regardless of which choice you make, you’re sure to enjoy many great summer afternoons and autumn evenings relaxing in your new outdoor living space!