Key Difference – Deck vs Porch vs Patio
Deck, porch, and patio are three terms used to describe exterior domestic spaces. While these architectural structures share similarities, they also differ in terms of architecture. The key difference between them is that a deck is a flat, roofless platform or terrace adjoining a house; a porch is a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a house; and a patio is a paved outdoor area adjoining the house.
What is a Deck?
A deck is a flat, roofless platform or terrace adjoining a house or other building. It can be structurally attached or detached to the house. Decks are usually made of wood, with redwood and cedar being the commonly used timber. Typically not built at ground level, decks are elevated from the ground and are often enclosed by a railing. They can also be covered by a pergola or canopy and can have space for dining, seating, and barbecuing.
What is a Porch?
A porch is a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building. Always attached to the house or main building, a porch is external to the walls of the house but may be enclosed in various types of frames, such as walls or columns extending from the main building. A porch can be covered or open, and in American English, the term veranda is the same as a porch.
What is a Patio?
A patio is a paved outdoor area adjoining a house. Deriving from the Spanish word for an inner courtyard, patios can be attached or detached from the main buildings. Built on the ground, patios do not need railings and are usually located at the back of a house for dining and recreation. They are typically decorated with outdoor furniture and plants, and common materials used for building patios include concrete, stones, tiles, brick, and cobbles.
What is the difference between Deck, Porch, and Patio?
Position:
– Decks can be built at the front or back of the house.
– Porches are at the front of a house.
– Patios are usually built at the back of the house.
Material:
– Decks are typically made of wood.
– Porches can be made of various materials.
– Patios are typically made of stone, concrete, tiles, bricks, or cobbles.
Purpose:
– Decks can be used for dining and recreation.
– Porches are used for recreation.
– Patios can be used for dining and recreation.
Attached:
– Decks can be attached or detached to the house.
– Porches are attached to the house.
– Patios can be attached or detached to the house.
Roof:
– Decks typically don’t have a roof.
– Porches have a roof.
– Patios typically don’t have a roof.
Level:
– Decks are elevated from the ground.
– Porches are on the same level as the main house.
– Patios are built on the ground.
