When planning improvements to your home, you have a few different options when it comes to the exterior. One of the most common decisions homeowners have to make is whether to build a porch or a deck. So how do you choose? Use our comparison below to differentiate the two and find out which will better suit your needs.
PORCH
Advantages and disadvantages of a porch:
PROS
- Many materials to choose from
- Less maintenance than a deck
- Covered and protected from the elements
- Enhances curb appeal
CONS
- Not as child/pet safe as a deck
- Not as functional or multi-use as a deck
- Little to no ROI
- Costly to install
Aspects/Requirements of a Porch
- Purpose: Relaxation, reception area, curb appeal, property surveillance
- Location: Porches are typically located at the front of the home as an addition to the entryway, but they can also be built on the side of the home.
- Flooring: Cement, composite, vinyl, stone
- Installation: The installation process is similar to that of a deck, with one exception: Porches have a roof and are partially enclosed.
- Maintenance: Porches require less maintenance than decks since they are covered. A wood porch should be stained every 4-5 years.
- Durability: A porch will hold up better in the long-term due to less exposure to the elements.
- Insects: If made of lumber, porches are susceptible to wood-boring insects. A screen can be installed to keep some pests out.
- Costs: $16,000-$30,000
- Resale Value: Though a new porch doesn’t often raise the value of your home, it adds curb appeal which can help maintain the home’s current value.
DECK
Advantages and disadvantages of a deck:
PROS
- Multi-use + high functionality
- Significant ROI
- Enhances outdoor living space
- Less expensive to install
CONS
- Higher maintenance than a porch
- No protection from the elements
- Susceptible to outdoor pests
- Waterproofing may be required
Aspects/Requirements of a Deck
- Location: Decks are almost always located at the back of the home.
- Purpose: Recreation, relaxation, entertainment, dining, cooking, sunbathing
- Flooring: Pressure-treated lumber, composite, vinyl
- Installation: A deck is constructed similarly to a porch, except for the fact that it is completely open and has no solid roof or cover.
- Maintenance: Wood decks need to be washed annually and should be stained every 2 years. Fiber cement and modified wood are low-maintenance materials that can be used for deck flooring.
- Durability: Decks are exposed to excessive heat, snow, ice, and rain throughout the year, making them less durable than covered porches.
- Insects: Since decks are often constructed with pressure-treated lumber, they are susceptible to termites, carpenter ants, and bees.
- Costs: $7,000-$23,000
- Resale Value: Composite and wood decks have proven successful in raising the resale value of the home.
Looking to talk with a professional about building a new deck in Anne Arundel County? North American Deck & Patio is here for you! Contact us today to get started.
