Kid-Friendly Outdoor Spaces: Building Play Areas and Safety Considerations

If you're looking to expand your living space and boost your home's value, adding a deck or porch can be your best bet. But before you decide, it's important to understand the differences between the three. While all three enhance outdoor living, each offers unique features, costs, and functions.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about porch vs patio vs deck to help you choose the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

What is a Deck?

At SelectDecks, this question is even hard for us to define.

A deck is no longer just a simple outdoor platform. Over the years, decks have evolved into fully functional outdoor living spaces—extensions of your home that can be customized to fit your lifestyle. From multi-level layouts to specialized zones for relaxing, dining, or entertaining, decks can include features like:

As the owner, you can design your deck to fit your lifestyle, wants and needs. Featuring railings, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, outdoor bars, and more, custom decks have transformed into something that can be hard to define. One thing that’s for certain though, is that they’ll transform the appearance of your backyard and make the backyard your favorite room of the house.

Checkout the Multi-level Deck Built by SelectDecks' Deck Builders in Morgantown

What is a Patio?

A patio is a paved outdoor area that typically sits at ground level and adjoins the house. They can be made from pavers or stamped concrete.

• Paver patios are made of stones that are placed very close together to form a concrete surface.
• Stamped concrete patios are made when concrete is poured, allowed to nearly dry, and then stamped with templates that leave a stone pattern behind.

Patios can be used for recreation, hosting, dining and can often serve as a transition to the outdoors from the home, or connect to something else outside, like a deck.

As leading patio contractors in Pittsburgh, SelectDecks often work on patios as part of a larger project. These patios can connect to a larger deck, or serve as an extension of them. 

What is a Porch?

Porches are usually enclosed areas with some form of walls surrounding them.  These structures are also usually covered with a roof, and enclosed in some way with walls of some sort.

They can be three season rooms or four season rooms, depending on the type of walls the porch has. These walls can be built like the traditional “screened-in porch”, or they can be built up and fully loaded like the walls in your home. Outlets, heating/cooling, and lighting can all be a part of a porch’s design.    

Read Also: Top Brands and Materials for your Deck or Porch

Porch vs Patio vs Deck: Key Differences

Porches, patios and decks all have their own unique features, and with these features, have sets of differences between them.

Deck vs Patio vs Porch: Cost Comparison

Cost is something that everyone is considering. When it comes to a porch, deck, or patio, this often leaps to mind. The cost can vary based on many factors, but a couple rules of thumb can serve as a guide. A porch will be the most expensive of the three. Because of how they’re built, they use the most material. Deck prices depend on your design and needs. Choosing deck boards based on their benefits, quality, and the amount your project needs all take an effect on price. When considering one of these three, your deck builder or contractor should be able to give you a pretty close estimate to where the actual cost of the project will lie. 

Deck vs Patio vs Porch: Home Value Impact

When it comes to boosting home value, all three outdoor spaces—a deck, patio, and porch—offer solid returns.

But, the value may not come from where you think. All three of these options can provide immense value for you and your family. They can provide a place for your family to gather, a place to host your friends, and everything in between.

However, decks tend to deliver the highest return on investment (ROI) according to national data.

As per TimberTech survey:

• Wood decks provided an average ROI of 75.6%
• Composite decks followed closely with 69.1%
• Backyard patios offered around 55.2%

Which One Is Right for Your Home?

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Deciding on whether a deck, patio, or porch comes down to your lifestyle and what you’re going to be using your new outdoor living space for.

If you love to have lavish parties and be an extraordinary host, perhaps a multi level deck with an outdoor kitchen is exactly what you need to bring your hosting to the next level.

If you prefer intimate gatherings with friends, maybe a paved patio with outdoor lighting and heating could be perfect. What’s right for your home depends entirely on your lifestyle, taste and needs.

Final Thoughts

A porch, deck, or patio can transform your home and turn your backyard into an incredible outdoor living space. While each one has its differences, they all add value to your home and can be a quality of life improvement. 

Let’s Build the Right Outdoor Space for Your Home

Whether you need a porch, deck, or patio, SelectDecks is the right call for your home. Visit our website to download our free pricing and project guide!

Contact us today to get started with transforming your backyard.

When it comes to building the perfect outdoor living space, the material you choose makes all the difference. From pressure-treated lumber to PVC, there’s no shortage of options—but at SelectDecks, we believe composite decking is the clear winner. It offers the ideal blend of durability, low maintenance, and modern style.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what composite decking is, why we choose it for our projects, and what you should know before starting your next deck build.

What Is Composite Decking? 

It’s important to have an understanding of what composite decking is before it’s discussed any further. Composite decking is what the name sounds like - it’s a composite deck board made of multiple materials. Composite deck boards are typically made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic, and sealed off with a plastic cap overtop. Composite boards have many benefits over pressure-treated decks or PVC decks. This includes stability (very little expansion or contraction), and increased traction.

At SelectDecks, one of the types of composite deck boards we like to use are Deckorators Surestone boards. Surestone has another benefit, with it being cool to the touch. This is because Surestone boards are made of crushed limestone. If you’ve had or been on a deck near a pool in the summer, you’ll know how beneficial deck boards being cool to the touch are.

Why We Choose Only Composite Decking 

As the leading custom deck builders in Pittsburgh and Morgantown, at SelectDecks we choose only composite decking because of its quality, durability and the benefits it offers that include:

1. Long Lifespan -These days, composite deck board manufacturers offer lengthy product warranties in excess of 25 years. This means your deck will look and feel as good on year ten as it did on day one.‍
2. Low Maintenance - Unlike wood, composite decking doesn't need sanding, staining, or sealing. A quick wash with soap and water is usually all it takes to keep your deck looking great.
3. Fade & Stain Resistance - Thanks to its protective cap, composite boards resist fading from sun exposure and staining from spills—making it a great choice for families and entertainers alike.‍
4. Eco-Friendly Materials - Many composite deck boards are made from recycled wood and plastics, reducing environmental impact while still delivering superior strength and style.‍
5. Increased Safety - Composite boards typically offer greater slip resistance and don’t splinter, making them safer for bare feet, children, and pets.‍
6. Wide Range of Colors and Finishes - Composite decking comes in myriad colors, has increased traction, lasts for decades and has a luxurious look and feel that you deserve‍
7. Clean, Hidden Fastening Systems - Composite decking allows for hidden fasteners that leave no visible screws or nails, giving your deck a clean, polished finish. At SelectDecks, we use no-show fastening systems for a luxury look.

Note: At SelectDecks, we also offer a 3-year warranty on any deck construction. If a deck board pops up, give us a call. If a piece of trim looks off, give us a call. We’re here to ensure quality and stand by our work.

How much Does Composite Decking Cost?

The cost of your new composite deck will come down to a few different factors. Many deck board companies make "good, better, best deck" boards. What you choose for your deck will have a significant impact on the price of your outdoor project. Also, it will come down to the type of deck boards you choose. Another factor to consider is the size of your project. For example, a multi level wraparound deck will cost much more than a deck with a single zone. It comes down to the amount of material needed for the project. When considering a deck, your deck builder or contractor should be able to give you a good idea of what your project will cost depending on what kind of deck boards you decide to build with.

The cost of decks at SelectDecks start from $30,000 and can reach well over 6 digits depending on your requirements. However, contact us to get the exact and transparent quote.

Read Also: Top Brands and Materials for your Deck and Porch

Your Long-Lasting Deck Starts with SelectDecks

Ready to make the move to composite decking? Contact our team of best deck builders in Pittsburgh to setup a consultation. You can also checkout our free pricing and project guide! We’re ready to help you transform your outdoor living area.

Common Questions Asked about Composite Decking

1. How long do composite decks last?

It’s agreed upon that composite deck boards will last 25-30 years without maintenance.

2. Are composite decking materials eco-friendly?

Composite deck boards can be considered eco-friendly, especially if the composite is being made of recycled wood and plastic. These would be far more eco-friendly than something made of new wood or plastic.

3. Can you paint a composite deck?

Painting a composite deck board is not recommended, nor is it advised. Deck boards expand and contract with heat and cold. Paint will also not stick to the cap on the deck boards. However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t room for customizing your deck. Deck boards come in so many different colors, you won’t even need to consider painting it. There’s a deck board for every style and aesthetic.

Read Also: Questions you should be asking your Pittsburgh Deck Builder

4. How to install composite decking?  

Composite deck boards are installed onto your deck through a system of clips and screws, or screwed into a substructure with a product like Cortex screws. A clip system holds onto your deck boards from the side, and is invisible from the top down. Each system is designed to affix your deck boards together in a clean way. At SelectDecks, we use no-show fastening for all of our materials. This means you won’t see a single screw head, fastener, or nail on your deck. This keeps the appearance of the deck clean and luxurious. 

When you make the decision to build a deck onto your home, you’re putting a lot of trust into the deck builder you select. Because of this, it’s important you get a sense of who you’re hiring. Are they trustworthy? Will they supply quality work? Will they work with you to transform your outdoor living space? All these questions are important, and we’ve put together a list of essential questions for you to ask your prospective deck builder.

Questions to Ask Your Deck Builder in Pittsburgh

1. Is your builder properly licensed and insured?

You don’t want any legal surprises when your deck is being built. Your deck builder is responsible for the safety of your deck, and the safety of their crew. A good question to ask them is what kind of insurance and coverage they’re working with, and what kind of measures are in place to keep everyone safe and insured. Things like general liability insurance and workers compensation are two to watch out for. Getting a new deck built onto your home should be an exciting experience, not a legal minefield.

2. What’s the deck building process like?

Your deck builder should give you a complete rundown of their process. Typically, the deck building process follows a rigid process.  For example, taking care of all permits and inspections, which is something we do on all of our projects.

Make sure there’s a good fit for both you and the deck builder. Discuss location, budget and scope  with them. Then the deck builder will do a site visit to get pictures and measurements, and discuss the project. The builder will then create a design proposal and budget. After that, they start the permitting process. Then, the deck is built, and inspections are performed. After a walkthrough, the project is complete.

Read Also: How to utilize the space beneath your Deck?

3. How much does it cost to build a deck in Pittsburgh?

Building materials/labor prices are pretty stable. When compared to other areas of the country, your project is not going to cost dramatically more or less than other areas of the country. The cost of your deck depends on what kind of deck you’re looking to build. Are you the entertainer who needs a lot of square footage? Is it just husband, wife, and 2.5 kids looking for a place to have dinner? How important are premium products to you? This will all have a heavy influence on the price of your deck. However, a professional deck builder should be able to give you an estimate for what your deck will cost. We do projects ranging from $30,000 to well into the six figure range, so you can see that outdoor living and deck projects have a broad range of price points.

4. Which is the best time of year to build a deck in Pittsburgh?

In the Pittsburgh area, the weather fluctuates often. The best time of year to build an outdoor living project is either the late fall, or late winter and early spring. This gives you full use of the deck during the entire season. Scheduling early in the year will give you more time to fully enjoy your new deck. Keep in mind, there can be a several week lead time from when you approve your project to when construction actually starts. As most people would assume, the busy time of the year is the summer.

Read Also: Average Lifespan of your Decks and Patios

5. What is the best decking material?

In the industry, the best decking material is any sort of synthetic decking material. A composite material will withstand years of use and weather far better than wooden materials. The low maintenance products out there today are far better than any kind of wooden deck board. With advancements that have been made in the last 5 years, decking materials have reached incredible levels of quality. We use Deckorators decking on all of our projects, their Surestone technology offers benefits to the homeowner that other brands simply cannot. However, that’s not to say other brands like Trex and TimberTech also make quality products. Many times, the decision comes down to budget and personal style. 

6. Are you using deck industry specific products to build your decks?

The safety of your family is top priority. It’s crucial to know if your deck builder is using the correct materials for proper deck building. Not all construction hardware is created equal, and certain building components not created specifically for decks could be unsafe. For example, we have specific fasteners, connectors, and other deck specific items that are only meant for deck building. Any potential deck builder that you’re considering hiring should be well versed in all of these items and how to properly implement them.

7. How long have you been in the business?

It’s important that your prospective deck builder has a proven track record in building safe, quality decks. Ask them how long they’ve been in business. It’s obvious, but deck builders that have been in business for a long time will be a safe bet for your home. No surprises there. Double check when your deck builder started their business. You don’t want a deck builder that’s been around for a week to build the deck your family will be gathering on. Make sure they have a legacy of success. It is your responsibility as the homeowner to research and properly vet a potential hire. 

8. How much time does it take you to design and build a deck in Pittsburgh?

A professional deck builder should be able to answer this pretty closely without too much consideration. Of course, slight aberrations in schedule can happen due to bad weather, or needing materials, but this answer shouldn’t vary wildly from the actual time needed to design and build a deck. A basic deck can be built in a week, some of our more complex projects can take up to multiple months. No matter the duration, the key to a successful project is to communicate clearly with your deck builder.

9. Do you offer any warranty?

It’s important to make sure your deck contractor stands by their product. Asking if they offer any kind of warranty is a good way to figure this out. If a deck builder doesn’t offer any kind of post-build support, the deck builder may not be someone you want to work with. Let’s face it: we’re working in outdoor environments, and perfection is not an attainable goal because of the effect the outdoor environment has on building materials. So, it’s important that your deck builder will be there for you when these situations arise.

10. Does your deck builder seem like someone you want to do business with?

Before picking who your deck builder is going to be, do a little bit of background research on them. This can be as simple as scrolling through their online offerings. What’s their social media presence like? Do their employees seem like people you want to work with? Do you trust this builder to create a safe deck for your family? First impressions are everything, and a deck builder with a lack luster social media account, or lack of quality presentation could hint at larger issues down the road. Be sure to go with a deck builder you know, like, and trust.

Ready to Build Your Dream Deck? Contact SelectDecks

If you’re planning on building a deck in the Pittsburgh area, seek out a deck builder that you know, like, and trust. A deck builder that will help you in your deck building journey, and guide you to the decisions that are best for you, is a deck builder you should work with. At SelectDecks, Pittsburgh’s elite deck builder, we have the experience needed to guide you to these decisions. We work with you to transform your outdoor space into a one-of-a-kind area. Contact SelectDecks for Better. Outdoor. Living.