Had to pick between a new deck or a patio for my backyard last spring

My yard in Akron is on a slope, so a deck seemed easier but cost about $8,000 for pressure-treated pine. A patio with pavers was cheaper at around $5,000, but needed a lot of leveling work. I went with the deck because I could build it myself over three weekends. It turned out okay, but I wish I had put more blocking under the joists. Has anyone else dealt with a sloped yard and what did you put in?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_mila4d ago

So you're saying I should have listened to @the_holly about the patio, huh? My deck is probably already plotting its own rot as we speak. I get the slope problem though, my last place was on a hill and everything felt like a puzzle. Honestly, for three weekends of work and that price, you did pretty good. Just promise me you'll check those joists before you have a big barbecue party!

the_holly4d ago

Man, I'd take a patio any day... that deck is just gonna rot and need way more upkeep.

terryk284d ago

Alright, so you built it yourself. Did you set the posts in concrete, or just use those pre-made deck blocks on the ground? That slope makes me worry about things shifting over time.