Combining a patio with decking is one of the best ways to create a comfortable, functional and inviting outdoor living area. Whether you’re designing a space for entertaining, an outdoor kitchen, a poolside retreat or simply somewhere to relax, a custom patio and deck can completely transform the way you use your backyard.
If you’re planning to install both a new patio and new decking, there’s one important question to consider:
Should you build the patio or decking first?
In most cases, the patio should be installed first, followed by the decking. Planning the project in this order allows the patio structure to be installed correctly before the deck is finished neatly around it.
Why Should You Build the Patio Before the Decking?
A patio is a structural addition to your home, with posts and footings that need to be positioned and installed according to the patio design and engineering requirements.
Installing the patio before the decking gives the patio installers clear access to complete this structural work without having to cut through or work around a newly finished deck.
Once the patio is complete, the decking can then be installed around the patio posts, helping achieve a cleaner and more integrated finish.
Protect Your New Decking During Construction
Another important reason to install the patio before the deck is to protect your new decking.
Building a patio involves moving steel, roof sheets, ladders, tools and equipment through the construction area. If the decking has already been installed, there is a greater risk of scratches, marks or accidental damage during construction. The builders, of course, do their best. But we would hate for any of the movements or accidental drops to cause any damage.
Completing the decking afterwards means the final surface goes down once the major structural work is finished.
Plan Your Patio and Decking Together
While the patio should generally be constructed first, that doesn’t mean the decking should be an afterthought.
Ideally, the entire outdoor living area should be planned together.
Consider the final deck height, patio post locations, doors, steps, drainage, outdoor kitchens, pool areas and how people will move between the house and patio.
Planning these details early can help create a finished outdoor area where the patio and decking look like they were always designed to work together.
Creating a Year-Round Outdoor Living Area
Perth’s climate makes outdoor living a big part of the way we use our homes, but having an uncovered deck can limit how often the area is comfortable to use.
Adding a patio over your decking provides protection from the elements while creating a defined outdoor living space.
Depending on your patio design, you can also incorporate features such as an insulated patio roof, lighting and ceiling fans to make the area even more comfortable throughout the year.
The result is more than just a deck or patio- it becomes an extension of your home.
Can You Build a Patio Over Existing Decking?
If you already have decking and want to add a patio, it may still be possible.
However, the existing deck needs to be considered as part of the patio design. Patio posts and footings need to be installed correctly, which may mean sections of the existing decking need to be removed or modified.
Every property is different, so it’s important to assess the existing area and proposed patio design before construction begins.
Building a Patio with Decking in Perth
If you’re planning a new patio and decking area in Perth, think about the finished space before construction begins.
Plan the patio and deck together, install the patio first, then complete the decking around it.
Getting the construction sequence right helps protect your new decking, allows the patio structure to be installed correctly and creates a cleaner finished result.
At Perth Patio Magic, we design and build custom patios for Perth homes, helping homeowners transform their backyards into practical outdoor living spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
