Decking vs. Paving: Which Is Best For You?

Decking vs. Paving: Which Is Best For You?

So, you’ve got a great outdoor space and don’t know what to do with it. Should you build a deck, or should you pave your courtyard? Having a functional outdoor space to enjoy the sunshine while creating an attractive addition to your home will bring you many benefits. But choosing the right design might be tricky.

This article will outline the pros and cons of decking and paving to help you choose the best design and material for your outdoor space.

1. Decking and paving differences

The essential difference between decking and paving lies in the materials you will use and the way each method will affect the look of your courtyard.

A deck is an elevated single or multi-space structure made from timber or composite. Paving is constructed at a ground level, using stone, brick, tile or cement pavers.

2. Decking and paving pros and cons

Decking is an easier structure to build in general, which means construction will be a much faster process. It has a natural façade and can be installed on sloping or non-uniform terrains. When choosing between decking or paving, consider that decking materials tend to be more affordable than paving materials.

However, these costs can be offset with the maintenance costs of decking that paving does not require.

Decking vs. Paving: Which Is Best For You?

If you choose high-quality materials for your pavers, paving will require less maintenance in the future, while offering you a wider variety of shapes, colours, and textures to design with. These materials have longer durability than timber and composite.

On the other hand, pavers require more thorough preparation of the ground beforehand and paving requires more intensive construction overall.

3. Choosing between decking and paving

The most important consideration when choosing which material is best for your outdoor space is the type of property you are building on. Depending on the style you prefer, one material may be better than the other. If you like clean lines and a simple decision, then decking will be the best option. If you are looking for a more intricate design, then a paved courtyard may be more appropriate.

Also, be attentive to the goals you want to achieve with your space. If you visualise your courtyard as a place to install a basketball hoop or play soccer, a paved courtyard may be more suitable. If you desire an elevated garden oasis with more than one level, your best choice will likely be decking.

4. Decking vs paving costs

Cost is also an important consideration when deciding if you should build a paved courtyard or timber deck. Decking will cost more upfront and require occasional maintenance, but it will add to the value of your home. Paved courtyards cost less and require less frequent maintenance, though they do not add significantly to a home’s appraisal value.

Decking vs. Paving: Which Is Best For You?

Composite decking may be a good option to consider if you are looking for long-term durability with fewer maintenance costs but want to add value to your home. A deck built of composite will not warp or deform like a timber deck could over time if not cared for. It also does not need to be resealed or oiled like wood does because it’s manufactured to be resistant to mould, scratching, fading and staining . However, composite decking costs more than timber decking.

Remember that your overall cost will also need to include preparing the site for construction. The base must be constructed with the landscape in mind. For example, if you are laying pavers, you must have a mortar or sand mixtureas a base for the path.

5. Council permits

Certain councils have specific guidelines for installing decking or paving. It is only necessary to obtain a permit for laying pavers if you are considering doing a driveway or building in a location where water runoff may be an issue. Your residential community may have ground rules regarding the use of driveway materials, so make sure to get the proper authorisation before beginning any project.

Licensing for decking can be more complex. It depends on multiple factors, which may include: size and height of your structure, local regulations and state licensing. If a council permit is required, it is best to seek the services of a licensed builder. Individual states have different builder licence regulations, so be sure to consider licensing requirements for your state.

Decking or paving: two winning options

Building a deck or paving your courtyard are two great options for expanding the use of your outdoor space and enjoying it for years to come. The choice, however, will require you to consider the pros and cons of each design. You’ll have to take into account the overall layout, the goals for your outdoor space, upfront costs and maintenance costs. Think about your vision as well as with short-term and long-term plans for your courtyard – and your property as a whole – and you’ll be able to make the best decision for you.

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Get a Quote or Enquire

austim book

Download product range price list

What our clients say

Austim are a great partner and timber supplier. Our business is based on the East Coast of Australia and we partner with Austim for WA projects. We have had a long lasting and great working relationship with Austim for many years. Highly recommend them.
daniel wright
daniel wright
06:31 18 Jun 19
Austim is always the first place I try when I need timber and it’s rare that I can’t get what I need there. Stuart is a rare gem of a gent to deal with – quick to respond to any queries, full of good advice and goes out of his way to help get whatever project I’m working on happening to my schedule, even when all I need is a few sticks and a handful of fixings. Highly recommend Austim, the team and young Stuart.
Anni Lilford
Anni Lilford
00:51 16 Nov 18
Stuart went out of his way to make sure we got the product we wanted. He made suggestions on possible constructions and timbers suitable. Very knowledgeable friendly staff all around. Excellent experience, highly recommended.
Holger Butenschon
Holger Butenschon
05:14 22 May 18
Hi Ben,Just wanted to thankyou for your help and advice in our selection of the Millboard Vintage Oak decking also in you recommending Grant from Premier Hardwood Decking. Grant has just completed our decking and we couldn't have asked for a more professional, reliable and competent tradesman. The decking has been installed to a very high standard and the decking itself is stunning. Ian and Sue
susan smith
susan smith
06:27 08 Oct 18
I've used Austim on a few occasions for home projects like decking and pergola, etc and each time the response to my requests for price and delivery have been excellent, the deliveries took place as negotiated, the timber quality was great and value for money. The team at Austim do a great job and make dealing with Austim a breeze.
Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson
09:06 25 Oct 18
I have worked with Austim for around 8 years now and they are one of the best suppliers in perth to deal with. I would highly recommend to use them for any timber needs!!!
Art of Timber
Art of Timber
07:55 05 Mar 20
I had been looking for some cedar for my kayak project and had rung a couple of other places with no luck. When I contacted Austim they were very helpful, had the timber in stock and I was on my was in 20 minutes. The wood was very good quality and has really finished up beautifully. Thanks to Austim.
mark alderson
mark alderson
02:03 08 Apr 17
I"d like to thank Austim for there help in supplying me with material that firstly I thought I'd have trouble sourcing as it was marring up with originally 30 year old existing timber.My project was not a massive project but still needed the attention of an new build.The timber supplied by Austim was machined to size with absolute perfection, where I had to remove old pieces and replace with the new pieces they fitted perfectly.once the floors are re-sanded and varnished they will be back to there former glory. Thanks again to the staff at Austim.Regards Bob Heppenstall.I've just added a finished photo after the Floor Sanding was completed.Original timber was Tassie Oak, and the new is Vic Ash, as you can see there is only a slight variation in the final product.I hope this gives anyone thinking doing the same the confidence to proceed. Regards Bob Heppenstall.
Robert Heppenstall
Robert Heppenstall
10:05 12 Oct 18
Great service over phone and by email. Product supplied is high quality - no issues. Staff accommodating and friendly.
M F
M F
00:18 07 May 20
Good service with fair prices.
Colin Della Bosca
Colin Della Bosca
08:14 04 Jun 20
Great service and product.I struggled to find a bench top in the size and material I wanted, so was really happy when I found one with Austim.It came fully protected with wrap and was undamaged when I got it home.Thanks
Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
06:29 08 May 23
Good selection, friendly staff, competitive pricing. Preferred over the 'hardware store'.You can hand pick if you need superior quality, Ben Price helped me with sorting through
Dirk Wachter
Dirk Wachter
03:59 12 May 23
Quick responses, timber prepared to request including cutting to Size. Easy pick up. Highly recommend.
Martyn Lethbridge
Martyn Lethbridge
06:42 05 May 23
We wanted Marri boards to make a bed - Austim provided beautiful planed and sized boards - at a good price - delivered on time......excellent service!
Mark Warren
Mark Warren
06:53 20 Aug 21
Ordered some merbau timber through austim to replace some rotten pine stair treads. The guy on the phone was very helpful .the timber was straight and had no faults or damage. Sent a message with a picture to say the timber had been delivered. Would definitely order timber from them again
Galaxie Galaxie
Galaxie Galaxie
05:25 29 Nov 23
Ron has help me out tremendously with designing and supplying two decks. Everything required to build them including screws Concreate, stirrups and timber. Service is excellent and at competitive prices.
Craig Bussanich
Craig Bussanich
01:25 06 Oct 23
Excellent service! The gentlemen that served us was so helpful and sorted out our kitchen bench top in 15 minutes! Great product!
sophie sherlock
sophie sherlock
07:24 06 Oct 23
Wow! What amazing customer service. Ron took care of working out what I needed and guided me expertly through the product range. Invoice was raised on Wednesday afternoon and the wonderful Wade delivered my order on Friday morning. He went above and beyond what would normally be a kerbside delivery, changed the Hiab strapsTo longer ones and expertly delivered it safely over my side wall. Super impressed, he’s a keeper Austim!
Wilma Ashby
Wilma Ashby
00:10 22 Mar 24
Absolutely amazing service and knowledgeable team and specially Tim very knowledgeable and friendly and knows his stuff.
Hey_Jay0472
Hey_Jay0472
02:37 10 Jan 24
Very tidy and well laid out timber warehouse with a well stocked accessories shop. Friendly staff with great product knowledge and advice.
Gerard
Gerard
07:37 22 Mar 24

Austim Inspirations

Request Price List

“The timber quality is excellent, the price was competitive, the communication spot on and the delivery just right. Well done and thanks again”

Michael

.