The Patio Deck
The word deck could be often encountered in various fields, and in various arenas of disciplines in the world. There is such as thing as a deck of cards, while there is a part of a skateboard called the skateboard's deck. There's the deck of a ship, and then there's the deck which architecture often utilizes. Generally, the decks term is often used in ships, and is often the subject of many pirate stories, wherein captives are tasked to mop the main deck.
When talking about decks in architecture, the decks in architecture are a different thing, as decks aren't only limited on boats, nor are they in any way cards. Decks, in an architectural sense, are basically flat surfaces which basically serve the similar functions of floors, only that they are setup outdoors, contrary to the indoor construction of regular floors. Normally, they are panels of wood, and at times metal, which are positioned side by side of each other, forming their surface area. They are oftentimes elevated from the ground, and are usually constructed to connect various sections of a multi sectioned building or home.
Decking, in other words using decks, is utilized by architecture in many ways, the most common of which would be to extend the living areas of a home, or as part of a home garden's landscape design. Another would be that of as alternatives to the more stone based of patios. Decks in a house usually are wooden platforms constructed to connect various sections to the main section of a house, and are oftentimes constructed to be above the ground to complement an overall design scheme dictated by the house's overall design. Also, on a general scale, decks are built with railings, which stand as supports as well as safety features, insuring no accidental falling over would occur.
Patio decks, as their name already says it, are basically patios which apply the principles which define decking, and are not exactly the more generic of patios. With patio decks, the same materials utilized in most decks are used. There are treated lumber patio decks, aluminum patio decks, composite metal patio decks, teak, patio decks, mahogany patio decks, Western Red Cedar patio decks, polystyrene patio decks and even PET plastic patio decks.
Bottom line, patio decks are patios and decks combined, geared to serve as patios, as well as decks. They are rather pleasing to the eye, especially when surrounded with foliage.