Eye On Housing
Data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) shows a clear geographic pattern to the exterior amenities (patios and decks) included in new homes. In 2014, a majority (56 percent) of all new homes started had a patio. In contrast, only 23 percent had a deck.
The Census Bureau’s SOC data is available by the nine census divisions. Patios are most common in new homes in the West South Central (79 percent of new homes started in 2014), followed by the Mountain (66 percent) and Pacific divisions (65 percent). Patios are least common in the Middle Atlantic (24 percent), New England (25 percent) and East South Central divisions (38 percent). These shares have remained relatively stable since 2009.
One the other hand, decks are most common in New England (included in 66 percent of homes started in 2014), followed at a distance by the East South Central (47 percent) and West North Central (45 percent) divisions. Decks are comparatively uncommon in the West South Central division (4 percent). Elsewhere, 18 to 26 percent of the new homes started in 2014 had decks. These geographic tendencies have also remained relatively stable since 2009.
The map below shows the geographic breakdown of patios and decks in single-family homes started in 2014:
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Another meaningless statistic. The topography of the land and the number of stories of a house have a greater influence whether it is a deck or patio. Why would you build a deck for a single story house? What about the privacy aspect. Who would build a deck to overlook their neighbors property?
Good point Dave. I could see building a deck for a single story home if you have a nice secluded backyard with a pool nearby, and you simply wanted a nice area for entertaining. But if you live in the burbs and the deck is simply going to put you up a little higher to see into the neighbors backyard then not much use for the deck in my opinion. It is kind of interesting to see the breakdown per region as to the deck to patio ratio. Interesting find.
This is a great article. I appreciate this information. I am a deck builder in the south Atlantic area, and was curious how we ranked yup against the number of people looking for patios in relation to decks. This is comforting. We build patios too, but I much prefer decking. A lot more room for custom design. Great information. Thanks!
I would have thought more people would want a deck. The cost isn’t even that much and it makes life so much more exciting! Awesome data! I would have never guessed that so many people were without a deck.