Terrace vs. Deck — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Terraces are elevated flat surfaces often made of stone or concrete, primarily integrated with the building; decks, usually wooden platforms, are separate structures attached to homes.
Difference Between Terrace and Deck
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Terraces are usually constructed from hard materials like stone, concrete, or tile, which makes them a permanent, integrated part of the landscape or building. On the other hand, decks are typically built with wood or wood-like composites and are often considered an add-on to an existing structure.
Terraces are traditionally found on the ground level or on roofs and are designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building while providing a practical outdoor space. Whereas decks are usually elevated structures that can be located at different levels of a building, providing a raised view of the surroundings.
In terms of usage, terraces can serve multiple functions such as gardens, outdoor seating areas, or dining spaces, often adorned with potted plants and outdoor furniture. On the other hand, decks are generally used for leisure activities like barbecuing, lounging, or social gatherings, featuring railings and steps.
Maintenance for terraces depends on the materials used; stone terraces require less frequent maintenance but may need regular cleaning to prevent moss or weeds. In contrast, wooden decks require more maintenance, including regular sealing and staining to prevent weather damage and rot.
In urban environments, terraces can also help in managing rainwater runoff by incorporating drainage solutions, contributing to sustainable urban planning. Decks, however, primarily focus on aesthetic and functional value without typically addressing environmental factors such as runoff.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Stone, concrete, tile
Wood, composite materials
Construction
Integrated part of the building
Attached structure to a building
Typical Location
Ground level, rooftops
Elevated from ground
Maintenance
Less frequent, requires cleaning
Requires regular sealing, staining
Primary Use
Gardens, dining areas
Leisure activities, social events
Compare with Definitions
Terrace
A flat, paved or landscaped area adjoining a building, often on the roof.
The restaurant's terrace offers spectacular city views.
Deck
A structure of planks or plates, approximately flat, that forms the floor of a building's structure.
The boat's deck was slippery from the ocean spray.
Terrace
A residential street, especially in the name of an address.
He lives at 22 Maple Terrace.
Deck
The piece of ground between a house and garden covered with wooden planks.
Kids love playing on the deck during sunny days.
Terrace
A flat area of stone or grass outside a house, where people can sit and relax.
Their Victorian home features a wide, welcoming terrace.
Deck
A level in a multi-storey car park.
We parked on the third deck of the parking garage.
Terrace
A level plateau or platform of earth.
The ancient terraces were used for agriculture on the steep hills.
Deck
A wooden platform attached to the side of a house.
They built a deck in their backyard for summer barbecues.
Terrace
A series of flat areas made in a slope, used for cultivation.
Rice terraces are common in Southeast Asian mountain regions.
Deck
A platform extending horizontally from one side of a ship to the other.
Terrace
A level paved area next to a building; a patio
Breakfast is served on the terrace
Deck
A platform or surface likened to a ship's deck.
Terrace
Each of a series of flat areas made on a slope, used for cultivation.
Deck
An unroofed platform, typically with a railing, that adjoins a building or is built on a rooftop.
Terrace
A row of houses built in one block in a uniform style
An attractive Regency terrace
Deck
The roadway of a bridge or an elevated freeway.
Terrace
Make or form (sloping land) into a number of level flat areas resembling a series of steps
The slope had to be terraced
Deck
The piece of hard material, usually wood or composite, to which the frames housing the wheels are attached on a skateboard or landboard.
Terrace
A porch or walkway bordered by colonnades.
Deck
A pack of playing cards.
Terrace
A platform extending outdoors from a floor of a house or apartment building.
Deck
A group of data processing cards.
Terrace
An open, often paved area adjacent to a house serving as an outdoor living space; a patio.
Deck
A digital file containing slides for a presentation.
Terrace
A raised bank of earth having vertical or sloping sides and a flat top
Turning a hillside into a series of ascending terraces for farming.
Deck
A tape deck.
Terrace
A flat, narrow stretch of ground, often having a steep slope facing a river, lake, or sea.
Deck
To furnish with or as if with a deck.
Terrace
A row of buildings erected on raised ground or on a sloping site.
Deck
(Slang) To knock down
He decked his sparring partner.
Terrace
A section of row houses.
Deck
To clothe with finery; adorn. Often used with out
We were all decked out for the party.
Terrace
Abbr. Ter. or Terr. A residential street, especially along the top or slope of a hill.
Deck
To decorate
Decked the halls for the holidays.
Terrace
A narrow strip of landscaped earth in the middle of a street.
Deck
Any raised flat surface that can be walked on: a balcony; a porch; a raised patio; a flat rooftop.
Terrace
To provide (a house, for example) with a terrace or terraces.
Deck
(nautical) The floorlike covering of the horizontal sections, or compartments, of a ship. Small vessels have only one deck; larger ships have two or three decks.
To swab the deck
Terrace
To form (a hillside or sloping lawn, for example) into terraces.
Deck
(aviation) A main aeroplane surface, especially of a biplane or multiplane.
Terrace
A flat open area on the topmost floor of a building or apartment
Deck
(cards) A pack or set of playing cards.
Terrace
A platform that extends outwards from a building.
Deck
A set of cards owned by each individual player and from which they draw when playing.
Terrace
(agriculture) A raised, flat-topped bank of earth with sloping sides, especially one of a series for farming or leisure; a similar natural area of ground, often next to a river.
Deck
(journalism) A headline consisting of one or more actual lines of text.
Terrace
(geology) A step-like landform; (sometimes) remnants of floodplains.
Deck
A set of slides for a presentation.
Terrace
A row of residential houses with no gaps between them; a group of row houses.
Deck
(obsolete) A heap or store.
Terrace
A single house in such a group.
Deck
(slang) A folded paper used for distributing illicit drugs.
Terrace
The standing area of a sports stadium.
Deck
(colloquial) The floor.
We hit the deck as bullets began to fly.
Terrace
The roof of a building, especially if accessible to the residents. Often used for drying laundry, sun-drying foodstuffs, exercise, or sleeping outdoors in hot weather.
Deck
(theatre) The stage.
Terrace
To provide something with a terrace.
Deck
(uncommon) To furnish with a deck, as a vessel.
Terrace
To form something into a terrace.
Deck
(informal) To knock someone to the floor, especially with a single punch.
Wow, did you see her deck that guy who pinched her?
Terrace
A raised level space, shelf, or platform of earth, supported on one or more sides by a wall, a bank of tuft, or the like, whether designed for use or pleasure.
Deck
(card games) To cause a player to run out of cards to draw, usually making them lose the game.
Terrace
A balcony, especially a large and uncovered one.
Deck
To dress (someone) up, to clothe with more than ordinary elegance.
Terrace
A flat roof to a house; as, the buildings of the Oriental nations are covered with terraces.
Deck
To decorate (something).
Terrace
A street, or a row of houses, on a bank or the side of a hill; hence, any street, or row of houses.
Deck
(transitive) To cover; to overspread.
Terrace
A level plain, usually with a steep front, bordering a river, a lake, or sometimes the sea.
Deck
To cover; to overspread.
To deck with clouds the uncolored sky.
Terrace
To form into a terrace or terraces; to furnish with a terrace or terraces, as, to terrace a garden, or a building.
Clermont's terraced height, and Esher's groves.
Deck
To dress, as the person; to clothe; especially, to clothe with more than ordinary elegance; to array; to adorn; to embellish.
Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency.
And deck my body in gay ornaments.
The dew with spangles decked the ground.
Terrace
Usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
Deck
To furnish with a deck, as a vessel.
Terrace
A level shelf of land interrupting a declivity (with steep slopes above and below)
Deck
To knock down (a person) with a forceful blow; as, He decked his opponent with a single punch.
Terrace
A row of houses built in a similar style and having common dividing walls (or the street on which they face);
Grosvenor Terrace
Deck
The floorlike covering of the horizontal sections, or compartments, of a ship. Small vessels have only one deck; larger ships have two or three decks.
Terrace
Provide (a house) with a terrace;
We terrassed the country house
Deck
The upper part or top of a mansard roof or curb roof when made nearly flat.
Terrace
Make into terraces as for cultivation;
The Incas terraced their mountainous land
Deck
The roof of a passenger car.
Deck
A pack or set of playing cards.
The king was slyly fingered from the deck.
Deck
A heap or store.
Who . . . hath such trinketsReady in the deck.
Deck
A main aëroplane surface, esp. of a biplane or multiplane.
Deck
The portion of a bridge which serves as the roadway.
Deck
A flat platform adjacent to a house, usually without a roof; - it is typically used for relaxing out of doors, outdoor cooking, or entertaining guests.
Deck
Any of various floor-like platforms built into a vessel
Deck
Street name for a packet of illegal drugs
Deck
A pack of 52 playing cards
Deck
A porch that resembles the deck on a ship
Deck
Be beautiful to look at;
Flowers adorned the tables everywhere
Deck
Decorate;
Deck the halls with holly
Deck
Knock down with force;
He decked his opponent
Common Curiosities
What materials are used for building a terrace?
Terraces are typically made from concrete, stone, or tiles.
Can a terrace be used for gardening?
Yes, terraces can be effectively used for gardening, especially in urban settings.
What maintenance does a wooden deck require?
Wooden decks need regular maintenance including staining and sealing to protect against elements.
How are terraces integrated into building design?
Terraces are designed as a seamless part of a building, often found at ground level or on the roof.
How do weather conditions affect the maintenance of decks?
Weather conditions can lead to wood deterioration; thus, protective treatments are necessary for decks.
What are the common uses of a deck?
Decks are primarily used for leisure activities like dining, lounging, or hosting social events.
What are the benefits of having a terrace?
Terraces offer outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment, potentially increasing property value.
What types of plants are suitable for a terrace garden?
Potted plants, small shrubs, and container gardening are suitable for a terrace.
Is a deck considered a permanent structure?
While typically less permanent than a terrace, decks are still considered fixed structures that can add value to a home.
How does the construction of a deck impact a home’s exterior?
A deck extends living space outdoors, enhancing the aesthetic and functional appeal of a home’s exterior.
How do terraces contribute to sustainable urban planning?
Terraces can incorporate green spaces and rainwater management features, supporting sustainable development.
What is the difference in elevation between terraces and decks?
Terraces are often at or slightly above ground level, while decks can be built at various heights, including above ground level.
What is required to build a deck on uneven terrain?
Building a deck on uneven terrain might require additional structural support such as piers or beams.
Are there any legal considerations when building a deck or terrace?
Building codes and local regulations must be followed, which might require permits or adherence to specific construction standards.
Can decks be customized?
Yes, decks can be customized in size, shape, and material to fit specific needs and preferences.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
