On a mild spring evening in the NC Piedmont, most backyards look the same from the kitchen window: a tired concrete pad, folding chairs that were meant to be “temporary,” and a grill squeezed into whatever space is left.
And then one day you look out and think: “We need something better out there… we just don’t know what.”
Should it be a deck? A patio? A “real” porch? A screened room? A 3-season or 4-season sunroom? If you’re feeling pulled in six directions at once, you’re not alone. Almost every homeowner we meet between Statesville and Greensboro starts with the same questions.
First, a quick language check
Around the NC Piedmont, people use these words differently, so let’s get on the same page.
- Deck: A raised or ground-level structure built from framing and decking boards (wood or composite). Great for sloped yards.
- Patio: A ground-level surface in concrete, pavers, or stone. Often feels more “connected” to the yard.
- Porch: Any roofed outdoor space attached to the home. That roof can sit over a deck or a patio.
Step 1: Deck vs. Patio – Start with the ground
Before you think about screens, windows, or walls, start with the simplest question: Do you want to stand on wood/composite… or on concrete/stone?
When a Deck makes sense
A deck shines when your yard has noticeable slope, your main floor sits several feet above the backyard, or you want to maximize a view. It handles grade changes gracefully without tons of retaining walls and pairs naturally with future upgrades like a covered porch.
When a Patio wins
A patio tends to win when your yard is relatively flat and you like that “on the ground” feeling. It’s great for firepits and outdoor kitchens. Just remember: drainage is key. Water should move away from your foundation, not toward it.
"You don’t have to pick 'right' forever. A well-designed deck or patio can be planned from day one to support a future roof."
Step 2: Roof or No Roof?
Here’s the big inflection point. Adding a roof doesn’t just change the project. It changes how often you actually use the space. With a well-designed porch roof, summer sun isn't something you hide from—it's filtered light and a ceiling fan.
But remember: a roof adds responsibility. It must carry snow/ice loads, resist wind uplift, and tie into your house without creating leaks. This is where outdoor space starts to feel like architecture, not just furniture on a slab.
Step 3: How much enclosure do you want?
1. Covered Deck or Patio
Best for homeowners who want shade and rain protection but still love feeling fully "outdoors." You feel the temperature and humidity, just more comfortably.
2. Screened Porch
Best for keeping bugs out. In the NC Piedmont, a well-built screened porch is usable from early spring through late fall.
3. 3-Season Room
A porch with more substantial wall systems (like vinyl windows) that open wide in nice weather and close during pollen season or cold snaps.
4. 4-Season Sunroom / Addition
A fully insulated, enclosed room with windows and HVAC. This is a true extension of your interior living space.
Real-life: Who is this for?
To help you picture yourself in one of these spaces, here are a few quick profiles we see all the time in the Salisbury to Pilot Mountain corridor:
- The Morning Coffee Person: Needs a screened porch to keep the furniture dry so they can read before the day starts.
- The Host: Needs a large covered deck or patio for cookouts that don't get cancelled by rain.
- The Allergy Sufferer: Needs a 3-season room to block the pollen in March/April.
- The Year-Round Homebody: Needs a 4-season sunroom for a cozy reading nook in January.
Ready to stop guessing?
If you’re in the NC Piedmont—from Statesville to Greensboro, or from Salisbury to Pilot Mountain—and you’re tired of standing in the doorway wondering what could be out there, we’d be glad to walk the backyard with you.
You don’t have to know exactly what you want yet. You just have to know you want it done once, done right, and tailored to the way you actually live.