HGTV.com is a site specifically designed for home improvement ideas. There are specific sections for patio and deck designs, complete with fully colored pictures.
You can view pictures of outdoor decks and patios online. Here are some of sites that offers pictures: nadra.org/photo_gallery.html, www.hgtv.com Outdoors Decks, Patios, Porches and Pools.
Home improvement stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot have many magazines for sale that offer pictures of decks and patios. These magazines are very informative and are reasonably priced.
You can find many pictures of decks and patios online by visiting manufacturing websites. There, you will be able to see dimensions and other important parts of building a patio.
Michael Landis has written: 'Patios & decks' -- subject(s): Decks (Architecture, Domestic), Patios
Concrete patios a typically cheaper then wooden decks. Concrete patios are made to resist winter weather. Wooden decks require treating, and cleaning. If the question if over price, then I would go with the patios, cheaper in the long run.
The HGTV website has an entire section on deck designs. They have pictures of decks and landscaping for decks and patios. The DIY network also have a number of deck designs the pictures on both sites can give you great ideas.
You can find about where you can find information about decks and patios and read information to compare prices on the internet or go to your local shops and en quire about it there.
Many contractors and construction companies have pictures of completed projects on their websites that you can view and get ideas from. Or join a forum where people share pictures of their completed projects.
If your just looking for pictures to use as ideas "decks.com" and "nadra.org" are great online web sites to look at. If you are looking for more detail try "TimberTech.com". They offer pictures and designs for decks and patios.
One good place to find patio and deck photos, would be shutterstock. Another good Idea may be to purchase magazines that have pictures of these items and frame them yourself.
Many DIY forums have pictures of decks and patio projects. Also, you can chat with other DIY'ers who are doing the same projects as you to bounce ideas off of. If all else fails, go to magazines or your public library. Or even try a contractor who has done this before.
Backyard decks and patios are best enjoyed when they are in good condition and free from safety concerns. Maintaining decks and patios involves fixing problems such as raised nails or loose tiles as quickly as possible and in the proper way. Decks and patios should also be inspected at the start of each season, after heavy use and at the end of a season to ensure that the structure is sound and the ground is not eroding. Patios need special attention because weeds can grow between bricks, tiles or concrete and can eventually crack the patio surface.