Is it better to have a deck or concrete patio?
However, wooden decks typically get a higher return of the investment at about 75 percent. You will garner a return of investment with a cement patio, but usually only about 30 to 60 percent. Another advantage cement patios have over decks is in stylistic versatility.
Is it cheaper to do decking or concrete?
In most cases, pouring concrete over your outdoor area as flooring is cheaper than building a decking. As with decking, however, the total cost depends on many factors.
What is better decking or patio?
Low-cost patio paving slabs may require more care and may chip, crack and fade faster than a high-quality premium paving stone. Timber decking requires annual staining, sanding and varnishing, whereas Composite Decking Boards simply require an annual clean.
Is a concrete patio a good idea?
Advantages: Durability: Concrete patios are known for their strength and longevity. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, weather conditions, and regular use without significant damage. Low Maintenance: Concrete is relatively low maintenance.
What adds more value a deck or patio?
Decks and patios both add value to your home and to your life. But, generally speaking the patio adds more value over its life than a deck. Decks are built in the air and they weather and get dirty and break down from all directions at once.
How long does a concrete patio last?
Some say that a concrete patio may last as long as 30 -50 years. However, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the climate's yearly freeze/thaw cycles shorten concrete's life expectancy. Still, the average 25 years lifespan is a long time.
What is the downside of decking?
Stained, natural, and pressure-treated pine decks require regular maintenance to ensure the natural wood retains its high-quality look, but even with this - they are still susceptible to cracking, splintering, rotting, and warping as time goes by, which can be dangerous especially to homes with small children and ...
What are the pros and cons of decks vs patios?
Patios are more expensive to build than decks. Patios typically have a longer life span than decks, lasting upwards of 50 years in many cases. Patios are easier to install and maintain than decks. Decks have a better ROI and often retain less heat than patios.
Is a patio cheaper than a deck?
Patios generally cost less to build than decks since they are made of more affordable materials like concrete or stone. Patios don't also require permits or inspections, which can reduce the total installation costs.
What type of patio is best?
Concrete pavers are one of the most popular patio materials. Because this indestructible material comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes it's not hard to see why. Whether you want a new outdoor seating area or a new patio surrounding your pool, concrete comes in almost endless choices.
Should I replace my deck with a patio?
Replacing an old wooden deck with a paver patio isn't only an increasingly popular trend, it's also an intelligent investment. A new patio will cost less, look better, be more enjoyable in the long run AND add value to your home.
Should you build a deck or patio first?
Even though we recommend building your deck before your patio, we understand it doesn't always work out that way. But not to worry, it's entirely possible to build your deck after. It's just a little trickier, and parts of the patio may need to be altered or repaired after the build.
What are the disadvantages of a concrete patio?
The biggest con of using concrete is durability. To be honest, it's not a matter of “if” a concrete patio will crack, it's a matter of when… You see, when concrete is in a climate that has a lot of thawing and refreezing in the winter months, it is inevitable that it will eventually get some cracks.
Do concrete patios always crack?
Concrete cracking is typical and often occurs during the curing process. The correct concrete mixture, temperature, and curing process can reduce cracks. Concrete cracks fewer than 0.3 mm wide won't impact the structure and strength. Proper installation by a professional contractor prevents cracking.
Will a concrete patio crack?
There are a few reasons why concrete cracks, but the most common reason by far is shrinkage cracking. When your concrete patio or driveway is poured, it is in liquid form, which it has to be so it can be properly formed.
What is the most cost effective material for a patio?
Gravel. Gravel is, on average, the cheapest material for a patio and requires the least time to install. It can match well with a less landscaped, wilder garden or backyard, and offers great drainage.
What adds most value to a garden?
Your concrete slab thickness is determined by the weight you anticipate your patio will have to withstand and how many square feet you intend your patio to be. Most local concrete patio professionals suggest a thickness of 4 inches. This also complies with most building codes.
Is 4 inches of concrete enough for a patio?
A minimum thickness of 4 inches is often recommended for residential applications like sidewalks and patios.
Is 2 inches of concrete enough for a patio?
Durable and Long-Lasting
Unlike other materials, concrete won't sink unevenly, and it can also withstand heavy patio furniture, foot traffic and pet activity. Because it's stamped, there are no holes for weeds or grass to make their way through.
Why build a concrete patio?
Compared with what has been discussed already, some cheaper alternatives to wooden decking boards include rubber mats, wood chippings and pallet decking. These more budget-friendly options may not have the same aesthetic appeal as timber, composite or PVC decking - but they do come with their benefits.
What is better than decking?
Its natural beauty, durability, versatility, and affordability make it a smart choice for homeowners who want to create a unique and inviting outdoor living space. So, if you're interested in purchasing some timber decking of your own, look no further!
Why is decking so popular?
Pros: Lightweight, long lasting, some mimic the look of wood, highly water and salt resistant for proximity to oceans, no rot, warping or livers. Cons: Noisy, slippery when frozen, more technical difficulty to install, higher cost.
What are the pros and cons of decking?
Decking will cost more upfront and require occasional maintenance, but it will add to the value of your home. Paved courtyards cost less and require less frequent maintenance, though they do not add significantly to a home's appraisal value.
Should I pave or deck?
Normal range: $1,965 - $5,855. The average patio costs $3,904 to build, but depending on the size, materials, and more, you could pay anywhere between $800 and $14,000 . Building a patio costs $3,904 on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $1,965 and $5,855 .
How much should you spend on a patio?
Size and Material: The size of your patio directly impacts the cost due to the amount of material needed. Choosing the right material, be it natural stone or porcelain, will affect both the cost and the longevity of your patio.
Why are patios so expensive?
Pressure Treated Decking
It's also one of the most popular, least expensive woods per square foot, which is one reason it's used to make pressure treated lumber. Pressure treated decking pros: Pale in color, easy to stain.
What is the cheapest option for a deck?
Install porcelain paving
Whether you are swapping out your old slabs or paving over a grass lawn, porcelain pavers are the ultimate low maintenance patio solution.
What is the most low maintenance patio?
Paver Patios Are Your Best Choice For Low Maintenance Outdoor Living. As they are typically based on the ground, there is no concern for climbing stairs and avoiding a step up as most paver patios blend seamlessly from your backyard lawn to the patio itself.
What is the best no maintenance patio?
Though it's a much stronger and ostensibly durable material than asphalt, concrete will still crack and wear out over time. But you can significantly delay such effects with proper maintenance. Many factors contribute to the proper maintenance of a concrete patio.
Is concrete patio durable?
Building a deck over concrete can transform your space into a more enticing and functional outdoor living space, but following best practices is key. When installed properly, a deck over concrete has several long-lasting benefits — especially when you choose durable TimberTech® Advanced PVC or Composite Decking.
Can a deck be built over a concrete patio?
If you're going to install a new one, or you moved into a house that already has a deck, you're likely wondering when you'll need to consider replacing it. You can typically expect a deck to last 10-30 years for untreated wood and 50 or more years for treated wood and composite.
How long do patio decks last?
Compared to a wood deck, this is actually cheaper. The primary reason for this is that concrete materials are much cheaper than wood products. The concrete can cost as little as a few dollars per square foot, meaning most of the cost is in the labour and time.
Is a concrete deck more expensive than a wood deck?
Defining decks and patios
A deck is an open outdoor porch or platform without a roof that extends from a house. On the other hand, a patio is a paved area situated directly on the ground, which can either be attached or detached from a house.
What is the difference between a deck and patio?
Advantages: Durability: Concrete patios are known for their strength and longevity. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, weather conditions, and regular use without significant damage. Low Maintenance: Concrete is relatively low maintenance.
Is a concrete patio a good idea?
Concrete patios pose a distinct maintenance advantage in that a 5-gallon can of sealant covers 1,000 square feet, costs around $100-150, and is only needed once every 2-3 years. Wooden decks should be resealed and re-stained annually, meaning they should also be power-washed and sanded annually.
Is concrete patio worth it?
Cracks. One of the most prevalent issues with concrete is cracking. Understanding the different types of cracks can help identify their underlying causes and determine appropriate repair methods. Plastic Shrinkage Cracks: These cracks occur during the curing process when rapid moisture loss causes the surface to shrink ...
What is the biggest problem with concrete?
When the ground under the concrete settles, cracks could form if the settling is uneven. It can occur if the soil under the concrete gets saturated and soft, and the weight of the concrete compacts the soil. Settling can also be caused the other way, if too much weight is placed on the concrete.
Why is my concrete patio cracking after 6 months?
The application of vapor barrier in exterior concrete is unnecessary due to the fact that water penetration does not matter. Any slab on grade that is enclosed and on the interior of a building should have a vapor barrier installed prior to pouring concrete, especially if flooring will be applied.
Does concrete patio need moisture barrier?
Crumbling concrete may start as spalling concrete and devolve until it reaches crumbling stage. However, crumbling concrete can also be from old age or from exposure to harsh elements. Concrete needs to be replaced every so often as it will not last forever.
Why is my concrete patio crumbling?
Mixing up and pouring your own concrete patio may save you money initially, but if you make any mistakes along the way, you could be facing substantial costs for concrete repair or replacement. Also keep in mind that you'll need to shell out money for equipment, finishing tools, forming lumber, and other supplies.
How do I keep my concrete patio from cracking?
Concrete of a thickness of less than 5″ is more prone to cracking, unfortunately this includes nearly all the poured slabs out there. Slabs 4″ thick are twice as resistant to fractures (heavy loads from above as well as lifting from below) than are 3″ slabs.
Should I pour my own concrete patio?
Concrete pavers are one of the most popular patio materials. Because this indestructible material comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes it's not hard to see why. Whether you want a new outdoor seating area or a new patio surrounding your pool, concrete comes in almost endless choices.
Is thicker concrete more likely to crack?
Pea gravel or another gravel is the most affordable way to create some seating space. To do this correctly the earth needs to be excavated to about 6″–8″ underneath the grade. Then compact base rock to create a base and a bed for the pea gravel to sit on.
What type of patio is best?
It has also been found by alternative studies that adding a patio to your garden is estimated to add up to an additional 20% to the value to your property!
What is the cheapest way to make an outdoor patio?
It is essential that you keep your concrete slab at no more than six (6) inches of thickness. Also, it would be best to work the numbers out if you wish to work with any lesser as you can only put in one slab. If you want to put new concrete over old concrete check out all you need to know first.
What is the cheapest form of patio?
To make sure safety is maintained, a minimum thickness of any concrete patio is at least 4 inches. However, if it will bear heavy furniture or features, 6- to 8-inch thickness may be required. This is in addition to a 2- to 3-inch base of something like gravel, sand, or limestone.
Does a patio add value to your home UK?
How thin can you pour concrete over concrete? Your new layer needs to be at least 2 inches thick. If it's any thinner than that, it'll easily crack under pressure and won't adequately bond to your surface.
What adds most value to a property?
Generally, a 4-inch surface can hold up to 4,000 pounds per square foot when adequately reinforced. Unreinforced, it can only hold 40 pounds per square foot. Steel bars or wire mesh can be placed in the concrete before it is poured to reinforce the pad.
Can a concrete patio be too thick?
Concrete cracking is typical and often occurs during the curing process. The correct concrete mixture, temperature, and curing process can reduce cracks. Concrete cracks fewer than 0.3 mm wide won't impact the structure and strength. Proper installation by a professional contractor prevents cracking.
What is the best depth for a concrete patio?
Concrete is durable—its lifespan is actually two or three times longer than other common building materials. Concrete is great at absorbing and retaining heat, which means it will increase the energy efficiency of a building and reduce HVAC expenses.
What is the thinnest you can lay concrete?
Concrete pavers are one of the most popular patio materials. Because this indestructible material comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes it's not hard to see why. Whether you want a new outdoor seating area or a new patio surrounding your pool, concrete comes in almost endless choices.
How much weight can a 4-inch concrete patio hold?
Compared to a wood deck, this is actually cheaper. The primary reason for this is that concrete materials are much cheaper than wood products. The concrete can cost as little as a few dollars per square foot, meaning most of the cost is in the labour and time.
Do concrete patios always crack?
Concrete has a longer lifespan in comparison to wood. In fact, if well-maintained, a concrete patio can last 30 years or more on average. Of course, there are certain practices to keep in mind that will help the patio last over such a time period.
Why use concrete instead of wood?
Replacing an old wooden deck with a paver patio isn't only an increasingly popular trend, it's also an intelligent investment. A new patio will cost less, look better, be more enjoyable in the long run AND add value to your home.