Is It Cheaper To Build A Concrete Patio Or A Deck?

  IS IT CHEAPER TO BUILD A CONCRETE PATIO OR A DECK?

Patios and decks are perfect for entertaining guests or simply relaxing in your backyard. Adding a patio or deck to your property can also be an excellent way to increase its value. It can also create the ideal environment for creating many happy memories.

Generally, a concrete patio will be cheaper to install than a deck. While your specific house and yard setup may determine which is less expensive for your needs, a wood deck is more likely to have a higher return on investment than a concrete patio. Of course, no rule says you can't have both a deck and a patio. After all, they're both great places to entertain.

While patios and decks can be wonderful additions to your property, it is vital to understand each of them and which option is less expensive to make an informed decision for your budget.

Other factors that influence which option is cheaper are:

THE SLOPE OF THE YARD WHERE YOU WANT TO PLACE THE DECK OR PATIO

Because a concrete patio is usually built directly on the ground, it is best to choose a level area. Because constructing a foundation can double or even triple the additional cost, a patio is frequently not the best option for uneven ground. If your yard has uneven ground, a deck is the cheaper option because the installation cost is almost never affected by the yard's slope.

INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY

Deck installation is generally more difficult than patio installation and is best handled by experts. Structures for supporting the deck must be cemented into ground-drilled holes. When it comes to properly attach the deck to your home, you must also take into account additional factors.

A deck can be built on uneven ground, making it an excellent choice for sloping landscapes or uneven yards. Waterproofing materials may sometimes be required to avoid compromising your home's foundation.

Installing a patio is considerably simpler, but it requires extensive preparation of the ground surface where you will lay it. Patios are typically installed directly on the ground, so it is best installed in relatively flat and even areas.

If you're using poured concrete and the ground beneath it needs to be compacted, the area where the patio will be installed may need to be reinforced with rebar. You can do it as a do-it-yourself project, but it will most likely be difficult.

In terms of installation difficulty, installing a deck is typically more expensive because it requires a professional, whereas installing a patio is typically less expensive. It can end up being quite a costly project if your yard is sloping or uneven.

INSTALLATION COST

• The cost of installing a deck depends on its size, the materials used, and whether you hire a professional or DIY. A 16-feet by 20 feet deck can cost anywhere between $7,500 and $15,000. The cost, however, will vary depending on the material used. For example, redwood and cedar typically cost between $25 and $30 per square foot, with installation included.
• Composite or PVC costs between $30 and $45 per square foot, not including installation.

You can save a lot of money if you build the deck yourself. Decking materials cost between $1.75 and $5.50 per linear foot, and posts and joists cost between $4 and $8 per square foot.

The cost of installing a new patio is determined by the material used to build it and whether any leveling or groundwork is required before installation. A 16-by-20-foot patio will cost between $2,500 and $9,500, depending on the materials used and the labor required.

• On average, concrete patio pavers cost between $10 and $20 per square foot.
• On average, regular concrete costs between $9 and $15 per square foot.
• On average, stamped concrete costs between $12 and $15 per square foot.

All of the prices listed above include installation.

When comparing the installation costs of patios and decks, it is clear that patios are generally less expensive, but that is only half the story. Patios can still cost more to install than decks, depending on the materials used.

MAINTENANCE

Another consideration when deciding between decks and patios is the cost of maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. Certain decking materials require only the occasional spraying or refinishing. However, repairing a deck costs approximately $1,500 each time. Patios are typically constructed of materials that require less maintenance over the patio's lifespan. The issue with low maintenance is that some people ignore long-term structural problems, which are costly to repair in the long run. That is why patios are the most manageable structure.

In Conclusion

So, is it cheaper to build a deck or patio? Patios are less expensive to build because they are made of simple materials. Decks and patios both have advantages and disadvantages. It ultimately depends on what you're looking for to make the best decision for your home. You can always build both if you can't decide between the two!

GET IN TOUCH

Call C&C Concrete Contractors today at (402) 326-5512 for a free estimate on your next concrete project if you want a new patio, pool deck, or driveway.