If you want to build a gazebo but are confused about deciding between a patio and a deck, you have questions about an outdoor living area that fits your lifestyle before you start planning. There are several considerations to take into account.
Concrete patios are robust, easy to maintain, and affordable. They can be constructed to resemble other materials but can be cold and prone to cracking. Wooden decks are attractive and relaxing. They offer more design freedom but are harder to maintain, deteriorate faster, and have a shorter lifespan.
Your choice should be based on how it looks, how willing you are to maintain it, and your budget. Patios are practical, while decks have a warm appearance. The decision will ultimately come down to personal preferences regarding longevity, upkeep, and overall aesthetics.
In this article, you will find answers to your questions: Does it cost less to build a patio or a deck? Which is simpler to construct? Should you add an attached deck or a freestanding yard? When it comes to building outdoor living spaces, you have a lot of choices, and it can be challenging to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Concrete Patio vs. Deck
Whether you choose a concrete patio or a deck depends on your priorities. Concrete patios are cost-effective and low-maintenance, while decks offer a pleasing aesthetic and comfort. Patios are designed for practicality, whereas decks have a cosy appeal but require more upkeep. Your decision should be based on your preferences, willingness to maintain it, and budget.
What Are Decks?
Decks are high platforms constructed from wood, pressure-treated lumber, composite, PVC, and other materials. Typically, decks are attached to a house. They can be built elevated above the ground and accessed via stairs or constructed at ground level, supported by joists.
Types Of Decks
There are two kinds of deck. Many people think of a deck that is higher off the ground, but it is also possible to have a deck at ground level. The difference between this type of deck and a patio is that a patio sits right on the ground, while this type of deck does not.
Elevated Deck
In many neighborhoods, the living room and dining room on the main floor lead out to elevated decks. Because they are raised, they work well on sloped lots and other uneven ground. This makes them perfect for hilly areas or homes higher off the ground.
Ground-Level Deck
Even though it’s called a “ground-level deck,” it’s not exactly on the ground. Even though these decks are low to the ground, they still need a slightly higher foundation. Most ground-level decks have a few stairs that make it easy for guests to get to the deck. Also, a ground-level deck is easier to keep up than an elevated one, and it doesn’t need to be connected to the house to be stable.
What are Patios?
Patios are places to sit outside that are level with the ground and are usually made of concrete. (Concrete is the most common material for making a patio, but you can also use stone, gravel, and other things).
What Is Cheaper To Build A Deck Or A Concrete Patio?
The cost of building a deck or a concrete patio relies on things like the materials used, the size, the amount of work needed, and the location. Concrete patios are usually cheaper to build than decks at first. This is mostly because materials like concrete are cheaper. However, the cost of a deck can vary a lot based on what kind of wood or composite material is used. Even though concrete patios may cost less initially, you need to consider how much it will cost to keep up in the long run. Decks may need more maintenance, like staining and sealing, which can add to their total cost over time. Ultimately, choose between the two based on your budget, preferences, and outdoor area needs.
Concrete Patio vs. Deck: Which Is Best?
Both types of structures can be used for similar things. Choosing between a deck and a concrete patio for your outdoor area depends on many things, such as how it looks, how much it costs, how easy it is to maintain, and which fits your lifestyle, landscape, and personal preferences the best. Here’s a full look at how these two are different:
The Ground:
A deck is an elevated building that can be just a few inches above or several feet above the ground if joists or concrete pillars support it. Decks work well on sloped or uneven ground because they are raised, so land is rarely a problem.
Concrete Patio
Look at the way your land looks. Is it steep and sloping or flat as a pancake? Because it sits directly on the subgrade, a patio made of poured-in-place concrete or concrete pavers works well on flat ground. Moreover, it makes the best pool deck material for in-ground pools because it doesn’t deteriorate. Even though making a concrete patio on a sloped property can be more difficult, it is often possible with the help of segmental retaining walls.
Weight Limits:
When building a raised or elevated deck, it’s important to think about how much weight it can safely hold. Before building a deck, many cities and towns require a permit. This is because decks are often attached to the house and must be strong enough for the planned use. So, you’ll need to decide what outdoor furniture and activities you want to use the deck for and ensure they weigh only a little. Heavy things like outdoor fireplaces or pizza ovens work best on decks that sit flat on the ground.
Concrete Patio
Also, putting in a patio usually doesn’t need a building permit or check because there are usually no weight limits. Even though you don’t always need a permit to build a patio, you should check with your local building office to be sure. Even if you don’t need a permit, you may need to do a lot of work to prepare the ground for a concrete patio before you pour the concrete.
Aesthetics:
Often made of wood or a mix of materials, decks look warm and welcoming. They can make your outdoor place look more beautiful and give it a natural, organic feel.
You can stain or paint a wood deck in almost any colour you want, and if you want, you can change the colour every few years if you want to. You can also use the deck boards to make patterns, like chevrons or herringbones. But most decks are only able to be square or rectangular.
Concrete Patio
There are many ways to create a concrete patio. They can look like stone or brick by being stamped, dyed, or coloured to make them look like those things. But plain concrete can look harsh, so other design features need to make it look better.
Poured-in-place concrete can be shaped into almost any shape you can think of, so you can use it to circle a pool and make it look nice. One of the best things about concrete for a patio is that it comes in more colours than any other material. However, the colour is usually fixed and hard to change. You can also use stamps to make concrete look like brick, stone, or wood. Decorative scoring or engraving can also be used to make geometric patterns.
Concrete pavers can be used to build patios with the same kind of design and flexibility. The pavers come in a wide range of shapes, colours, and sizes and can be put in various eye-catching patterns. Like stamped or stained concrete, the colour is lasting, so think carefully about what you want.
Maintenance:
Decks typically require more maintenance and care. To prevent issues like rot, warping, and splintering, wood decks need to be regularly stained, sealed, and sometimes repaired. Composite decks are easy to take care of, but they may still need to be cleaned and fixed occasionally. To paint a wood deck again will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Also, people who own a wood deck must check it yearly for weak boards, mold, and rot.
Concrete Patio
Concrete patios last long and don’t need much upkeep once built. Most of the time, cleaning and fixing them every so often is enough to keep them in good shape. But concrete can crack over time, especially in places where it freezes and thaws. However, concrete decks don’t need to be protected and held together as often as wooden ones. While it costs between $100 and $200 to finish a concrete patio.
Comfort:
Decks tend to stay cooler in full sunlight than concrete patios, making walking barefoot more comfortable. They have a softer surface and might be easier on the feet.
Concrete Patio
Direct sunlight can make concrete hot, making it less pleasant to walk on in the summer. But this can be less of a problem if the right shade or covering is used.
Choices For Designs:
There are many ways to create a deck, including using different kinds of wood, stains, paints, and railings. This lets you change the look to fit your style and the look of your home.
Concrete Patio
Stamping, painting, or colouring can change the look of a concrete patio. You can make different designs and textures like bricks, stones, or tiles.
Cost:
The materials used can greatly affect how much a deck costs. Decks can be pricey if made of high-end wood species or composite materials, especially when building labour is considered.
Decks made of composite materials and high-end woods, like tropical hardwoods, will cost the most ($23 to over $30 per square foot), while decks made of pressure-treated lumber will cost the least ($16 to $18 per square foot).
Concrete Patio
Concrete patios are often cheaper to build at first because concrete is cheaper than other materials. But extra design features or finishing could make the total cost go up. Depending on the decorations you choose and how hard the job is, building a patio is often the more cost-effective choice. For example, a stamped concrete patio can range from $8 per square foot for a simple installation to over $18 for a high-end job with multiple colours and patterns. A concrete brick patio can cost up to $20 per square foot, which is a bit more.
Remember that you’ll also have to pay for extra items for your deck or patio. Stairs and safety railings are often needed for higher decks. You won’t need stairs or steps on a concrete patio but want to install concrete seat walls.
Life span:
Wood decks can last for decades if well taken care of; plastic decks often come with long warranties. But compared to concrete decks, they only last for a short time.
However, the lifespan of concrete and composite decks is about the same. Because natural wood is more likely to weather and wear than concrete, it will need regular care to last as long as possible.
Concrete Patio
Concrete patios are known to last longer if taken care of properly. They can last long and are often considered an investment in the long run. If you want to live in your house for a long time, consider how long it will last. Most natural wood decks won’t last as long as a concrete patio, which can last for 30 years or more.
Environmental impact
Depending on what kind of wood or composite materials are used, a deck can affect the surroundings differently. The impact on the earth can be lessened using sustainable wood and composite materials made from recycled materials. The decks look nice and are comfortable, but they need more upkeep.
Concrete Patio
Making concrete can leave a bigger carbon footprint, but this can be lessened by using eco-friendly concrete mixes or adding recycled materials.
Ultimately, you should choose between a deck and a concrete patio based on your needs and wants. Concrete decks are strong, low-maintenance, and cheap but may not look warm. Your choice should fit your style, income, and willingness to do regular maintenance.
Conclusion
Decks are comfortable and attractive but require maintenance. With creative variety, concrete patios are durable, low-maintenance, and affordable. Choose an outdoor space that fits your lifestyle and enhances your house based on price, style, climate, and maintenance.
Despite all other factors, building a wood deck or a concrete patio may come down to personal preference. If you like the look and warmth of natural wood and don’t mind the extra maintenance, a deck is the right choice. Concrete patios are unmatched for their low maintenance, infinite colours, patterns, and finishes, and ability to be shaped.
Patios are designed with functionality in mind, while decks, despite their inviting appearance, call for a greater level of care and upkeep to preserve their attractiveness and structural soundness.