Cost To Build A Patio
Homeowners spend an average of $5,400 on a 12-foot by 18-foot patio with pavers laid in an intricate design, according to Graham. This includes a professional labor cost of approximately $2,000.
The cost to build a patio yourself will depend on the material you choose, which can go from $5 to $10 per square foot for gravel up to $18 to $24 for bluestone, Graham says, adding that you might need to budget extra for having materials delivered or renting the necessary tools.
Other add-ons like building a pergola or including an awning can add many thousands of dollars to your project costs, depending on the material. When it comes to maintenance, though, you might realize some savings.
Patios are generally more durable and require less maintenance than a deck, Graham says. An annual hose wash is normally enough, and regular checks for cracks with extreme cracks, the whole patio would need to be removed and replaced.
Putting In A Deck Or Patio
Many homeowners today see outdoor living space as a must-have amenity, as a well-planned deck or patio can add a lot of enjoyment to their home. But the wrong deck or patio can become unused dead space. In the end, a dream of relaxation can become a negative experience and can produce new stress for the homeowner.
Sometimes, local building codes or the terrain of the site dictates whether you build a deck or patio for your clients. In addition to code and topography consideration, builders often must assist clients in deciding if a deck or patio is what they want and need. In those cases, builders need to know how their clients plan to use the new space.
“You have to ask the right questions,” says Casey Loyd, president of Cal Spas in Pomona, Calif. “You have to get them to be honest about their budget, find how they plan to use the space, and how they feel about doing maintenance.”
Casey has seen such a huge demand for outdoor living space, especially in his native Southern California, that his company now offers design and installation services as well.
“A deck is usually the most affordable option, and concrete is often the most durable and lowest maintenance. With all the different material and design options out there now, it shouldn’t be hard to settle on something the homeowner will love,” Casey says.
Casey says certain factors can help determine if a deck is more suitable than a patio:
Cheaper Alternative To Slabs Moneysavingexpert Forum
·How about concrete with large gravel. Some concrete colouring and some plastic fibres which help bind the concrete together and help prevent it from breaking up. Then you can have a coloured patio of your choice and the price should be lower than paying for slabs. I had this idea for my back yard because I did not want to pay out for slabs.
Concrete Patios And Wood Decks: The Basics
Before we get into talking about the main differences between concrete patios and wooden decks, lets first take a closer look at what both of them are.
One thing that is interesting to note is that these two things are very different, and yet many people often confuse them with one another. What we want to do right now is to clear up any confusion that you might have.
Which Should You Choose
Whether you decide to build a wooden deck or a hardscape patio will depend largely on your property, home and your budget. For an affordable, long-lasting outdoor space that you can customize exactly to your liking, a hardscape patio is an attractive option.
Now that you’re inspired, discover the products that will help you bring your landscape vision to life!
Deck Vs Patio: Which Is The Right Outdoor Space For You
When you consider whether to choose a deck vs. a patio, there are several considerations.
A deck is an open outdoor platform that rises above ground and is connected to a house. Commonly made of wood, a deck doesnt have a roof overhead. A patio may or may not have a full or partial roof and is defined as a paved area of the ground. Unlike a deck thats always connected to the home, a patio may or may not be connected to your house.
Decks are typically built with wood, including cedar, bamboo, mahogany, redwood, Ipe hardwood, or pressure-treated pine. Other materials such as aluminum, stone, cement, rubber, fiberglass, or composite materials that appear similar to wood are also popular decking choices. Choosing the right material for your deck can depend on a range of factors such as your climate, budget, personal style, and the decks location on your property.
For instance, will the deck be under full sun, or are there shady trees overhead to protect it? This is a key question to ask when determining what decking material is right for your needs. A local patio contractor, a deck builder near you, or even taking a quick jaunt around the neighborhood to see what is popular locally can also help you decide what material is best for your deck or patio.
Patios are paved with stone, concrete, or cement, making them more permanent, or at least more complicated to move or replace in most situations.
Deck Vs Patio: The Differences And Similarities
Both a deck and a patio give you more space to enjoy the outdoors, but constructing a deck can be more involved than a patio project, explains Adam Graham, construction and interior design editor for Fixr.
A deck is usually elevated for easier access from higher floors, whereas a patio tends to be at ground level in keeping with the rest of the yard, Graham says. Decks therefore often have the requirement of stairs, railings and skirting, which patios do not.
There are a variety of materials you can use to build a deck or patio. Here are some of the most common options for a deck, according to Graham:
- Softwood such as pine is a common material for pressure-treated decks. The wood is soaked in a preservative and put under pressure to prevent rot. This causes the wood to take on a greenish hue, which can be painted. The planks can be laid in a variety of patterns.
- Steel is a less common deck material because it conducts heat and can be uncomfortable in hot weather or direct sun. It requires a professional installer and can be difficult to work with.
- Composite decking is a wood alternative that often uses some degree of recycled materials. It is designed to withstand the elements and is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Like natural wood, it can be installed in a variety of patterns.
These are some of the most common patio materials:
Which Is Cheaper: A Deck Or A Patio
Before “outdoor living” became the cornerstone of home improvement , people across the country already knew the joys of lounging on decks and kicking back on patios. If you’d like to add an outdoor room to your home, it’s time to match your dream to your budget. You’ll need to compare the cost of materials, labor and upkeep for each type of structure.
Although the term “deck” originally referred to the weight-supporting surfaces found on ships, today the word also refers to elevated structures installed along the back side of homes. Although decks were traditionally made of wood, modern versions often feature composite materials made from recycled plastics. This is a low-maintenance option that doesn’t split or warp like wood, and one that doesn’t need to be resealed periodically. However, the materials are about double the price of a wood deck. According to Robert Donaldson, an architect based in Cleveland, Ohio, with 14 years of experience in the planning and building of decks and patios, in 2011 a synthetic-wood deck averaged about $13.50 per square foot for materials. A treated lumber deck, on the other hand, cost about $7 or $8 per square foot for materials.
Decks built with either type of material will require the additional cost of concrete footings to stabilize the structure, which could add another $1 to $2 per square foot. Plus, the labor to install a deck will be nearly equal to the cost of materials.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Build A Deck
The price of your deck is dependent on several factors, including, but not limited to the following:
- Structure type
- Cost of materials
- Cost of labor
The cheapest way to build a deck is to go with a floating ground-level structure style. This requires fewer materials and labor to build. These decks are generally just a few inches off the ground, sitting on deck blocks instead of footings. This kind of deck works with patio doors that open right out onto ground level or just a bit higher. The image below shows an example of a ground-level deck structure.
The size of your deck will affect the price as well. A smaller square foot area will require fewer materials and be overall more affordable than a larger, more prominent deck. As for the cost of materials, if looking for the most affordable option, you will want to go with cheaper wood.
Pressure-treated lumber is a great, cheaper option when building a new deck. Though pressure-treated lumber is created to withstand the elements making it great at holding up over time, it is typically made of lower quality woods and can be unsightly to some homeowners. Cedar is the next most affordable option, which looks beautiful and works well for building deck floors.
How Much Home Value Does A Deck Add
In short: A quality deck will almost certainly make a valuable addition to your house. So exactly how much does a deck increase the value of your home? Experts estimate that a deck offers a resale value of at least 76%, which is higher than just about any other home renovation project. So you can do the math and estimate the increased value to your home. Just as an example, if you can add a deck for $10,000, then on average it will increase your home value by approximately $7,60076% of the total.
Of course, the true value varies a little depending on where you live. But a deck in a warm-weather climate is almost always a good idea.
The materials you use can also influence the resale value. Wood decks offer the most bang for their buck, since theyre affordable and desirable in the home market. Composite decking is more expensive and doesn’t provide as high of resale value, but it is higher quality than wood decking. On average, high-end decking material runs about $30 per square foot.
Decks Vs Patios: Cost Pros Cons & Comparisons
Outside living spaces like decks and patios offer a wealth of opportunities for entertaining. From grilling out with family and friends to simply unwinding after work, a patio or deck can create the right atmosphere for many happy memories.
But before you take the plunge on planning an outdoor living space that works for your lifestyle, you might have questions. Is it cheaper to build a deck or a patio? Which is easier to build? Should you build a deck attached to your home or a free-standing patio? There are many options when it comes to building outdoor living spaces and it can be tough to weigh the pros and cons.
- Differences Between Decks & Patios
- Pros and Cons of Patios and Decks
- Whats the ROI for a Deck vs. Patio?
Both Decks And Patios Are Valuable Home Additions
Regardless of adding resale value to your home, any deck or poured patio is a surefire way to get more enjoyment out of your yard. Everyone loves to relax by the pool or barbeque on a comfortable deck or patio. Once your backyard home addition is complete, read up on how to decorate your outdoor space on a budget by clicking here.
Cost Of Pouring Concrete
In most cases, pouring concrete over your outdoor area as flooring is slightly cheaper than building a deck. As with decking, however, the total cost depends on many factors. How much would it cost in the UK?
Two of the most crucial factors that may affect the costs of pouring concrete are quality and size. The better the quality of the poured concrete, the more expensive it will be. Likewise, the larger the area you will be pouring concrete over, the higher the quality of materials you will have to use.
However, you will have to note that pouring concrete to create slabs is entirely different from pouring concrete to make solid foundations. The latter involves more extensive work and planning. Concrete slabs, which are often the flooring choice for outdoor spaces and driveways, will cost you around £70 to £125 per m³.
The labour costs for pouring concrete is also similar to building a deck. Youll pay anywhere from £200 to £400 for labour fees per day. Naturally, you can save money by doing the project all by yourself. It will take around two days to complete a medium-sized concrete slab, whereas it can take weeks to do concrete foundations and larger projects.
Overall, expect to spend anywhere between £900 to £2000 for a medium-sized concrete slab. Compared to wood decks, they are slightly cheaper.
Different Types Of Patio Surface Options
9. Patio Pavers. 1. Gravel. Gravel may not be the first thing that you would think of when the idea of a patio is brought up. Many people assume that patios need to have a uniform and solid surface. This doesnât have to be the case as you can actually make a really nice patio area out of the gravel.
Extremely Easy To Maintain
One of the biggest benefits of concrete patios is that they require little to no maintenance. Many wood decks have to be stripped, re-stained/re-painted and re-sealed on a very regular basis . This is not only costly but its also not an enjoyable way to spend your time.
Many concrete patios require no maintenance while some stained concrete patios require minimal maintenance to re-seal the concrete.
Required Terrain For Construction
For concrete patios, the ground underneath needs to be completely flat and level. If the ground is not flat and level, you are going to run into problems if you do not first flatten it.
On the other hand, due to the fact that wooden decks can be built using beams and support joists, they can be built on hills and unlevel terrain. Wooden decks are definitely more versatile in this sense.
Concrete Patios Versus Composite Decks
Using poured concrete is a quick and easy way to produce a patio. If you want something more than basic concrete, consider stamping, staining or coloring it to create a fantastic look.
Pros of Poured Concrete Patios: Heres what concrete offers
- The price of concrete is significantly less than composite decking and cheaper than paver bricks or stones too, both for material and installation
- Concrete can be stamped to look like pavers, field stone and other styles
- Acid staining and polishing the concrete creates looks similar to granite and marble
- Pigment can be added to the wet concrete to produce a spectrum of colors
Cons of Poured Concrete Patios: Here is what turns off some homeowners to using concrete
- Plain concrete lacks visual appeal
- Concrete eventually cracks, and cracks are unsightly
- DIY concrete installation isnt a good choice for those without experience
Concrete Patio Material Cost: $1.25 to $2.50 per square foot.Concrete Patio Installation Cost: $1.50 to $4 per square foot for plain concrete; up to $7 per square foot for stamping or staining.
Maintenance Costs Of Your Deck And Patio
Another factor to consider when choosing between decks or patios is the cost for maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. Decks built of certain materials only need the occasional spraying or refinishing. Although, repairing a deck costs about $1,500 each time. Patio are usually built of materials that require less maintenance over the lifespan of the patio. The problem with low-maintenance is that some people ignore long-term problems with the structure, which in the long-run its expensive to fix. That is why patios are the easiest structure to manage.
Aggregate Concrete Patio Cost
Your choice of pebbles or aggregate added to the concrete mix is what creates the range of different styles and adds to the durability. Will last a very long time. $0.90$1.80/sqft extra.
- Appearance: The exposed aggregate gives a surface of small stones or pebbles. When walking on it, you experience something similar to acupressure on your feet.
- Pros: Adds a higher surface of exposed aggregate in the form of pebbles. It is quite difficult to damage when compared to just concrete on its own.
- Upkeep: In addition to resealing every few years, pressure wash on a low setting so as not to dislodge any of the pebbles yet clean out the accumulated dirt and grit.
- Summary: A durable finish with a timeless style that compliments many outdoor design choices.
- The average size for a living room patio is 16 x 18.
- Mirrors the functionality of a living room except that it is outdoors.
- Features larger, more comfortable lounge chairs, a coffee table, and an outdoor sofa.
- Might feature either a firepit or an outdoor fireplace, lighting, and possibly some form of water features like a waterfall or fountain.
- A common feature is the addition of a pergola.
Is A Patio Worth The Money
If you enjoy outdoor entertaining or just chilling by yourself while reading the latest bestseller this home improvement project and the associated costs are totally worth it. A patio provides a space to relax at day’s end and gaze at the stars. Its also an ideal backdrop for hosting springtime brunches for your friends and family. And if you have an above-ground pool, a patio makes for the perfect lounge area to sun your buns in between dips.
Since were all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.
Which Option Is Cheaper: A Concrete Patio Or Wood Deck
Outdoor living spaces such as patios and decks are just what you need for entertaining guests outdoors or truly getting to enjoy your space. Adding a patio or deck can also be an excellent way to increase the value of your property. It can also create the proper atmosphere for creating many happy memories.
Overall, a concrete patio will generally be cheaper to install compared to a deck. While your specific house and yard set-up may determine which is cheaper for your individual needs, a wood deck is likely to have a better return on investment compared to a concrete patio. Of course, theres no rule that prevents you from having both a deck and a patio. After all, they are both excellent spaces for entertaining.
While both patios and decks can be wonderful additions to your property, it is first important to understand what each of them is as well as which option is cheaper to help you make an informed decision for your budget.
Elevation View And Privacy
One of the things to consider here is that patios are built flush with the ground, which means that they do allow for a good bit of privacy. On the other hand, because they are low to the ground, they dont offer a good view of the surrounding area.
Wooden decks are the exact opposite. They are raised up so they dont have the same level of privacy, but they do offer a good view of the surrounding area.
How Much Home Value Does A Patio Add
Outdoor patios are usually cheaper to install than a deck, and yet they tout a 100% resale value. Its reasonable to expect that youll recoup your investment. Wahoo! Not many home renovations have these kinds of bragging rights.
But before you get carried away pouring concrete all over your backyard, keep in mind that only certain patios have that much resale value. The key is to add just enough of an upgrade to your yard, without going so crazy that you lose money when its time to sell.
Most families want a big yard with plenty of grass and other landscaping, so a small patio is usually more desirable than a large patio. Patios can be made from concrete, brick, tile, hardwood, or flagstones. But the cheapest option is best for maximizing resale value, coming in at an impressive $5 per square foot. Outdoor lighting and pergolas can also offer a good resale value and enhance the space while you live in the home.
Which Has A Better Return On Investment
Every year, Remodeling Magazine creates a list of 21 popular renovation projects and evaluates how much value those projects add during a home sale. The most recent data suggests that patios return about 50% of their cost, while decks return closer to 60-75%. The National Realtor Association has found similar results, finding that a simple concrete paver patio returns tends to return around 70%, and wooden decks returning closer to 80%.
An asymmetrical comparison between a sophisticated deck and simple patio, like a Trex composite deck vs concrete patio, is more complicated. Inexpensive materials may suggest a greater ROI upfront, but factoring in the costs of maintenance changes that considerably..
Moreover, its important to weigh regional considerations. Decks tend to add more value in areas where outdoor lifestyles are popular. While patios arent quite as regionally restricted, in general, patio vs deck ROI calculations tend to favor decks because of the lower maintenance costs.
Concrete Patio Vs Wood Deck
The average cost to build a deck is $25 per square foot with most homeowners spending around $4,380 to $10,080. For an entry level deck it costs around $15/sq.ft., and for a deck built with premium materials costs $35/sq.ft.
- You wont have to deal with mold, rot, or termites.
- A decks wood fades if not treated,
- It might not be able to hold the weight of a hot tub or BBQ grill and kitchen area either.
- Usually needs to be power washed, stained, and resealed every few years.
Solve Water Problems First
This corner of the patio had settled by more than 2 in. over the years. That meant a big reservoir after rainand water in the basement. So we filled the reservoir with exterior-grade self-leveling compound. After the first batch hardened, we poured on a thin coat and gave it a slight slope so water would run away from the house.
Self-leveling compound hardens fast, so you can get on with the project. But it’s also expensive. If you’re not in a rush, you can get similar results for less than one-third the cost with concrete topping mix such as Sakrete Top ‘n Bond or Quikrete Sand/Topping Mix.
We also took a couple of other water-fighting steps. To prevent water from seeping down along the foundation, we caulked the gap between the patio and the house. At the other end of the patio, a corner of the slab had sunk slightly below the level of the soil and rainwater pooled there. To correct that, we shaved off the sod with a spade, dug out a couple of inches of soil and replaced the sod.
Alternativef: Alternatives To Patios
While concrete patios or paver patios are attractive, they can be expensive. Updating old patios with dyes or stains is the most cost-effective way to liven up an old concrete patio , but if you are looking to add a new patio or replace an old one, you may want to find low-cost alternatives to a concrete patio .