What Are Some Reasons To Choose A Wood Deck
In our area, there is a new trend in design that is modern and highly influenced by eastern residential, particularly Japanese residential styles. Ive seen a lot of houses, designed in the standard brick ranch style, be completely transformed into this new style over the last seven years. And with that new style, comes a desire for wood decks.
As I mentioned, wood decks arent the practical choice, especially right now when there is a supply chain issue and wood has skyrocketed in cost. However, wood may be exactly the style thats needed for completing the design preference for your outdoor living space. Wood is used to create decking, which is meant to be elevated. It can be used to make a balcony or for sloping yards or yards with problematic terrain.
If your decision to use wood is also based on turn-around value, choosing wood decking has a good immediate return on investment should you be in the market for selling your home and want to add something that increases the value. However, in the long-term, that value can dwindle. Wooden decking requires cleaning, staining, and constant lookout for the rotten wood that needs to be replaced.
Thats why you might find the best benefit in researching a plastic-wood composite that requires less maintenance and lasts longer than wood. The initial cost is higher, but if youre not planning to sell the property anytime soon, this would be a sound decision.
The Difference Between A Patio And A Deck
Patios are typically made of concrete, and theyre level with the ground most of the time. On the other hand, decks are raised off the ground and made of wood. That is unless you choose another such as composite or vinyl. Though, wood is the most popular choice because it looks natural and is affordable.
Can You Diy A Wood Deck
Most anyone can build their own wood deck, though this can become a more complicated DIY the more intricate the structure. To build a floating ground-level deck will not require the installation of concrete footings, using deck blocks instead to support the deck floor, making this DIY project a lot easier to complete.
If you are wanting a more complicated deck like a wrap-around, second story, or multi-tiered deck, you may want to hire the job out to a professional. Whichever way you go, always make sure to always obtain the required permits for your home addition.
Don’t forget to treat your wood deck once finished to guarantee a longer lifespan. When and how often to re-stain your deck is dependent on the climate zone you live in. There are also several signs your deck is in need of a good top-coat. Read our tips on when and how often to stain a wood deck here.
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Central Home Supply Can Help With Paver Materials
Select Central Home Supply as your materials suppliers for your patio, and we will help you to find the perfect paving stones. Take a look at our range of pavers to discover interlocking pavers, concrete pavers, natural stone, and a variety of colors. Call us to talk about your requirements, send us an email or fill out our contact form to get in touch.
How Much Would A 2020 Concrete Patio Cost
A 20×20 concrete patio costs on average $2,000 to $7,000. $12 per square foot, but labor and other fees may bring the total to around $15-$17/sq.ft.
For a three-inch thick poured slab of concrete that has no decorative features or coloration, this price is fair and reasonable.
The high cost comes from not only having to pay for the materials themselves , but also because pouring such large areas requires more time than smaller jobs would involve as well as extra equipment like screeds and finishers with larger squeegees.
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Is Decking Or Paving Cheaper
In the current market, paving is usually cheaper than decking due to the lower cost of materials and labour. If the ground requires extensive preparation before pouring concrete or installing your composite patio slabs, the cost becomes comparable. Ask your contractor for an estimate based on your yards terrain considerations.
Whats The Cheapest Way To Build A Patio
A DIY on grade patio made from poured concrete can cost as little as $700 to install. Sandstone and flagstone are slightly more expensive, running you $11-$30 per square foot of hardscaped patio. Paving your yard in granite cobblestone, at up to $50 per square foot, is certainly not the cheapest way to build a patio. The deciding factors in your budget will be your chosen materials and the cost of labour.
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Concrete Patio Vs Wood Deck: Which Is Better
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Having a house is great, but even better is if you have a really nice outdoor seating area. When summertime comes around, having a nice deck or patio with some great furniture on it so you can relax outside, eat meals in the evening sunlight, and more, can be very cool indeed.
With that being said, you have two choices to go with, these being concrete patios and wooden decks. Both of them have their pros and cons to think about. What were here to do today is to provide you with all the basic information that you need about these types of outdoor seating areas so you can make an informed choice as to which one to build.
Caring For Patios And Decks
To preserve the beauty of a wooden deck, you have to maintain them annually, unlike a brick or concrete patio. This may need sanding and scrubbing. Your deck might need to be renovated or painted if it has gone too long without routine care. Both a deck and patio will require a check to ensure there arent any loose screws, nails, or boards. It must also be renovated or sanded to ensure there are no peeling pieces of wood that could result in splinters. Based on the scope of the repair project, a variety of deck products are available.
Although a patio doesnt need the same level of attention as a deck, it has to be maintained depending on the material. This includes pea gravel should be raked and cleaned, bricks might require replacement, and concrete might need to be cleaned to remove mildew or mold.
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Cement Patios: The Pros And Cons
The origin of cement dates back over 2,000 years ago when the Greeks and Romans mixed volcano ash with lime and water to form a hard mass. But modern concrete really became popular in 1913 when Ready Mix was created and began mixing concrete at a central location and delivering it to job sites. Colored concrete was invented in 1915 and continues to grow in popularity. Decorative concrete was developed in the 1950s and has seen an enormous growth in popularity, changing what used to be plain and basic patios into something decorative and beautiful.
One of the biggest pros of a concrete patio is the cost. The initial cost of a cement patio is usually far less than a wooden deck. 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. Traditional decks are pretty straightforward, they are all shaped about the same way, and the stain and sealant colors are quite common. When you choose a cement patio, you have literally thousands of options when selecting the style and finish. Stamping patterns and other finishing techniques are used to emulate tile, stone, and brick as well as geometric designs. You can also stain cement patios in solid colors or even blended patterns.
Stylistic Versatility Of Concrete
Traditional wooden decks are relatively straightforward in the manner they are laid with the greatest design choice being balcony material and the stain and sealant colors.
Similarly, gravel or crushed limestone patios are inexpensive and quick solutions but offer limit style choices to the color of the crushed stone and the material used to border it. In sharp contrast, there are thousands of options when selecting the style and finish of a patio.
Finishing techniques such as stamping patterns to emulate brick, stone and tile, scoring geometric designs, and staining concrete patios in solid colors or blended patterns start as low as $2-8 a square foot.
On the higher end, sophisticated design options such as embossing or engraving patterns and logos into concrete surfaces or complex faux finishes to emulate a variety of natural stones from slate to marble sometimes run upwards of $20 a square foot.
The variety of design options available make it easy to create a patio area entirely unique to your backyard, taste, and budget.
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Advantages Of Timber Decking
- Suitable for uneven or sloped terrain
- Natural appearance, with the colour and texture of different timber species
- Eco-friendly when using sustainably-harvested timber
- More comfortable on hot days
- More affordable than composite decking, depending on the choice of timber
- A smaller deck may be a suitable DIY project, with less excavation work than a patio
Wooden Decks Vs Concrete Patios
There are several similarities in the maintenance process of wooden decks and concrete patios. Both need to be properly maintained to maximize the longevity of the surface material against the damage caused by rain, ice, heat, and cold.
Also, both wooden decks and concrete patios must be power washed and scrubbed, sanded, or ground until smooth before they can be resealed. If properly maintained, both surface types can last upwards of 30 years. However, the sealant application is far simpler for concrete when compared with wooden decks.
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, which means they must be power washed and sanded every year as well.
Homeadvisor.com estimates that most homeowners spend $500-1000 on sealing or waterproofing a deck. 4 gallons of sealant are needed to cover 1,000 square feet at an average cost of $150, and an anti-mold and mildew deck cleaner must be applied before the sealant.
Additionally, owners of wooden decks must also check for rot and mold, replace damaged wood, and check for and replace loosened nails and screws.
Overall, concrete is both easier and cheaper to maintain.
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How Deep Do You Need To Dig For A Patio
The depth depends on the ground where you plan to install your patio. Dig 1 inch or 2 for a rocky area if water does not accumulate. Dig 6 inches if water gathers quickly. To learn about the ground you have, you may contact your Public Works Department or City Hall to inquire about the type of soil condition on your property.
What Is The Difference Between A Deck And A Patio
The main difference between a deck and patio is their relation to the ground. A deck is raised, where a patio is at ground level. Two additional factors that every homeowner should consider are the difference in material and cost.
Material
Wood or composite materials are go-tos for decks. In contrast, concrete pavers, bricks, and stone slabs are common materials for patios. Each material offers a unique look and has its own pros and cons. For example, concrete is more durable than wood, but it can look industrial and unwelcoming if not accessorized well.
Cost
Patios not only cost less to build initially, but durable materials like stamped concrete and stone also mean fewer maintenance costs. The cost per square foot of a patio ranges from $15-$50, whereas a deck is approximately $25-$55. Keep in mind that costs will vary depending on which materials you choose, the size of the build, and who is building it.
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The Condition And Slope Of Your Yard
When choosing between a wooden deck and a concrete patio, the condition and slope of your yard are important factors. Patios are great for flat or low-sloping yards since theyre mostly level with the ground. However, installing a patio will be difficult if your yard is a steep hill. The contractors will have to take extra steps to prepare the ground, which could add thousands of dollars to your bill.
For this reason, people with steep-sloped yards opt for a deck. Since theyre raised, theyre easier and cheaper to install. Plus, you can get a multi-level deck to make your entire backyard space more useable if you choose to do so.
Installation Of Wood Vs Concrete Patio
Installing Wood Patio
Installing a wooden patio is more complex than a concrete patio. Wooden patios need professional installation and can be damaged or cause accidents if constructed wrongly.
A wooden patio is typically made from wood boards nailed to the joists that span between posts or beams. The boards are then typically covered with a layer of planks or materials such as plywood or hardboard.
The wooden surface will need to be secured with screws and nails at each joist location and every few feet along any side edge where it meets. Other types of materials can be used, but they all have similar installation requirements.
Installing Concrete Patio
For the installation of concrete patios, the preparation of the concrete is crucial for it to dry and harden properly. You will have to measure appropriately to plan the correct amount of materials and prepare the correct amount of concrete mix to water ratio. Mixing suitable concrete is very important because it can help make sure that your patio stays solid and durable for years to come.
Pouring concrete is a reasonably easy process, as you would only need to prepare the concrete and level the surface before pouring it on. Nevertheless, this process requires skill, and you might need to contract the service of professionals.
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Elevated Or Ground Level
A wooden deck floats above the ground rather than resting flush against it. There are two main types of raised wooden decks:
Elevated decks are continuous between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is the go-to deck design for hosting dinner parties that transition seamlessly to outdoor barbecues. If youre looking to have more separation between living areas and gathering zones, this will not be the best choice for you.
Ground-level decks or wood patios are still slightly raised, though often placed a few steps down from the main living area. This offers increased privacy and draws a clear line between indoor and outdoor spaces. You also have the option of incorporating a paved, concrete area into your wood patio to reduce the overall cost of your renovation. Choose the design that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Wood Decks: The Good And The Bad
Wood decks have been around for a very long time, but before the 1970s, they were simple, small rectangular spaces, and people didnt use them for recreational purposes. By the 1980s, decks began to change dramatically. They were no longer just a space where dad grilled burgers they started to take on exciting purposes, and homeowners wanted their outdoor spaces customized. Decks suddenly became extensions of the home instead of a cheap exterior addition.
Wood or composite decking vary in price, looks, and durability. A well-constructed deck will give you years of service and enjoyment. The deck design process starts with the type of material or wood you want to use for your deck.
Natural wood is the traditional material used for decks, the very first decks were made from wood, and it remains a popular choice. Natural wood is the real deal it is natural, smells good, and looks great. There are several types of wood you can choose from, each with its own distinctive qualities and looks. There are other options when installing wood decks, including the type of finish.
There are several downsides to composite decks that you should consider. Composite decks are not resistant to mold and mildew, some composite slats are obviously cheap or fake looking, and they tend to sag and bend more than wood. Additionally, composite slats come from non-renewable sources.
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Cost Of Materials And Installation
The next thing to consider here is that wooden decks can be anywhere from two to four times more expensive to install than concrete patios.
Now, of course, this is going to depend on many different factors, but with that being said, on average you can expect to spend around $30 per square foot for a wooden deck, whereas for a concrete patio you can expect to spend anywhere between $5 and $15 per square foot.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Make A Patio
A paver patio can be a DIY project that saves you a lot of money. Professional labor costs from $6 to $11 per square foot. Pavers only cost between $2 and $4 per square foot.
An expertly-installed patio costs between $10 and $17 per square foot. Additional costs include delivery fees, tamping, and other materials needed. Doing it on your own requires time and strength and you may want to consider planning first before ordering or buying anything.
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