Looking to upgrade your outdoor living space? Explore the pros and cons of building a wood deck or pouring a cement patio to determine which option is cheaper for you. Find out what materials and labor costs you should expect for each project and get help deciding which is the best choice for your budget.
Is It Cheaper To Build a Deck Or Pour a Concrete Patio?
When considering the cost of adding an outdoor living space to your home improvement, you may wonder if building a deck or pouring a concrete patio is cheaper. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the price will depend on the size of the project and the materials used. In this article, we’ll compare the cost of constructing a deck and installing a patio to help you decide the deck vs patio best option for your home.
Building a wood deck or concrete patio is a personal decision based on individual preferences and needs. Generally, a cement patio is cheaper than a lumber balcony elevated deck in terms of initial and maintenance costs over time. The initial cost of laying a poured concrete patio is around $4.40 to $16 per square foot. In comparison, a wood balcony costs roughly $21 per square foot for lower-cost pressure-treated lumber on average cost, and higher-end wood is $20 to $50 sq. ft. Patios made of more inexpensive materials like concrete pavers or stone usually cost less than wood balconies. Lumber balconies are better suited for uneven terrain and can be built at any height above ground level, offering more design options and the ability to customize with different materials such as natural wood or composite decking. Cement patios are better suited for flat terrain and require less maintenance over time but offer fewer design options. Ultimately, deciding on creating a deck and a patio is up to the individual.
Cost of Building a Deck
The cost of constructing an outdoor deck depends on the size of the balcony, the materials, and the complexity of the design. On average, the labor rate alone is $15 to $35 sq. ft. for higher end custom designs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per square foot for the materials and labor, and if you want a lower-end wood terrace, it will be around $21 sq. ft. for the average price. In addition, you may need to factor in the cost of a permit and any additional features, such as railings, steps, or benches.
Cost of Pouring a Concrete Patio
The cost of pouring a made of concrete patio expense depends on the ground-level deck size, the type of paver patio concrete used, and the complexity of the design. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4.40 to $16 per square foot for the materials and labor. In addition, you may need to factor in the cost of a outdoor space permit and any additional features, such as a fire pit, retaining wall, or lighting.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between creating a deck and patio, several factors must be considered. The size of the project, the materials, the complexity of the design, and the climate you live in all play a role in the project’s cost:
Size of the Project
The size of the project is an essential factor to consider when deciding between producing a deck and patio. Constructing a deck requires more materials and labor than pouring a aggregate patio, so the bigger the project, the more expensive it will be.
Materials Used
The materials for building a deck or patio will affect the project’s cost. Assembling a deck requires more materials than pouring a easier to build aggregate patio, so the type and quality of the materials you choose will significantly impact the project’s cost.
The complexity of the Design
The complexity of the design will also affect the cost of the project. For example, if you choose a more complex structure, such as a multi-level deck or a curved patio, the price will be higher than if you choose a more straightforward design.
Climate
The climate you live in will also affect the cost of the patios and decks project. For example, in areas that get a lot of rain or snow, cement patios may require additional waterproofing or staining to protect them from the elements. Likewise, decks may need extra insulation in cold climates to keep them from freezing.
What Is The ROI of a Deck Or Patio
Wooden balconies tend to provide a less return on investment than aggregate patios ROI. Wooden terraces offer a 76% ROI, while patios provide 100% ROI. A wood deck can range from $20 to $50 per square foot or $2,400 to $6,000 for 120 square feet of space. A aggregate cement patio costs $4.40 to $16 per square foot and $528 to $1,920 for 120 square feet.
Wooden balconies can significantly increase a home’s value, but the cost depends on the materials, the deck size, and whether you build it or hire a professional. For example, a 16′ x 20′ deck could cost as little as $6,400 or as much as $16,000.
In terms of durability and lifespan, cement patios are more durable and can last 25-plus years with proper maintenance over wooden decks. Wooden composite decks have an average lifespan of 15 years before needing replacement due to water damage and wood-boring insects. Composite wood can extend this lifespan but comes with higher material costs.
The Pros and Cons of Building a Wood Deck Vs. a Cement Patio
When deciding between building a wooden terrace or a aggregate cement patio, several factors must be considered. A cement patio is generally cheaper to install, with an average project price of $4,080 compared to national average $7,732 for a wooden balcony. However, a wood terrace will likely have a lesser return on investment than a aggregate patio. A patio is usually made of inexpensive materials such as concrete or stone and doesn’t require permits or inspections. On the other hand, decks can range from simple elevated one-level decks to more elaborate multi-level constructions.
Regarding maintenance costs, a cement patio has lower maintenance costs over time than a wood balcony. For example, a aggregate patio costs only $4 to $16 per sq. ft., while a wood deck costs roughly $21 per sq. ft. for lower-cost pressure-treated lumber and $20 to $50 for a higher-end wooden composite deck surface. In addition, wooden decks require regular cleaning and sealing every 1 to 2 years, while aggregate patios need occasional cleaning and resealing every 3-5 years.
In terms of installation difficulty, pouring a concrete slab is generally easier than building a wooden deck from scratch. However, the complexity of the build a patio or wood deck you want to make will determine which option is more manageable. Additionally, wooden decks require structures for supporting the deck that must be cemented into holes drilled into the ground.
When considering durability and overall lifespan, aggregate patios are more durable than wooden composite decks in terms of water resistance, fire resistance, and impact resistance. In addition, aggregate patios can last well over 25 years, while wooden composite decks last for 10-20 years on average. Ultimately, the decision between building a wood deck or patio depends on personal preference and budget.
FAQs:
Q: What Is The Cheapest Option?
A: The cheapest option depends on the size of the project, the materials, and the complexity of the design. On average, pouring a 12×12 aggregate patio is usually cheaper than assembling a deck.
Q: How Long Does It Take To Build a Deck Or Pour a Concrete Patio?
A: The amount of time it takes to constructing a deck or pour a aggregate patio depends on the project’s size and the design’s complexity. On average, it takes around 3-5 days to creating a deck and 1-2 days to pour a cement patio.
Q: What Are The Benefits Of Building a Deck?
A: Creating a deck offers many benefits, such as increased outdoor living space, property value, and versatility. It can also be more weather resistant than a aggregate patio.
Q: What Are The Benefits Of Pouring a Concrete Patio?
A: Pouring a decorative concrete patio is usually cheaper and has many benefits than assembling a deck, and it can be more durable than a wood deck. It also requires less maintenance and can be easier to clean.
Q: What Should I Consider When Deciding Between Building a Deck and Pouring a Concrete Patio?
A: When deciding between constructing a deck and pouring a cement patio, you should consider the project size, the materials, the complexity of the design, and the climate you live in.
Q: Is It Cheaper To Slab or Deck a Patio
A: It depends on your materials, but wood decking is generally more expensive than traditional concrete or stamped concrete patio cost slabbing.
Q: Does Concrete Patio or Deck Add More Value?
A: The answer to this question depends on the patio or deck’s size, location, if it has been surfaced with an upgraded patio of stamped concrete, and condition. Generally, a well-constructed, attractive patio or deck can add significant value to a home, especially if it is in a desirable location, such as one with a view or close to a pool. However, if the patio or deck is in poor condition or too small, it may not add much value.
Q: Is It Cheaper To Build a Porch With Concrete or Wood?
A: The cost of building a porch with either concrete, stamped concrete, or wood will depend on the size and complexity of the project. Generally, concrete is usually cheaper than wood.
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Build a 20×20 Deck?
A: The cost to build a 20×20 deck ranges from around $8,000 to $20,000, with an average of $14k, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design. A 20×20 cement patio cost is much cheaper than a 20×20 wood terrace.
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