Concrete Patio vs Wood Deck: Which One Makes a Better Outdoor Space?
Creating more living space outside of your home consists of installing a wood deck or concrete patio on your property. Both options provide plenty of room for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing, but deciding on which one you want takes deep consideration. Learn the differences between a concrete patio vs. wood deck and which one best benefits your lifestyle from the top wood deck contractors in Fishers, IN.
The Considerations When Choosing Between Concrete Patio vs. Wood Deck
While some homeowners use the terms “patio” and “deck” interchangeably, these outdoor spaces have various differences that affect which one you choose. Whether you install them right up against your home or use them to surround your pool or hot tub, a patio or deck makes outdoor activities more fun and relaxing. Considering certain factors can help you understand whether a deck or patio works best for you and your home.
The Landscape
Patios rest directly against the ground, while decks often have posts that hold the floor up several inches or feet. When choosing between a deck and a patio, consider the grade of your yard. You can use a patio on flat grounds, while landscapes with different slopes, dips, or hills benefit best from a deck.
Landscape also affects installation, which in turn affects cost. Concrete patios on a grade use more materials and planning to complete, while a wood deck won’t incur extra costs regardless of the slope it’s on.
Weight Support
Depending on how you want to use your patio or deck, you should consider the amount of weight you need the floor to hold. For instance, heavy equipment like pizza ovens or brick outdoor fireplaces requires a strong foundation for safety, making a concrete patio a better option than a deck. Meanwhile, if you only want to grill out occasionally and have dinner in your outdoor space, a deck makes sense.
Before deciding on a porch or a deck, plan out how you want to use it. Make a list of the different dining, entertainment, and relaxation ideas you have for your space, then consider the heaviness of those items and the weight of your visitors. These concerns help you decide whether you’d benefit best from a wood deck or concrete patio.
Construction Cost
Whether you build a patio or a deck, you’ll need to pay for the construction materials and the labor of licensed and insured deck builders. Building a patio costs less than building a deck, with each square foot of concrete usually costing around eight dollars.
Deck prices differ depending on the type of wood you choose to build with, starting at $16 and running up to $30 or more per square foot. Decks often include additional charges for stairs and railings as well.
Stylistic Adaptability
When it comes to building a stylish outdoor space, you’ll find that concrete patios offer the most freedom. Style choices between a concrete patio vs. wood deck include:
Wood Decks
- The type of wood
- Wood stain or paint
- Deck flooring pattern
- Size and shape of deck
- Single or multi-tier layout
Concrete Patios
- The size and shape
- Various, but permanent, color options
- Stamped or patterned poured concrete
- Concrete pavers in multiple sizes, colors, and shapes
Longevity and Durability
Any homeowner hopes that their patio or deck will last as long as possible, but many factors determine the longevity and durability of your outdoor space. Between the two options, concrete patios last longer than wood decks due to the high amount of resilience that concrete has against the elements, foot traffic, and heavy weight.
Wood deck longevity and durability depends on the type of wood used and whether the construction team sealed the wood properly. Regardless of how well the sealant took, a wood deck will need repairs and replacements more often than a concrete patio.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Concrete patios clean up easier than wood decks and have lower maintenance requirements. You can spray off your patio every now and then to keep it clean, but even if debris sits on your concrete patio for months, it won’t damage the surface. However, under the same conditions a wood deck can develop rot and mold growth, weakening the overall structure.
Routine maintenance for concrete patio vs. wood deck includes:
Concrete Patio
- Clean up stains or spills immediately.
- Use concrete-safe cleaning chemicals.
- Use a pressure washer to take care of dirt, grime, and debris.
Wood Deck
- Repair or replace damaged boards.
- Clean up stains or spills immediately.
- Sweep your wooden deck regularly to keep debris off.
- Regularly check for splinters, soft spots, bowing, or other signs of damage.
- Use a pressure washer to take care of dirt, grime, and mold or mildew build-up.
Other Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Concrete Patio vs. Wood Deck
Will I ever want to change the configuration of my outside space?
If you feel like you may want to change up the look of your deck or patio in the future, consider your installation choice carefully. Adding to your wooden deck takes more time, materials, and labor than building onto a concrete patio.
Do I want my outdoor space to improve the value of my home?
While a concrete patio offers easy maintenance and a strong foundation for outdoor relaxation and entertainment, many potential homeowners would prefer a deck. Wood decks provide a better return on investment by raising your home’s property value. You can further improve a deck’s value on your home by choosing composite decking, a durable material of mixed wood fibers and plastics that strongly resembles wood.
Build Your Ideal Patio or Deck in Fishers, IN
When you decide between a concrete patio vs. wood deck, you’ll consider everything from how long the material will last to how easily you can change the layout of your outdoor space. Working with professional builders can help you achieve a beautiful and functional patio or deck, including the installation of concrete stamps or wood deck patterns. When you’re ready to build your dream patio or deck in Fishers, IN, call Artisan Outdoor Craftsman at (317) 659-6245.
