The Top 3 Benefits of Using a Concrete Patio Surface
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Concrete patios are the obvious victor when compared to hardwood decks and patio surfaces made of paver stones or bricks. Concrete has several benefits, ranging from a broad range of shapes and designs at reasonable rates to its minimal maintenance nature and permanence. Consider the following:
1. Concrete’s Stylistic Versatility
Traditional timber decks are generally simple to build, with the most design options being balcony material and stain and sealer colors.
Similarly, gravel or crushed limestone patios are economical and fast alternatives, but the color of the crushed stone and the material used to surround it restrict the stylistic options. In contrast, when it comes to choosing the design and finish of a patio, there are literally hundreds of alternatives.
Stamping patterns to mimic brick, stone, and tile, scoring geometric shapes, and coloring concrete patios in solid colors or blended patterns start from $2-8 per square foot.
On the upper end, advanced design choices such as embossing or carving patterns and logos into concrete surfaces or elaborate fake finishes to mimic a range of natural stones ranging from slate to marble may cost up to $20 per square foot.
The many design possibilities available make it simple to build a patio space that is completely unique to your property, taste, and budget.
2. Initial Investment
A basic concrete patio costs significantly less to build than a timber deck or use paving stones. Although design options may boost the cost per square foot, a concrete patio normally costs $15 per square foot, while hardwood decks cost about twice that at $33 per square foot, according to a Houselogic.com article.
According to the same publication, a timber deck normally yields a better return on investment of roughly 75%, while these patios provide returns ranging from 30% to 60%.
Make intelligent style selections to ensure that the patio compliments your house and is an ideal match with your backyard landscaping and design if you’re wanting to increase the value of your property and optimize your return on investment.
3. Increased longevity and cost savings
Concrete Patios vs. Wooden Decks
The upkeep of hardwood decks and concrete patios has numerous commonalities. Both must be carefully maintained in order to enhance the surface material’s resistance to damage caused by rain, ice, heat, and cold.
Furthermore, before they can be resealed, both hardwood decks and concrete patios must be power cleaned and scrubbed, sanded, or ground until smooth. Both surface types may endure up to 30 years if properly maintained. However, as compared to hardwood decks, applying sealant on concrete is significantly simpler.
Concrete patios have a major edge in terms of maintenance since a 5-gallon container of sealer covers 1,000 square feet, costing roughly $100-150, and is only required once every 2-3 years. Wooden decks should be resealed and re-stained on a yearly basis, which also means they should be power cleaned and sanded.
According to Homeadvisor.com, the average homeowner spends $500-1000 on deck sealing or waterproofing. To cover 1,000 square feet, 4 gallons of sealant are required at an average cost of $150, and an anti-mold and mildew deck cleanser ($10-20) must be sprayed prior to the sealer.
Owners of wooden decks must also inspect for rot and mildew, repair damaged wood, and inspect for and replace loosened nails and screws.
Overall, concrete is both simpler and cheaper to maintain.
Paver Stone Patios vs. Concrete Slab Patios
Although paving stone or brick patios have a cheaper initial beginning cost — LandscapingNetwork.com puts the typical cost at $6-10 per square foot – pavers do not withstand the weather as well as reinforced concrete.
Concrete builders arrange joints in the concrete slab meticulously before pouring it to enhance its endurance. Furthermore, there are choices (such as steel rebar) for reinforcing concrete in geographic places where soil composition makes for a weak foundation or when intense weather threatens the concrete’s integrity.
As opposed to pavers and brick, a professionally-poured concrete slab as a patio surface will not move over time or give way to soil and plant.
