Is It Cheaper to Build a Deck or Concrete Patio?

Many people like the idea of a deck or patio added to their home. There are many reasons for wanting one. They are great gathering spots for family and friends during a big part of the year and they add value to a home.

Is it cheaper to build a deck or concrete patio? Overall, yes it’s cheaper to build a concrete patio. Building a concrete patio will save you initially during installation but is also cheaper in long-term maintenance costs.

The article below explains all the advantages and disadvantages of doing it yourself and tells you when you should hire it out.

The Cost of Building

The first thing to do is decide whether you want a deck or a patio. Several factors may play a role in that decision including the home style, where the addition will be, and the cost.

Some homes are designed where the main floor is higher in the back of the house because of a full basement below so you would need a deck where traffic could flow from the family room to the outside. You may opt to attach a concrete patio to the basement if you plan to make it your party space.

Deck Pricing

The price of building a deck is going to be more expensive than a patio. That is mostly because of increased lumber prices. Currently, it will cost between $15 to $30 per square foot for deck construction with the final total averaging between $4,380 and $10,080.

Even a smaller 10 x 10-foot deck costs the average homeowner around $2,200. Those numbers include professional installation.

Better materials will cost more. Using pressure-treated wood, composite or hardwood will cost you around $25 per square foot with installation.

While materials cost a good bit, it is labor that inflates the price so you could save a lot of money by building it yourself. Labor can cost between $8 up to $22 a square foot to build a deck, depending on size, the property, and extra amenities.

Concrete Patio

It is going to be cheaper to pour a concrete patio over building a deck. After all, concrete is cheaper than wood and a patio on level ground is going to be easier to create.

The cost of installing a concrete patio ranges between $1,657 and $4,304. The average across the U.S. is $2,942. That includes both materials and installation.

Similar to decks, the final cost of a concrete patio depends on location, size and shape, and materials. A 10 by 10-foot patio could be done for as little as $900.

You can do a good bit with concrete. You can stamp it, use stained concrete, painted concrete or a broom-finished look, paver stones, or even a pebble surface. They all have different looks and prices.

The labor cost of installing a concrete patio comes out to between $2 to $8 a square foot. Most of those who do these types of projects are paid between $30 to $50 an hour. Like in building a deck, you can save considerably if you can do it yourself.

Things to Consider Before You DIY

There are advantages and disadvantages to doing a deck or patio as a DIY project. Cost savings is the primary advantage. However, there are several disadvantages including:

The project may take longer as you are doing it in your spare time.
You may have to buy equipment to complete it.
You may not have the knowledge to do it properly.
It may be a bigger job than you anticipate.

One of the biggest factors to consider whether to do this type of project yourself is safety. Decks can collapse if not built properly. Concrete patios can run rainwater to a home’s foundation, causing a lot of expensive repairs, mold, and mildew, if not properly installed.

Both projects require ground preparation, proper design, and permitting in some local areas. You will need to check to see what permits are required before starting or hiring a contractor to do the project. Failure to do so can result in fines or even a mandate to take out the addition or take corrective actions to comply with permitting.

Maintenance

A concrete patio is going to be less maintenance than a wood deck. You will eventually need to replace parts or all of a wood deck as the wood ages over 10 to 20 years. You will need to restain it or paint it.

A concrete patio can last up to 50 years with little maintenance. You will need to power wash it occasionally to keep it looking good and dirt-free. You will need to seal it upon installation and will need to reseal it about every five years to keep the stamp, paint, or other decorative finish protected.

You may have to have a professional repair a crack if the earth settles or weather affects it but that typically won’t happen for at least a decade.

FAQs

What are some questions I should ask a contractor about building a deck or patio?

There are many questions you should ask but the top three are how much experience do you have, do you have a portfolio of your work, and are you licensed and insured?

How long does it take to build a concrete patio?

Basic patios can be built in one week while some more complicated versions can take up to six weeks.

How much value does a wood deck add to my home?

Figures are that you can recoup almost 75 percent of the total cost of building a wood deck onto your home upon reselling. That amounts to raising your home’s value to between 8 to 10 percent.

How much does a concrete patio add to my home?

Adding a concrete patio adds 8 to 10 percent to a home’s value but also have 80 percent in ROI. That is a little more than a wooden deck.

What’s the hardest part of installing a deck or patio?

The most challenging part of this type of project is preparing the site. Yet, this is the most important for long-term durability and safety. Rocks need removing and the ground needs leveling and grading.

Conclusion

Building a deck or patio is a great way to improve your home’s value and increase your outdoor living space. It can be done as a DIY project to save on costs but you need to consider the time investment, safety concerns, and permits required. Be sure to do your research before beginning the project.

If you found this blog post helpful, please share it on social media or leave a comment below!

Take a look at our other most recent blog posts below:

Is It Cheaper to Build a Deck or Concrete Patio?