Creating the perfect patio or deck will go much more smoothly if you have a great canvas to work with. Though historically many decks have been made of wood, concrete is also a durable and beautiful option. As great strides are made in concrete finishing, the gap between wood and concrete has narrowed in terms of style, price, and strength.
Durability
Concrete is by far the more durable material. Wooden decks take a hard hit from the elements with sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes all taking a toll on the beautiful natural finish. Shifting and cupping of the boards of a deck is a natural occurrence and the materials will need to be periodically replaced for the deck to maintain its functionality. Sanding, staining, and refinishing are a way of life for deck owners who want to maintain a like-new appearance. Concrete, on the other hand, will last for decades if it’s properly poured and sealed. An experienced contractor can create a concrete patio that will remain smooth and functional for much longer than a wooden one, with little to no maintenance.
Appearance
The biggest benefit associated with wooden decks is the beautiful look of the perfectly stained wood. Decks blend naturally with the landscape of the yard and tie the home into the whole picture seamlessly. While concrete patios used to consist of a boring gray slab jutting off from the back door, decorative concrete methods have turned the page on this notion. Concrete can now be stained, stamped, and textured to provide a wide range of styles. It can be poured to resemble countless other materials such as granite, marble, tile, or slate. Concrete comes in any color and can be sealed with a durable finish to be either shiny or matte. With all the style options available for concrete, there’s no need to sacrifice beauty for durability. You can have both in one stunning concrete patio.
Affordability
A durable wood that is suitable for outdoor use can cost a small fortune. When you factor in the cost of continual maintenance over the years, a wooden deck is quite an investment for a homeowner. The initial upfront cost for a concrete patio is usually less than that of a wooden deck. When higher end finishes and designs are involved, the cost of the patio will rise, but the money saved on maintenance will soon make up the difference. A concrete patio will last much longer than a wooden deck without requiring any additional costs.
