Wood Decks vs Concrete Which is Cheaper

Beautiful outdoor living space gives any home a unique charm and personality.

When creating an outdoor living area in your home, there are two leading solutions to consider: wood decks and concrete patios.

Wood decks are typically made from treated lumber such as cedar or redwood, while concrete patios can be formed with either poured-in-place concrete or stamped concrete.

Both materials have unique characteristics and can offer different benefits for your outdoor living area, but which one will be the most cost-effective?

In this article, we’ll explore the relative costs of wood decks vs. concrete patios so that you can decide which is best for your home and budget. We’ll also look at various factors, including initial installation costs, long-term maintenance needs, and design considerations.

Wood Decks and Concrete Patios:

Wood decks and concrete patios are two distinct materials used to create outdoor living areas.

Wood Deck: Wood decks are made from treated lumber, such as cedar or redwood, built on top of a wooden frame, and secured with screws and nails.

The wood provides a natural beauty that can be further enhanced by staining or painting. Wood decks require regular maintenance, including staining and sealing the wood to protect it from rot and fading. A wood deck can be:

Composite Deck: These are constructed with a mix of wood and composite materials such as plastics, making them resistant to rot and fade. They require less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Pressure-Treated Lumber: Pressure-treated lumber is the most economical option for building a wood deck. It is treated with chemicals to resist rot, fungus, and pests but may require more maintenance than other wood decks.

Elevated Deck: An elevated deck is built on top of a support structure, such as concrete blocks or steel posts. Elevated decks require more work to install and may be more costly than traditional wood decks.

Ground Level Deck: Ground-level decks are constructed on the ground and require no support structure. They can be constructed with pressure-treated lumber or composite materials.

Concrete Patios:

Concrete patios are formed with either poured-in-place concrete or stamped concrete. The poured option is created by pouring wet concrete into a preformed mold that is leveled and smoothed.

Stamped concrete involves pressing patterns into the wet concrete before it’s completely dry. While poured-in-place concrete is more expensive than stamped concrete, it allows for more intricate designs and adds a unique touch to your outdoor space.

Both wood decks and concrete patios can be customized with a variety of design elements, including lighting, furniture, and railings. Ultimately the choice between them will come down to your budget and personal preference. With that in mind, let’s compare their relative costs.

The Differences Between Wood Decks and Concrete Patios:

There is no clear-cut winner when comparing the costs of wood decks vs. concrete patios. The ultimate decision will depend on various factors, including your budget and personal preference.

Cost of Materials:

The cost of materials for a wood deck or concrete patio can vary significantly, depending on the size and complexity of the project. For a basic wood deck using pressure-treated lumber, the cost of materials will typically be around $15-$20 per square foot.

This cost may increase to $25-$30 if exotic woods such as cedar or redwood are used. Using a composite or PVC varies between $30-$45.

For a concrete patio, the cost of materials will depend on the type of concrete used and how it is finished. A regular poured-in-place patio can cost around $9 per square foot, while stamped concrete may be slightly more expensive at up to $12-$15 per square foot. The complexity of the design and the type of sealer used will also affect the price.

NB: The prices above include the installation costs.

Maintenance Costs:

Wood decks require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure they remain in good condition. This includes cleaning and sealing the deck annually to protect it from rot, mold, and pests. Additionally, pressure-treated lumber may need to be re-stained every few years or replaced if it becomes too worn down.

Concrete patios require less regular maintenance than wooden decks but need to be sealed every few years to protect them from the elements. Additionally, you may need to repair any cracks or blemishes that occur over time.

The cost of maintaining a wood deck ranges between $2.25 -$5 per square foot, while the cost of maintaining a concrete patio is generally cheaper at $1-$2 per square foot.

Aesthetics:

Wood decks provide a natural and organic look that can blend well with the surrounding environment. The variety of wood types also allows for a custom look that adds character to your space.

Additionally, many homeowners opt for composite deck materials, which require less maintenance and offer a more consistent aesthetic.

Concrete patios come in many colors, designs, textures, and finishes that can easily be customized to match your outdoor space. Stamped concrete gives the look of natural stone or brick with less cost and effort than using actual materials. Poured-in-place concrete also allows for various customization options like color and texture.

Durability:

Wood decks have the potential to be very durable, but this depends on the type of wood used and how it is maintained. A wood deck can last between 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Composite materials are durable and rot-resistant; they can last up to 25-30+ years. Concrete patios are durable and can last for 25-30+ years with proper maintenance.

Return on Investment:

Wood decks and concrete patios offer different advantages in terms of return on investment. Wood decks typically have the highest return on investment, as they tend to add more value to a home than other outdoor features.

The percentage of return on investment of wood decks is estimated to be 70% of their value upon resale. Although it may be more expensive upfront, a wood deck can pay for itself in the long run.

Concrete patios also offer a good return on investment, although more than wood decks can be up to 65% of their value upon resale. While it may be cheaper upfront, the potential ROI isn’t as high as a wood deck. However, they still add curb appeal and provide additional outdoor living space for homeowners.

How to Choose the Best Patio for Your Home:

When choosing the best patio for your home, some factors to consider are the cost of installation, maintenance, durability, and ROI. Other factors include:

Ease of Installation:

Wood decks require more experience and knowledge of carpentry skills. Concrete patios are typically easier for DIYers and can be poured in a day with minimal effort.

Installing a concrete deck requires a flat surface, while a wood deck can be built on any surface, irrespective of the topography.

Permit to Build:

To ensure safety, most cities and counties require permits for installing a wood deck; therefore, ensure you find out and get the permit before installing one. Concrete patios typically don’t require a permit, but this varies from state to state.