Should we add a new wood deck or concrete patio to your yard? These can greatly boost its aesthetics, but sometimes wood decks, in particular, can have drawbacks, including low durability. Below are some reasons why concrete patios are worth investing in over wood decks. 

7 Reasons to Choose Concrete Patios Over Wood Decks

1. They’re More Durable

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of concrete patios is that they’re very heavy-duty. As a result, they can withstand a lot of wear and tear, so using one a lot won’t wear it down, as can often be the case with wood decks. Better yet, they can get through harsh weather, like heavy rain, that would otherwise warp wood beams or cause chips and breaks. In most cases, concrete patios can last for up to 20 years, while a wood deck usually needs to be replaced in 10 years. 

2. They Don’t Rot

Over time, wood decks can start to deteriorate due to insect damage or mildew. While some wood (like cedar) can resist these issues better, these options can be pricey and eventually will naturally wear down. With concrete, there’s no need to worry about this. 

3. They’re Low Maintenance 

While you’ll need to do basic clean-ups on both wood decks and concrete patios, you’ll find that the latter doesn’t require much overall. Apart from the occasional sweeping and pressure washing, that’s most of the cleaning you’ll need to do. However, you might need to repaint wood decks, fix a pesky nail, or replace worn boards. 

The main thing you’ll need to do is clean off debris. Occasionally, there could be some issues, like a tree root growing underneath, that causes foundational problems, but this type of problem is typically taken care of before a concrete patio is set in place. 

4. There are Countless Styles

While wood decks do come with various design options, you’ll get much more with concrete patios. With concrete, you can choose from a variety of hues. These range from traditional gray to terracotta. Besides this, many concrete contractors offer stamping patterns that can be applied. This can make the patio look as if it was made of brick or to show off a unique art design. 

5. They Increase Home Value

One interesting aspect of concrete patios is that they can boost your residence’s value. This is because it’s a unique feature many homes nearby might not have. Thanks to this, it can attract more buyers who might be willing to pay more for the feature. 

6. They Don’t Have to Connect to the House

Some people might be hesitant to get a wooden deck because they often need to be secured to the house. This can take a lot of time and investment, as a contractor will need to inspect the structure before doing so. 

Concrete patios don’t require this. While they can lead up to your home, they don’t need to be fully attached to it. This can make the installation process go by much faster. 

7. They’re Affordable

Concrete patios are definitely the way to go if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. While the price can increase with the more features and specific materials you want to incorporate, this option is generally very affordable. Apart from this, because it’s durable, you won’t have to worry about always purchasing new materials to fix issues, unlike a wood deck where this is common. 

How are Concrete Patios Installed?

If you decide to install a concrete patio, you’ll first need to contact a concrete contractor. They’ll come out to review the potential area and listen to your ideas. Once the design and budget are agreed on, excavation of the site will begin. After the site is dug, leveled, and a foundation and drainage are added, the concrete you’ve chosen will be laid. It will then need a few days to set. Depending on your design, the concrete contractor might then add more features, like a retaining wall or planters. 

Where Do I Find a Concrete Patio Installer?

A quick online search can help you find a nearby concrete patio installer. You can then visit their site to learn more about their services and if you think they’re the right fit for the job. 

Keep in mind to do heavy research on a potential contractor. You’ll want to make sure they’re insured and licensed and have good reviews. Also, check to see how long they’ve been in business and if they offer estimates. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck with a bad contractor. 

While wood decks can have their perks, concrete patios tend to be much better in the long-run thanks to their unique designs, durability, low maintenance, and affordability. With the information above in mind, you can consider whether adding one to your yard would be worthwhile.