To deck it or concrete slab it?

Question

Alan Pederson · Answer

I had a concrete slab put in for a 10x16 storage building I had built at my house and it costs about $2,000 and it just took a day. I also had the same company put in a new 10x16 patio at one of my rent houses and it costs $400 more because they had to remove the small patio that was there. I chose concrete because I didn't want to deal with rot, termites, or dogs chewing it up.

Grant Rothenburger · Answer

@Devonte Blackmon Most people have said that a deck is cheaper. That may be true for them, but may not be true for you. The last time I priced doing this, I could get concrete delivered cheaper than the lumber cost for the same size area. Around me, lumber has gotten expensive and concrete hasn't gone up as much. In my opinion doing a concrete slab is easier too (unless you are starting with a really un-level area) but neither is hard, just time consuming (if doing yourself). I would price out both options (if price is important to you).

Jim Adrian · Answer

@Devonte Blackmon

Concrete slab is cheaper that concrete pavers.  By nature, concrete cracks due to hydration process.  Adding fiber mesh to the mix greatly reduces the cracking.  Hire out the concrete work and they will have it done in a day.  Get quotes for both but I bet concrete will be cheaper.  I did 450 sf of normal gray concrete for like $2k a few years back.  Colored was extra.  You can always add color later.

Thomas S. · Answer

Personal home or rental.

For a personal home it is personal preference, for a rental I would put in a deck. Less expensive and easier as a DIY.

My personal preference would be a deck or decrotive patio stones. Concrete is too perminant and oce it cracks looks bad.