Attention Austin area homeowners. If you currently have an old deck that is sitting on the ground or low to the ground, and are considering replacing it, you may be surprised to learn that you can replace that old deck with a concrete patio for much less than replacing it with a new deck and that concrete doesn’t have to be boring.
Yes – it’s true.
If your current deck is at ground level, it is most likely suffering the wrath of Mother Nature and the impact of changing seasons, showing warped areas, cracks, splinters, fading and mold.
If that’s the case, call Archadeck of Austin at 512-886-8367; and get a new lease on outdoor living life with a custom designed concrete patio that will truly stand the test of time. Big time.
Why Are Low To Grade Decks In Austin Sometimes Not A Good Idea?
Even though the wood under the deck is treated for rot resistance, if it’s constantly damp and doesn’t have air space to vent, it will rot over time.
Low to grade wood decks require more maintenance than patios. Wood decks, in particular, need regular sealing or staining to protect against the elements. Concrete is permanent and generally requires little to no maintenance.
Austin weather is yet another factor. Our climate can influence your decision. Decks may be more prone to damage from moisture and insects, especially in humid or rainy weather. On the other hand, concrete patios hold up in almost any weather conditions.
Does A Patio Make More Sense For Your Outdoor Living Space?
Concrete is probably the most durable building material that can withstand just about anything mother nature can throw at it, including rain, snow, and sunlight, without degradation that wood might experience. And concrete wears beautifully. If you don’t like bare concrete, you can make it look even more awesome with an overlay.
Our overlay treatment is Texas Premier Coat, a beautification protection material made from a lime-quartz mixture applied to and bonded with the concrete surface. The overlay is then patterned with a tool to look like stone and then manually colored with sponges and then sealed for stunning results.
Is It Cheaper To Replace A Deck With A Patio?
This is a great question because the answer has not always been the same. Yes, for these low-to-grade circumstances, it is cheaper to replace a deck with a patio. Here’s how:
Material Costs: Patios, particularly those made of concrete, have lower material costs compared to decking materials like composite decking or hardwood. The cost of wood has increased faster that the cost of concrete has increased. Certainly, both are more than they used to be but the costs for building a deck have increased more than the cost of pouring concrete.
Labor Costs: You need a skilled carpenter to build a deck with proper tools. With concrete, you also need skilled labor but the level of skills required to form a patio and lay rebar is not the same.
Material Costs: It goes without saying that concrete is cheaper than wood and hardware.
Maintenance Costs: Over time, patios will have lower maintenance costs compared to decks. Decks, especially those made of wood, and especially in the Texas sun, require regular staining or sealing, which can add to the long-term cost of keeping them safe and aesthetically pleasing. The sun alone can cut the lifespan of a deck in half, if not stained and sealed.
Are Patios Considered Low Maintenance Structures?
Yes, without a doubt, patios are considered low maintenance structures. To prove a point, let’s take a look at what’s involved to keeping a wood deck looking like new:
1. Wood decks require regular staining or sealing to protect them from the elements, including moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes. This maintenance is essential for preventing rot, decay, and color fading. In contrast, many patio materials, such as concrete or certain types of pavers, do not require regular staining or sealing.
2. Wood is susceptible to weathering over time, which can result in splintering, warping, and discoloration. Patios made from durable materials, such as concrete or pavers, are more resistant to these issues. They can withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations without the same level of deterioration.
3. Wood is vulnerable to pests like termites, which can cause significant damage over time. Patios made of materials like concrete are not susceptible to pest infestations, reducing the need for pest control measures. A wood deck also can become a haven and nesting area for rodents and snakes. It’s impossible for a critter to nest under your concrete patio.
4. Wood decks can be prone to rot and decay, especially in humid or rainy climates. This can lead to structural issues and the need for costly repairs. Patios, particularly those made from concrete, are not susceptible to rot and decay, providing a more durable and long-lasting outdoor surface.
5. Patios usually have a uniform surface, which makes occasional cleaning and maintenance easier. Decks, especially those with intricate designs, may have spaces between boards where dirt and debris can accumulate, requiring more effort to clean.
6. High-quality patio materials, such as concrete or certain types of pavers, can have a longer lifespan compared to some wood decking materials. This longevity contributes to the overall lower maintenance requirements of patios.
In Addition To A TPC Concrete Patio, What Other Material Options Can Archadeck Offer Me?
There are many ways to turn a concrete patio into an awesome patio. If you’re budget conscious, you can stain it. Staining has its own issues but it’s fine for a lot of people.
You can stamp the concrete. You can treat it with a spray-on texture like pool decks use.
You can put natural flagstone on it; and it can be over-the-top beautiful.
Or you can do something in the middle that we refer to as an “overlay.”
Now, “overlay” is a big term and applies to many things. What we are talking about is a 3/8” lime/quartz overlay. This overlay can be made to look like stone or brick, have one color or be multi-colored. When completely cured, it is stronger than the concrete it’s adhered to, and it comes with its own warranty.
As we always say, “If you can dream it, we can build it.” Archadeck of Austin custom designs and installs all types of patios, including natural stone, Travertine and pavers. But for an economical patio solution, we recommend concrete with a lime/quartz overlay.
Just take a look at this amazing transformation from an aged wooden deck to a stunning patio and hardscape in Round Rock TX:
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Before
After
Just as visually interesting and textured as our other hardscape patio material options, we can easily customize the color of the overlay protectant to suit each homeowner’s taste. These are custom mixed on site for the homeowner making each patio one of a kind, and a functional, durable work of art.
This Sounds Great. How Can We Get Started With My New Patio?
It all starts with a complimentary, no-obligation patio design consultation at your home. To schedule it, call our team at (512) 886-8367 – or even easier – just click right here to connect with us.
Jim Odom, owner Archadeck of Austin.
