Composite deck vs. concrete patio
Sumod
2 years ago
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Sumod
2 years agoRelated Discussions
composite decking or cement patio
Comments (2)Hi Cubbie- I would definitely start with the outside area the same level as your home. Maybe a deck area, with stairs down to the patio? As for what to do with each...the BBQ and table might be on the deck (or at least the BBQ) so you don't have to climb stairs while carrying food. More entertaining space, down on the patio, means less railings and easier access to the yard. My mom has trex deck and loves it. You might want to get the vinyl railings (less splinters) and easier maintenance. If there are several stairs, from the deck to the patio, you might want to do an L-shaped stair, with a landing. It takes up more space, but easier to catch yourself, if you slip...especially for the kids. (We did this on my mom's deck.) A small gate at the top of the stairs, from the deck to the patio, might be a good idea, too...but you've probably already thought of that :)...See MoreConcrete vs pavers vs flagstone patio
Comments (1)We had a similar decision to make last winter and ultimately went with concrete. For us, the look of concrete goes better with the house and it's cleaner because there is no sand between pavers to track inside. That, and it was the cheapest option. Wet-laid flagstone and brick are much nicer but about 5x the cost. Depending on the gravel, there may only be minimal surface prep needed before being able to pour right on top since you're already 4" deep. Especially if you go with concrete, make sure you get someone who knows what they are doing and gives you details on exactly what will be done (rebar spacing, type of concrete mix, finish type, cut lines, etc). It's true that concrete cracks. After 1 harsh winter we have a few _hairline_ cracks (you really have to look to see them) but even so we're still very happy how the slab turned out....See MoreLow Deck, Composites vs. S.American Hardwood?
Comments (5)Thanks for the comments. The house is on a slab so that's what mandated the low deck. Would've just gone with a paver patio, but the extensive roots took that option away. As for burying the beams ... I've read different things about how long PT will last buried. I realize it's a bit of a gamble but I've already rolled those dice. I'm a semi-neophyte DIY'er and after consultation with the brothers over a couple beers, that seemed like the best way to go. We'll see. John - when you say "use construction adhesive under the decking" what specifically for? For actually fastening the decking to the joists? That would be in addition to traditional fastening for extra support I assume. And for the vents on the rim joist, would you think one between every joist, or could I go every other joist? Also ... will slightly wider spacing (3/16 or 1/4) help? Any thoughts on the IpeClip fastening system? Thanks all ... I'll have to post a picture or 2 here in a bit....See MoreWhat gets hotter in summer? Composite Decking vs. Concrete Pavers
Comments (10)We debated the same issue last year. We chose pavers that will be installed grade level. The cost was lower than the Trex, cooler to the touch and less fading. I know people say composite needs no upkeep and never fades, but I am not so sure about that. The difficult part to the pavers is that steps are necessary since a raised paver was unaffordable. One guy did suggest laying paver tile over the existing deck joists/beams but I did not trust this idea either. And sure enough, once we removed the deck floor boards and joists, we found rotting and splitting footings. It would have been the proverbial lipstick on a pig type of thing. Make sure your deck footings and beams are truly sound before laying paver tile over the existing deck....See MoreSumod
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