Is It Cheaper To Build A Wood Deck Or Pour Concrete

Usama Ijaz • March 2, 2022

Is It Cheaper To Build A Wood Deck Or Pour Concrete

Decks and patios are what add beauty to our homes. Finely constructed flooring is eye-catching. It is a great way to entertain guests in your home. If you have excess space and you're wondering what to turn it into, try constructing a deck or patio. You can make beautiful memories with your family and friends.

Another importance of considering having a deck or patio is the value. It adds tremendous value to your home or property. In the future, if you're considering selling or renting your property, it can prove as an improvement for your homes. Decks and patios are built with different materials. The most common types are wood and concrete. Which would suit your needs best? Let's find out.

What Is A Wood Deck?

A wood deck is a constructed platform above the ground. It gets support from posts, and you can easily access it with a staircase. In some cases, you can raise your wood deck with a joist. A wood deck comprises different kinds of wood: redwood decking, cedar decking, and pressure-treated lumber decking.

What Is Pour Concrete?

A pour concrete is a concrete mix that undergoes pouring, molding, and curing. Pouring concrete is a common procedure in concrete construction. However, it is a suitable building material for constructing patios. Pour concrete is highly durable. Pouring concrete over your outdoor flooring is a great way to create your style.

There are arguments over these two building materials based on their cost. Keep reading as we uncover some of these factors.

Which Is Cheaper Between A Wood Deck And A Pour Concrete?

Both wood decks and pouring concrete are reliable materials. However, one of them might not be budget-friendly. The cost depends on many factors. We shall discuss a few of these factors.

Installation

Installing a wooden deck is difficult compared to pouring concrete. Different structures have to be in place to support the wood decking. For a wood deck, you have to double the foundation. Even if you have a rough ground, a deck can help even it out. Top professionals mostly handle the installation process of wood decking.

On the other hand, installing poured concrete doesn't cost as much as constructing a wood deck.

Professionals do not charge much for this service. It is much cheaper because it is a straightforward process. Since they are directly installed on the ground, they do not need much support.

Maintenance

Another thing to consider, which is cheaper between a wood deck or pouring concrete for your patio, is maintenance. Maintaining both floors is not an easy task. A wood deck requires power washing at least three to four times a year.

Decks need re-sealing annually to maintain their shine. If your wood deck is not cleaned regularly, it may begin to fade and wear over time. Since the wood deck is made from wood, termites are one of its worse enemies.

If a wood deck does not go through proper power washing, it will rot. Once it gets infested with termites, holes begin to form on its surface. These processes are hard to maintain. It is twice the maintenance of pour concrete.

A poured concrete, on the other hand, requires less maintenance. You can easily clean your patios with a hose. Afterward, you can go over your work or activity. It doesn't need regular maintenance because concrete is a sturdy material. Also, It does not fall prey to insect infestation; insects can't survive on concrete.

Durability

Regardless of the low cost of maintaining a concrete floor, it is the most sturdy and durable flooring material. It is not easily destructible compared to a wood deck. The life expectancy of a pour concrete floor is more than 20 years if properly maintained. Wood decking may not be as strong as poured concrete. The life span of a wood deck is 5 to 10 years.

Conclusion

Both a wood deck and poured concrete are suitable building materials. However, from the explanation above, poured concrete is cheaper than a wood deck in maintenance, installation, and durability. There are other factors, but these few are relevant for the scope of the article.

A circular concrete driveway is being built in front of a house

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Understanding Concrete Permeability: Why It Matters for Concrete Driveways in Dallas TX

By rachelle madula • April 28, 2025

Concrete driveways are everywhere. They are durable and functional. But here’s a question many overlook. How much water gets in? That’s where concrete permeability comes in. It sounds technical but is actually simple. And understanding it can save you money and time. Let’s break down what concrete permeability is. We’ll explore why it matters and how it impacts your driveway. What Is Concrete Permeability? Think of concrete as a giant sponge. It feels rock solid but it has tiny pores. Concrete permeability is a fancy way to measure how easily liquids can pass through pores. Let’s say your concrete driveway is less permeable. It will be harder for water to get in which is a good thing! Water sneaks into your driveway and can cause cracks. Potholes. And other nasty surprises. It’s like leaving the front door open during a storm. Not ideal, right? What Makes Concrete Permeable? Not all concrete is mixed the same way. Some driveways stay strong for decades. While others crumble after a couple of winters. The difference? Permeability. Let’s break down the main culprits: 1. Water-Cement Ratio Concrete is a mix. Cement. Water. Sand. And aggregates. The amount of water compared to cement plays a huge role. Too much water creates more pores. That makes the concrete more permeable. Think of it as adding too much milk to your oatmeal. It just doesn’t hold together as well. 2. Quality of Aggregates Aggregates are the rocks and stones mixed into concrete. If they’re uneven or poorly chosen, they leave gaps. High-quality aggregates fit together like puzzle pieces. That reduces those pesky pores. 3. Curing Process Curing is like giving your concrete a good night’s sleep. Proper curing means keeping it moist and cool. It strengthens the concrete and closes up its pores. Rushed curing? That’s like skipping your morning coffee. A disaster waiting to happen. Why Should You Care About Permeability? You might be wondering, “Why does this even matter? My driveway looks fine!” Well, permeability plays a big role in your driveway’s durability. It also affects maintenance needs and overall lifespan. Extending lifespan by addressing common concrete issues —like high permeability—is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment. Durability and Longevity The water is sneaky. If it gets inside your concrete and freezes, it expands. This leads to cracks and potholes over time. Driveways with low permeability? They don’t let water in, so they last much longer. Resistance to Weather Concrete faces all kinds of abuse. Rain, snow, ice, heat, and even de-icing salts. Low-permeability concrete acts like a shield. It stands strong against these elements. High-permeability concrete? It wears down faster like a sweater with holes. Lower Maintenance Costs Cracks and repairs add up. Choosing a low-permeability driveway means fewer issues, helping with maintaining concrete health over the long term. That saves you from costly fixes. Think of it as buying a quality coat, it costs more upfront but saves you in the long run. How Do Experts Measure Concrete Permeability? Want to know how “watertight” your driveway is? Experts use these common tests: Rapid Chloride Permeability Test : It measures how easily chloride ions can sneak into concrete. If they move in quickly, the concrete is too permeable. Water Absorption Test : This test is like giving your driveway a sponge bath. The less water it absorbs, the better its permeability rating. Can You Reduce Permeability? Absolutely! The good news is that you can control concrete permeability. Here’s how to make sure your driveway stays strong and durable: 1. Get the Mix Right Use the right water-cement ratio. A lower ratio creates denser concrete, reducing permeability. Think of it as baking a cake—you need the right balance for the perfect texture. 2. Use Quality Materials High-quality aggregates make a world of difference. Look for smooth, uniform materials to keep your concrete compact. 3. Don’t Rush Curing Let your concrete “rest” properly. Keep it moist for at least a week to strengthen it. It’s like letting bread rise—patience pays off. 4. Add Admixtures Admixtures are like performance enhancers for concrete. They help fill pores and boost water resistance. Ask your contractor about options like silica fume or waterproofing agents. Why a Low-Permeability Driveway Is Worth It Investing in low-permeability concrete might sound like a luxury. But it’s actually smart. Here’s why: Longer Lifespan . Your driveway will stand the test of time. Even in harsh weather. Fewer Repairs . No more filling cracks. Or patching holes every few years. Peace of Mind . You’ll sleep better! Knowing your driveway can handle whatever Nature throws at it. Conclusion Understanding concrete permeability ensures durability. It helps your driveway last decades. Not just years. When you see someone’s cracked driveway, you’ll know why it happened. And when planning your own, you’ll ask the right questions. Choose low-permeability concrete and quality materials. Don’t skip proper curing. It’s essential for strength. A great driveway isn’t just about looks. It’s built to stand strong through any weather. That’s the kind of driveway worth investing in.