Is Stamped Concrete Less Expensive than a Wood Deck?
Is stamped concrete less expensive than a wood deck?
Answer:
A stamped concrete deck can be not only a very functional piece but also a beautiful addition to any outdoor area. Many people often debate between having a wood deck built over a stamped concrete patio, citing cost as the main deterrent to concrete. This is wrong however, as in many situations, stamped concrete decks are more affordable.
What is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped Concrete Decks are large slabs of concrete that are reinforced and poured in an area where a patio will be. The stamped concrete contractor will first build a mold that the concrete will be poured into. As the concrete begins to set, a stamp is used to give the concrete a chosen design. In some cases, the concrete may need to be stamped several times.
Stamped Concrete Patios are very flexible in the design options. The stamps can be of many different designs, even imitating stone and other materials. Wood can also be imitated, and various colouring can be added to give an almost endless range of design options.
What is the Price Range?
Stamped Concrete Decks may at first appear to be expensive, but this is deceiving. There is a wide price range when looking at costs for installation of such a deck. The main factor that can affect the price one way or the other is the intricacy of the design. Simple basic designs with repeated patterns will be cheaper than high-end designs which involve saw-cutting, and hand-tooling. The average price range for stamped concrete patios is $15-$25 per square foot.
Compared to a wood deck, this is actually cheaper. The primary reason for this is that concrete materials are much cheaper than wood products. The concrete can cost as little as a few dollars per square foot, meaning most of the cost is in the labour and time. Compare this to wood, which can cost as much as $25-30 in materials alone, plus high costs of labour and installation.
Costs can vary of course, depending on many circumstances. If cost is an important consideration for you when considering building a patio or deck, you should price out both options. You may be surprised to find that stamped concrete is more affordable than wood options.
