When you are looking into putting a flat surface in your backyard, you will often be picking between two different options: some kind of wooden deck or a concrete patio. There are many reasons why you might decide to get a wooden deck — the more organic aesthetic and the easy customization, for instance. But there are equally many reasons to get a concrete patio instead.
- Affordability. Concrete is one of the cheapest materials to build with. As such, you will not be able to beat the prices when it comes to putting in a concrete patio versus anything else in the same vein, such as a wood deck.
- Longevity. Your concrete patio will last you long into the future. Depending on your local climate as well as your general upkeep of the concrete, this kind of patio will usually last you at least 25 years, though they can sometimes last up to 30 or fifty years in the right climate, with the right care.
- Low maintenance. Speaking of the right care, you may be happy to hear that concrete patios are remarkably durable and require very little upkeep. Areas of the patio with high traffic may still wear their varnish thin faster, leading to the concrete slowly becoming more porous. But simple proper maintenance is all it takes to slow this process.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. What is most important to you? Aesthetic? Cost? Ease of maintenance? Knowing where you stand on these priorities will help you decide whether or not the benefits of a concrete patio make it the right choice for you.