The short answer is, as long as you take care of it. In other words, you could leave concrete alone for a decade and it would still be there when you returned, but if you left it out in the elements and didn’t take care of it, it wouldn’t last anywhere near that long.
Does concrete last longer than pavers?
In the long run, concrete will need more repairs than pavers.Pavers are more durable and won’t crack, stain, or shift as easily as concrete slabs for patios, driveways, and other areas.
Is concrete a good choice for a patio?
Concrete is the most traditional and versatile material for patio construction. It’s smooth and shiny, and it can be cast and shaped into decorative shapes and colors other than the traditional light gray.
How do I extend the life of my concrete patio?
It doesn’t matter if the concrete has any cracks or not; sealing it can extend the life of your patio. For example, sealers can help prevent stains caused by dirt, oils or grease, while also preventing water and ice from getting below the surface layer and causing serious damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
How often should I seal concrete patio?
When it comes to sealing your concrete, it’s not a very time-consuming or expensive process. Experts advise that you seal your concrete every 2-5 years to keep it in good condition and prevent cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
How long should a concrete patio last before cracking?
In most cases, cracking begins within 12 hours of the final finishing process being complete. It will be slowed or accelerated depending on the weather. Control joints are commonly used to anticipate and manage shrinkage cracking. Control joints are one method of dealing with concrete cracks.
How much does a 12×12 concrete patio cost?
A 12′ x 12′ concrete patio costs an average of $1,700, which works out to $12 per square foot. Concrete patios typically range from $6 to $16 per square foot, or $864 for a plain slab to $2,300 for a vibrant custom design, depending on design, color, and texture.
How much does it cost to pour a 24×24 slab of concrete?
To build a 24×24 garage slab, you’ll pay between $3,057 and $5,944 per square foot for a 4″ reinforced slab of concrete and $6.83 to $10.32 per square foot for a 6″ reinforced slab of concrete.
Is it cheaper to pour concrete or use pavers?
If you’re looking at price per square foot, poured concrete is the least expensive option because of the lower installation and concrete costs. Concrete pavers, despite their higher initial cost, provide better value and durability than either poured concrete or stamped concrete.
Whats better a deck or concrete patio?
Patios that are flush with the ground are much less expensive to build than elevated decks. In most cases, concrete is the cheapest option at around $5 per square foot. Even ground is ideal for patios, and the cost of laying a level foundation is prohibitive. Patios don’t necessitate a lot of upkeep.
Is it cheaper to pour concrete or build a deck?
A concrete patio is less expensive in the long run, both in terms of construction costs and in terms of ongoing maintenance costs. Concrete patios cost $4 per square foot, whereas pressure-treated lumber decks cost about $6 per square foot.