Making the Most of Your Outdoor Living Space: A Homeowner's Guide to Patio and Deck Replacement

Your Patio is Cracked, Chipped, or Broken

It can take a lot to break a concrete patio. But prolonged exposure to harsh weather and natural deterioration over time can make your patio more prone to damage. 

A few cracks or chips in your patio aren't necessarily a big deal. It's when cracking and breakage start causing other issues that you know you need a replacement.

If cracks are causing evenness or allowing weeds to go through your concrete patio, it's time for a replacement. 

Your Deck Has Extensive Surface Damage

A little bit of wear and tear on your deck's surface is expected. A repairman can easily fix a few damaged boards. But if your entire deck is extensively worn, decaying, or rotting, you need to hire someone who knows how to replace a deck.

The same thing goes for wooden decks with significant discoloration and/or staining. These issues signal one of two things. Either your deck has come in contact with a corrosive substance, or it's much older than you think.

As a rule, you should replace your deck every 15–30 years. Although some decks last up to 60 years with proper maintenance. If you don't know how old your deck is, discoloration and staining are signs it needs replacement.

Your Patio Doesn't Drain Properly

Does water pool on your patio after a hard rain? This is another sign it's time for a patio replacement.

Puddles on your patio are likely signs of extensive damage. For example, your patio may not drain correctly because of cracking. Or your patio may be collecting rainwater because the installers didn't use a waterproof sealant.

You may not think water puddles are a big deal. But, over time, those pools can wear down your patio materials even further, leading to thinning and eventual deterioration.

Your Deck's Posts Are Compromised

Posts are to your deck what foundation is to your home. And as with your home's foundation, compromised posts can cause further complications with the quality of your deck.

Erosion of the ground surrounding your posts is always a cause for concern. The posts can become less stable, leading to a shaky deck. Or, worse, the post could break altogether.

You should also replace rotting posts as soon as you notice them. Professionals typically recommend ceasing use of your deck until you can get your old posts switched out for new ones.

How to Choose the Best Deck or Patio Materials

So, you've decided that it's time to replace your old deck or patio. Now, it's time for the fun part: designing your dream deck or patio with the best materials on the market. 

The best patio and deck materials vary depending on where you live, how much you want to spend, and, of course, your personal preferences.

The most common patio materials include concrete or concrete pavers, stone, brick, and tile. Modern patios also incorporate alternative materials like gravel, mulch, and sand.

Decks are traditionally made of hardwood or wood composites. But, these days, you can also find aluminum, stone, and even grass decking materials. 

Here are our top tips for choosing the right material for your new deck or patio.

Pattern and Finish

Stone and tile are excellent options for adding a pop of personality to your patio. These materials come in multiple colors, finishes, and textures. Plus, these materials allow you to create a patio design that's as unique as you.

When it comes to decking, tropical hardwoods may be luxurious, but they don't take well to staining or finishing. Choose highly versatile concrete for your deck instead. You can paint and tint concrete or even have it inlayed with other materials, including colorful tiles, sparkly glass, or natural shells.

Understand Maintenance Requirements

Want a low-maintenance patio? Porcelain pavers offer the appearance of stone. The difference is that porcelain is far more affordable and much more hard-wearing than natural stone.

Redwood and cedar decks are beautiful and can stand up to extremely harsh weather. However, they require yearly power washing and refinishing every four years. Go with a wood composite, which is virtually maintenance-free.

Durability Is Key

You don't want to have to replace your new patio after only a few years. That's why you need highly durable materials like brick or concrete. Brick, in particular, can last hundreds of years before it needs replacing.

Concrete is also an excellent choice for decks, offering a modern, industrial vibe. It's easy to care for, relatively inexpensive, and works well for mild climates. Pressure-treated wood decks, while popular, are prone to warping and cracking with time.

Consider Eco-Friendliness

Is an environmentally-friendly patio is at the top of your wish list? Then consider alternative materials like crushed stone, bark mulch, and sand. You can source all of these options locally and sustainably.

Cedar and redwood decking comes from trees often taken from endangered forests. Instead, consider durable and highly eco-friendly aluminum for your deck. Or choose a composite made from a non-endangered wood.

Get a Patio and Deck Replacement Quote

If your deck or patio has seen better days, it may be time for a replacement. Bells Construction has the modern materials you need to design a beautiful, durable, and sustainable patio and deck.

Want to know how much your patio and deck replacement is going to cost you in Brevard County? Get in touch with Bells Construction Group today for a detailed estimate.