Deck building

[Flames_Gimp]

anyone have a rough idea of material cost to build a deck? per sq.ft?

I'm trying to decide wether to get a concrete patio, paving stone patio or wooden deck. Trying to decide which is most affordable/best route...

anyone care to chime in?

[the-rasta-masta]

Go to Totem. They are pretty good at this stuff, I used to work there and they can tell you the best options. They'll design it for you and everything.

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally Posted by the-rasta-masta

Go to Totem. They are pretty good at this stuff, I used to work there and they can tell you the best options. They'll design it for you and everything.

I'm actually looking at the site now, they have some good deck kits. Good prices.

thanks

[MacDougalbry]

Speaking of decks... anyone ever build a pergola? I was just wondering what the building code or city of Calgary restrictions are on them. (Height, permits, etc.) I looked on the city website but couldn't find anything.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by Flames_Gimp

anyone have a rough idea of material cost to build a deck? per sq.ft?

I'm trying to decide wether to get a concrete patio, paving stone patio or wooden deck. Trying to decide which is most affordable/best route...

anyone care to chime in?

I did a bunch of paving stone in my yard and let me tell you, it is much easier to pay someone to come and do it Mainly because of all the prep work.

with Paving stone there is some general up keep as it can sink, weeds grow in the cracks, for that you can always buy a crack weeder , jointing sand "disappears" and sometimes you have to give it a light acid wash.

I guess it all depends on the size of the patio you are looking to build...concrete is probably your easiest maintenance but wood is probably your least expensive. Check out http://www.burnco.com/RetailWeb/web/retail/index.asp ,it will tell you installation tips and samples of paving stone, etc.

[Flames_Gimp]

I think i'm going to go cheapest route and do a wooden deck.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

check into composite deck boards etc. Adds costs, but no painting or upkeep required.

[ken0042]

Also use concrete piles for the supports; that way 10 years from now you won't have to call me over again to rip it out because the wood rotted.

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Also use concrete piles for the supports; that way 10 years from now you won't have to call me over again to rip it out because the wood rotted.

lol yup

My concrete worker buddy will do it for me.

[4X4]

Your buddy is a concrete guy? Can he get you a deal on a stamped concrete patio? They look awesome and they don't impede your yard the same way as a raised deck. Some of the designs are really nice. It's also great for adding improvement value to your house.

[Displaced Flames fan]

PM Bingo. He built his own deck a couple of years back. It's freaking awesome too. Great design.

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

PM Bingo. He built his own deck a couple of years back. It's freaking awesome too. Great design.

cool will do that.

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Your buddy is a concrete guy? Can he get you a deal on a stamped concrete patio? They look awesome and they don't impede your yard the same way as a raised deck. Some of the designs are really nice. It's also great for adding improvement value to your house.

no he doesn't do stamped concrete, he is just a basic concrete finisher.

[Mr.Coffee]

A wood deck is the cheapest?
wow... definitely do wood then. they look so much better then concrete patios.

[MacDougalbry]

Not sure if you were being sarcastic, but nonetheless...

There is a home in our neighbourhood that has a raised conrete patio (may be paving stones, not 100% sure) raised on a "retaining wall" made of Burnco roman castle stones. It looks fantastic... has a great "Estate" look to it.

We added both a deck and a patio to our home last year. The deck is Trex and the patio is exposed aggregate. The patio looks great, but the main benefit is additional privacy, especially if you live in a newer neighbourhood where there are few mature trees. When we are on the patio, at least the fence can provide us with some privacy.

Properly done, a concrete patio will last forever, whereas a deck requires ongoing maintenance or you will have to replace it in 10 or 20 years.

Just my 2 cents.

[Nufy]

Ground level patio Stone is awesome in my opinion.

I did one in my old house a few years back. Took a while to do it myself but I was very pleased with the results.

Killed me when we sold less than a year later. However the realtor did say it was a major selling factor.

If you have the opportunity, go and look at different types and decide then based on price and when the contractor can do the work.

Good Luck.