Hi,

I currently have a 12x12 concrete patio that the builder of my home put in, right outside the back door., but I'd like to expand it another 12 feet for a 24x12 total patio. The new section would also be right along the house. I'd like help picking between a few different options on how to do this. I live in central texas, so the ground never freezes.

Option 1: Pour more concrete. This options is intimidating because it is so hard to fix mistakes. If I plan something wrong, I only have an hour or so to fix it. Also, mixing that much concrete, all at one time, sounds like a lot of work. But I think this would be the cheapest option, and would have zero long-term maintenance.

Option 2: Paver stones. I could put down a bed of sand and put paver stones on top. I've heard it can be a challenge to get it all level, but at least I can take my time and do it over several weekends, and adjust things if they aren't quite right without involving a jackhammer. But the stones would be more expensive than the concrete (I think). I would also consider covering the existing concrete pad with the same stones to tie it all together. Then I would have the additional challenge of trying to get the bottoms of the new stones level with the concrete existing patio. I've also heard that I may have to adjust the stones for levelness every few years, and maybe sweep more sand into the cracks periodically.

Option 3: Build a wood (or synthetic wood) deck. The deck would cover both areas. This would probably be the easiest for me, because I know more about carpentry than masonry. But if it is real wood, it wouldn't last forever, and I tend to like the look of stone better. This is my least favorite option in terms of final results, but probably the easiest for me as well.

So if it were you, which option would you choose?

 

I would build the new part as a deck and leave the original patio. For a couple of reasons. Pouring concrete even if you don't DIY, but especially if you do, the two patios will not likely look the same. I'm sure its possible to match it close but it seems doubtful. hopefully one of the masonry guys on here can shed light on this. building a deck over the patio is the next best option. but even better, i kind of like having two seperate areas, the second created by the deck. could be interesting since you could make the deck a step or two higher than the patio. this is just my opinion really, i tend to prefer a deck. and paver stones; yikes. i've seen some bad ones, but i've never tried it myself.

 

Do you have enough height to build a deck? - Usually the "lay of the land" and your door elevation is a major factor.

A deck needs adequate circulation underneath, otherwise the life can be shortend signigicantly. You should add up the decking thinkness, joist depth and beam depth to see how much room you have left for air circulation. The circulation may not be as critical over a slab, but over bare, moist ground that is out of the sun, it becomes vertical. Usually circulation close to a home is not too good.

Dick

 

I think I have ruled out option 1 (pour more concrete) for the reasons listed by OhioDraft, and because in general I don't like the idea that any mistakes are extremely hard to fix. So that leaves the deck and patio options.

For the deck idea, the door is 14 inches above the existing patio, and the new space is maybe two inches higher than the existing patio at its highest point. Is that enough breathing room for a deck? Thanks for pointing out the breathing room issue. It makes sense now that you mention it, but I wouldn't have thought of that.