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The average ROI you’ll see from a deck or a concrete patio is 70%, so from a value-add perspective, they’re about the same. However, decks are around double the price of a concrete patio, they require significantly more maintenance, and they have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, about half of what you’d see from a concrete patio. As such, a concrete patio is a better option in terms of up-front cost, long-term maintenance, and ROI.

Fiber concrete can be a good option for a residential driveway that will hold up standard passenger cars. The fibers provide increased flexion over a rebar-reinforced concrete driveway, so you’re less likely to see surface cracks. For driveways that need to hold commercial vehicles or multiple vehicles, rebar reinforcement is a better option. Ask a concrete driveway company near you which is the best option for your situation.

In most cases, you’ll want your patio to be 4 inches thick, although you should add reinforcement and increase the thickness up to around 8 inches if you want it to support heavier loads and resist cracking more readily. Although thicker slabs will cost more, you’ll start seeing diminishing returns at around 6 inches.

If you don’t put gravel under concrete, the concrete can crack, sink, bow, or crumble. Even the concrete forming process will not go as smoothly if you are working directly on the soil or bare bedrock. The lack of a proper gravel layer can also lead to drainage issues below your slab, leading to water issues throughout your lawn and around your foundation.