How big should a driveway apron be?

• <div><p>The size of your driveway apron will vary based on your town's building codes. On average, they range between 12 and 24 feet wide and eight to 15 feet long. One end of the apron usually matches the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/driveway-width-guide.htm">width of the driveway</a>—10 to 12 feet wide for a single-car driveway—while the street end flares out to allow cars to turn in and out.</p></div>

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Q: Are concrete stairs cheaper than wood?

• <div><p>No, high labor costs and the project's complexity make concrete stairs more expensive than steel or wood stairs. Wood steps cost between<b> </b>$100 and $200 per step, including labor and materials, while concrete steps are about triple, at between $200 and $600 per step. Building codes may also have stricter requirements for concrete steps, as they&rsquo;re considered permanent, so you might also pay more for permits.</p></div>

Q: How long do concrete pathways last?

• <div><p>A concrete pathway is very durable and can last upward of 30 years under normal conditions. Heavy snowfall and excessive heat may decrease this lifespan over time, as can vehicle traffic and salt applications during freezing conditions. Homeowners in extreme climates might notice cracking and deterioration after just 15 years, while those in more temperate climates should see multiple decades of life from their concrete. </p></div>

Q: Does patio installation require a permit?

• <div><p>In many cases, you will need a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-i-really-need-building-permit.htm">building permit</a> for your patio, but it depends on the type of patio. Generally speaking, any improvements to your land considered &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; will require a permit. Since a concrete patio is a permanent foundation, you will need a permit. On the other hand, a paver patio or flagstone patio usually sits over gravel and sand, are considered &ldquo;temporary&rdquo; improvements, and rarely require permits. To be safe, you should always ask your building department or your patio company if a permit will be necessary.</p></div>

Q: Which is less expensive, a deck or a patio?

• <div><p>Decks are generally more expensive to build because they require elevating and railings. The difference between decks and patios is that decks are elevated, while patios are usually on the ground level. Plus, decks are usually made of wood and need more maintenance than most patios. However, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/deck-vs-patio-which-works-better.htm">decks and patios</a> serve the same purpose, providing outdoor space for you to enjoy.</p></div>

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Find Patio pros in Culbertson

Sentri Homes

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Sentri Homes

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349 local quotes requested

Sentri Homes is a full-service contractor delivering high-end home additions, whole-home remodels, new custom builds, luxury kitchens, structural framing, roof replacements, and every major renovation. We assign a dedicated project manager to every job, deliver meticulous craftsmanship with clear communication, and back our work with an industry-leading warranty to ensure complete peace of mind on your largest investments. Our in-house team of licensed builders and master craftsmen consistently earns 5-star reviews by turning big visions into stunning, high-value homes—when you need one trusted partner who truly does it all, we’re the proven choice.

Norwest Contracting

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Norwest Contracting

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30 years of experience. Done right the first time.

Grovom Painting

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Grovom Painting

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22 years of experience

Your HOME - Your BIGGEST INVESTMENT ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Increase your home's value with a quality paint job that will protect it from Montana's extreme weather. We know that when you choose us, you are entrusting us to protect, preserve, and beautify your biggest asset—your home. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍WWW.PAINTINGMONTANA.COM -- 406-461-6094

FLOORING AMERICA POIEMA

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FLOORING AMERICA POIEMA

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40 years of experience

Locally owned & operated business supporting our local community. We proudly serve the Flathead valley for over 25 years in flooring. Our dedicated staff has over 89 years of experience in the flooring industry dedicated in the best customer service. We provide financing through GE Capital, the national leader in providing flexible consumer credit options for all of your purchasing needs.

Paradise Fencing and Construction Company, Inc.

5.00(

)

Paradise Fencing and Construction Company, Inc.

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Paradise Fencing and Construction Company Inc. has been serving Montana since 1996. Our company is fully licensed and insured. Paradise main office is based out of Great Falls with crews traveling the state of Montana. The Fencing side of our business installs every type of fence available. If sprinkler work is needed we subcontract out the work to top rated sprinkler companies to make sure the project is done correctly. Paradise Construction performs all of the work from dirtwork to finish work. Paradise subcontracts its electrical, plumbing, and HVAC to top quality providers.

Patios questions, answered by experts

No, high labor costs and the project's complexity make concrete stairs more expensive than steel or wood stairs. Wood steps cost between $100 and $200 per step, including labor and materials, while concrete steps are about triple, at between $200 and $600 per step. Building codes may also have stricter requirements for concrete steps, as they’re considered permanent, so you might also pay more for permits.

A concrete pathway is very durable and can last upward of 30 years under normal conditions. Heavy snowfall and excessive heat may decrease this lifespan over time, as can vehicle traffic and salt applications during freezing conditions. Homeowners in extreme climates might notice cracking and deterioration after just 15 years, while those in more temperate climates should see multiple decades of life from their concrete.

In many cases, you will need a building permit for your patio, but it depends on the type of patio. Generally speaking, any improvements to your land considered “permanent” will require a permit. Since a concrete patio is a permanent foundation, you will need a permit. On the other hand, a paver patio or flagstone patio usually sits over gravel and sand, are considered “temporary” improvements, and rarely require permits. To be safe, you should always ask your building department or your patio company if a permit will be necessary.

The size of your driveway apron will vary based on your town's building codes. On average, they range between 12 and 24 feet wide and eight to 15 feet long. One end of the apron usually matches the width of the driveway—10 to 12 feet wide for a single-car driveway—while the street end flares out to allow cars to turn in and out.

Decks are generally more expensive to build because they require elevating and railings. The difference between decks and patios is that decks are elevated, while patios are usually on the ground level. Plus, decks are usually made of wood and need more maintenance than most patios. However, decks and patios serve the same purpose, providing outdoor space for you to enjoy.

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