Every day, outdoor structures deal with stress. Stress from the sun’s relentless heat, rainstorms, and below-freezing temperatures. Add to that our sandy soil that has a tendency to shift, flat topography terrible for draining rainwater, coastal salt spray, and our hardscape is just not getting any rest. The daily abuse might just be too much if we use weaker materials. In so saying, it’s imperative that from the get-go, we use a material that can withstand extreme elements and Tampa’s topography challenges…and yes I mean concrete! Learn more about a Tampa concrete patio and why it's the perfect choice for your outdoor space.
Tampa: Florida’s unique blend of Concrete, Climate, and Culture
The City of Tampa in the State of Florida is a vibrant and endearing community. Most of the year, Tampa’s climate is humid and subtropical, meaning to say that temperatures rarely drop below 50 (°F) in the summer season with average highs of 90s (°F). With this kind of climate, the outdoor-loving people of Tampa may now enjoy and congregate outside our lawn, particularly on our poured concrete patio.
Patio is an outdoor living space, which effectively extends the house. Here, we can do whatever we want like backyard cook outs, soaking under the heat of the sun while sitting at your enamored seat hiding with an umbrella, and just feeling the breeze of the outside environment.
Patios made of concrete, we suggest, is a terrific idea to begin with. Here are a few reasons why you should use concrete:
- Durability under the Florida Sun: Tampa is a magnet for local and foreign visitors alike; hence, common social gatherings are perfect for concrete patios. These patios are designed to survive years of pool parties, neighborhood get-togethers, and mass assemblies of people doing their thing. Concrete is, therefore, durable despite constant usage.
If there are several benefits of using concrete patios, there are also areas of minimal concern. Tampa's abundant sunshine can transform your concrete patio into a solar collector. It can absorb tremendous heat during steamy, hot summer walks!
- Techniques to cool off a hot patio: But we can always counter humidity and heat of the environment by searching for cooling solutions. Yes – even concrete – can cool off. YOu can stain the concrete with a lighter color that reflects light rather than absorbs it. Planting trees can also be a good idea to cover concrete and provide a cool and breezing ambiance.
Benefits and Downsides of Concrete Patios
Now that we’ve already learned about Tampa's distinct environment and social scene let’s then examine the benefits and downsides of having concrete patios at your homes.
Advantages:
- Durability: Concrete patios are designed to withstand varying weather conditions regardless of if it’s hot or cold. Moreover, it’s environmentally friendly and can be recycled time and again.
- Low Maintenance: To maintain the appearance of a concrete patio, all we must do is conduct occasional pressure washing and a quick sweep. This means that we can spend more time enjoying our yard and less time maintaining it.
- Versatility: The days of gray, plain wedges are long gone! Today’s concrete patios provide a wide range of style selections to choose from. The experts at Tampa Concrete Experts can assist you in choosing your desired design, such as applying stains, adding borders, or imprinting decorative patterns to create a unique patio that harmonizes with that of your house.
- Affordability: Unlike natural stone or brick pavers, concrete is normally the affordable option for patio. This makes it a superb choice for homeowners looking to landscape an area that is both aesthetically pleasing and has value for money.
Disadvantages:
- Heat Retention: Concrete absorbs and holds heat much longer, making it very uncomfortable to walk during Tampa's summer months.
- Slippery When Wet: Concrete tends to get slippery when soaked in water, especially after those frequent rain showers. For peace of mind, think about attaching non-slip mats in strategic locations or using textured finishes for foot grip control. Safety first should be a priority.
- Cracking: Finally, concrete is susceptible to cracking over a long period - just like any other material. The risk, however, can be greatly reduced with appropriate installation methods and routine maintenance.
Read more about the Pros and Cons of a Concrete Patio in Tampa.
Available Choices: Concrete vs. Competitors: Weighing Options
Besides concrete, there are other options people can choose from:
- Flagstone: Probably the priciest option on this list. Flagstone has a natural look that complements Tampa's verdant surroundings. Its uneven surface, however, may be unsuitable for some people, and it’s not a great choice for an inexperienced DIY.
- Wood Deck: Wood decks give your outdoor space warmth and a hint of countryside charm. Especially for those chilly Tampa evenings, this kind of patio is ideal for setting a natural ambiance. Wood decks, however, need to be stained and sealed on a consistent basis to tolerate drastic changes in the weather. Also, even with proper care, wood will be difficult to maintain in humid climate. With humidity, there’s high moisture, causing wood to rot and be damaged by insects.
Things to Consider: Are Concrete Patios The Best Choice?
It is crucial to consider the following aspects exclusive to your Tampa property upon choosing patio materials:
- Sand and Clay Soil: First to consider should be the type of soil in Tampa. Although it typically varies depending on where you are. Understanding the type of soils you have, such as clay, sand, loam, or dirt, will help you choose the appropriate patio foundation and keep drainage problems set aside.
- Topography: In addition to requiring extra drainage considerations, a sloped yard may benefit from concrete pours instead of potentially shifting pavers.
- Blend In the Neighborhood: Neighborhoods in Tampa extremely vary - each with a distinct personality. Take into consideration the neighborhood's and your own home's architectural design. For example, a contemporary condo on Water Street might look great with a sleek, modern concrete design, but a historic bungalow in SoHo might call for a traditional and organic brick patio.
Cost Factors: Setting a Budget for Your Ideal Patio
Budget is an essential component of any project. Below is a summary of Tampa's ballpark prices for patio landscaping:
- Concrete: Concrete is cheaper than other materials. With an average price per square foot ranging from $3 to $22 (depending on the finishing), this is usually the least expensive option.
- Pavers: Usually costing $9 to $30 per square foot, they are slightly more expensive than concrete.
- Flagstone: The priciest material on this list, costing at least $14 to $38 per square foot.
