Help! Need back patio or deck installed..Murfreesboro area.. (rentals, house)

[12buttons]

I am thinking about putting in a approx 12 by 15 deck or a paver type stone back patio ... I have a new build and so far nothing is behind my house so this would be an addition from the bottom step of a tiny patio from the back door...- a deck as far as I can see is lumber and labor with as little as one person, the other one involves heavy equipment and more in labor. I would buy the materials in either instance to save costs...anyone have recent experience with either? Is wood better than stone in TN weather? Is a deck cheaper to build than a stone patio? I am told lumber costs more than stone (paver slab type over sand and gravel...) I plan on making some calls to get prices..but thought perhaps someone has some recommendations..anything would be appreciated! Keeping costs down to a minmum are crucial - the husband can do some of the finishing ie staining the deck, etc. Which project is cheaper? hmmmm
TIA, and have a good evening

[Marilyn Bell]

If you're thinking about reselling in the next few years, I'd go with a deck. More people prefer a deck so you'd appeal to the widest range of buyers.

Lumber costs may be more, but you wouldn't have equipment rentals to deal with. If you did stone pavers, you'd want to make sure the ground is level... and that can get pricey (even if you did it yourself with a rented backhoe). I'd go with the deck. Your husband should be able to do it himself, but it would be easier with a buddy!You should probably rent a post hole digger, the manual ones are a pain! Colonial Fence in Murfreesboro did a fence for me before, and they were really reasonable. It may be worth it to just have them come out and do a deck if you factor in lumber, tools that you may not already have, equipment (post hole digger) and the value of your husband's time and energy.

You can get waterseal/stain at Southeastern Salvage for $15 for a 5 gallon bucket. I think it's Severe Weather brand (like at Lowe's I believe). If you decided to do the pavers, I'd check out Southeastern Salvage for those materials too.