Q: I'm interested in having my backyard covered with cement. Is there a difference between cement and concrete? Which is more economical? Approximately how much should this job cost? The space is about the size of a medium patio deck.

A: Thanks for your inquiry. Technically, cement is the major ingredient (along with sand, gravel, water and other possible additives) used to make concrete. So when you are talking about the finished product, concrete is the proper term, though people often say "cement" to mean the same thing.

However, there are many different types of concrete as well as ways to finish it. Standard gray concrete can be finished in a variety of ways, including broom-brushed (the most common), smooth-troweled and salt finished (leaving holes in the concrete where rock salt was applied). Exposed aggregate, which leaves a top layer of multi-colored rocks, is often available in several different colors. They can also mix colors into the concrete and/or apply colored stain and/or glazes over the top after it is poured. It can also be "etched" with acid or stamped and colored to look like other materials such as tile, granite, brick, cobblestone, etc.

There are several elements in considering the price of concrete. Concrete is sold by the cubic yard, the "per yard price" determined by the ingredients used to make it, the delivery and possibly pumping, if necessary. The amount of concrete needed will depend on the size of the area and depth needed to support whatever the concrete will hold (a sidewalk does not need to be as strong as a driveway that supports cars and trucks, for instance).

Other considerations in determining the price include the site preparation, materials needed to construct the pad such as reinforcement bar or drains, and the labor needed to finish it. Obviously, the more ingredients, materials, and labor needed to install it, the more expensive it will be. The most economical is generally standard brush-finished concrete.
The best way to determine a price is to have two or three different contractors bid on the job for you. To find some reputable concrete contractors to do that, simply visit http://www.servicemagic.com. Let us match you with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck with your project!
Kathy Maynard