Building a Deck or Patio — Materials, Costs, and Design

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

Decks and patios extend outdoor living space and provide different benefits depending on your situation. A deck costs $30 to $50 per square foot installed. A patio costs $10 to $20 per square foot depending on material. The choice between them depends on budget, maintenance tolerance, and intended use.

Decks are elevated structures built with wood—pressure-treated, cedar, redwood—or composite materials. They require footings below the frost line for structural integrity. They require stairs or ramp access. Decks work well when you want dining and entertaining space that’s elevated and visible. Wood decks require annual staining and sealing. Composite decks cost more upfront but have minimal ongoing maintenance.

Patios are ground-level hardscapes built from stone, brick, concrete, or pavers. They’re typically level access with no frost line requirements. Patios work well when you want a permanent, low-maintenance gathering space. They cost less initially than wood decks and are very low-maintenance. Frost heave in cold climates can affect pavers slightly over time.

For a 320-square-foot space, a pressure-treated wood deck costs $10,000 to $17,000 ($31 to $53 per square foot) with materials at $3,000 to $5,000, labor at $6,000 to $10,000, and permits and footings at $1,000 to $2,000. Annual maintenance is $200 to $500. A composite deck costs $13,000 to $22,000 ($41 to $69 per square foot) with materials at $6,000 to $10,000, labor at $6,000 to $10,000, and permits and footings at $1,000 to $2,000. Maintenance is minimal. A stone paver patio costs $6,500 to $12,500 ($20 to $39 per square foot) with materials at $2,500 to $5,000, labor at $3,000 to $5,000, base prep at $1,000 to $2,000, and permits at $200 to $500. Annual maintenance is $100 to $200. A concrete patio costs $4,500 to $8,200 ($14 to $26 per square foot) with materials at $1,500 to $2,500, labor at $2,000 to $4,000, base prep at $800 to $1,200, and permits at $200 to $500. Annual maintenance is $200 to $300 for sealing every two to three years.

For deck materials, pressure-treated wood is affordable at $2 to $4 per square foot lumber cost but requires annual staining and sealing, lasts fifteen to twenty years, and can splinter and gray without maintenance. Cedar or redwood is more attractive at $4 to $8 per square foot but still requires annual staining and sealing and lasts fifteen to twenty years. Composite wood-plastic blend costs very high upfront at $10 to $15 per square foot, requires minimal maintenance with no staining needed, lasts twenty-five to thirty years, and offers the best long-term value. Some composite absorbs heat in sun. Tropical hardwood is durable and attractive at $8 to $15 per square foot, requires minimal maintenance, but raises environmental concerns.

For patio materials, concrete is cheapest at $3 to $6 per square foot installed, can crack especially in freeze-thaw climates, stains easily but can be sealed, has low maintenance but drab appearance, and can be stamped or stained for appearance. Asphalt is very cheap at $2 to $4 per square foot, needs frequent resealing, gets hot in summer, and has a short lifespan of ten to fifteen years. Brick costs $8 to $15 per square foot installed, is very attractive and classic, can settle and shift creating uneven surfaces, and requires moderate maintenance. Natural stone like flagstone, slate, or bluestone costs $15 to $25 per square foot installed, is very attractive and elegant, is durable for forty-plus years, requires low maintenance, and represents the best long-term investment. Pavers in concrete or stone cost $10 to $20 per square foot installed for quality pavers, offer attractive and flexible design options, can shift slightly in freeze-thaw climates, and require moderate maintenance for occasional re-sanding of joints.

A 16-by-20 deck or patio at 320 square feet is a good basic size for entertaining, allowing table and seating with separate standing area. A 20-by-20 at 400 square feet is roomier and more versatile. Smaller patios at 10-by-12 equaling 120 square feet work for simple furniture arrangement.

Deck stairs take minimum space of about 4 by 6 feet and cost $2,000 to $4,000. Patio access is typically level with ground. Ramps required for accessibility add significant cost and take space.

Most jurisdictions require permits for decks at usually $200 to $500. Deck footings must be below the frost line, which varies by region but typically runs thirty-six to forty-eight inches. Railings and stairs must meet code specifications. Patio permits are less common unless the patio is very large.

Professional installation quality matters significantly. For decks, structural integrity is critical since improper footings lead to failure. Hire experienced deck builders. For patios, installation quality affects longevity since poor base prep leads to settling and cracking. Quality contractors cost more but deliver better results.

Wood decks demand annual attention and staining or sealing is non-negotiable if you want longevity. Composite decks are low-maintenance but expensive upfront. Patios are very low-maintenance, especially stone. Concrete requires periodic sealing every two to three years.

Outdoor living spaces return approximately 50-80 percent of cost at resale, which is less valuable than interior improvements but still positive ROI. For personal enjoyment, value depends on how much you use the space. A deck or patio you use constantly provides great value. One used occasionally is less valuable.

Simple patios take one to three weeks. A deck without special features takes two to four weeks. Complex designs with built-ins, stairs, and railings take four to eight weeks.

Build a deck if you want an elevated view or feeling, have uneven terrain, prefer wood aesthetics, are willing to maintain it or use composite, and your budget allows. Build a patio if you want low maintenance, have level terrain, prefer a permanent hardscape, want the most economical option, and want minimal ongoing effort. Both can transform how you use your yard when chosen based on your maintenance tolerance, budget, and intended use.

© The Whole Home Guide