When it comes to outdoor living spaces, homeowners often debate whether to build a deck or patio. Both can expand your functional living area and provide space to relax, dine, or entertain. But when deciding between a deck vs. patio, one of the most important considerations is cost.
On average, a basic wooden deck will cost less upfront than a basic concrete patio. However, there are many factors that impact the total expense of each project. In this article, we’ll compare the costs of building a new deck vs. patio, including:
- Upfront construction costs
- Lifespan and long-term maintenance
- Labor rates
- Materials
- Permits
- Site preparation
- Size and features
Understanding these key variables will help you determine whether a deck or patio makes more financial sense for your home and lifestyle.
Page Contents
Upfront Construction Costs
The initial build cost is often the deciding factor for many homeowners. Let’s compare baseline price estimates:
Deck
A basic wooden deck with pressure-treated pine or cedar deck boards costs $15 to $40 per square foot including installation.
So a modest 12′ x 14′ deck (168 square feet) would cost around:
168 sq ft x $30 per sq ft = $5,040
Patio
A basic concrete patio costs $5 to $15 per square foot for the concrete alone. With excavation and installation, expect to pay $8 to $25 per square foot.
The same 12′ x 14′ rectangle (168 sq feet) paved in concrete would be about:
168 sq ft x $15 per sq ft = $2,520
Just looking at the low end of estimates, the patio is nearly half the price of the deck. However, costs go up for more complex designs.
Lifespan and Maintenance
While a patio has a higher upfront cost, concrete lasts much longer than wood. The average lifespan of a concrete patio is over 30 years. With proper sealing and maintenance, a high-quality concrete patio can last 50 years or longer.
Wood decks have a shorter lifespan of just 15 to 25 years. This is due to exposure and weathering from rain, sun, moisture, and repetitive foot traffic. Old wooden decks become splintery, warped, and cracked over time. Annual maintenance like power washing, staining, sealing, and replacing worn deck boards keeps a wood deck functional but adds up in costs.
Replacing an entire deck every 10 to 15 years can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. The long-lasting concrete patio has better returns on investment over time.
Labor Rates
Skilled masonry workers charge more per hour compared to deck builders. According to HomeAdvisor, expect to pay:
- Deck construction: $35 to $75 per hour
- Concrete patio installation: $50 to $100 per hour
But a deck takes more total labor hours compared to a patio. Complex deck designs require establishing footings, framing, railings, stairs, and finishing. A basic patio may only take a few days to grade, form, pour, and finish concrete.
Materials
A concrete patio requires fewer materials than a deck. The essential ingredients are concrete, sand, gravel, and rebar. Lumber pricing fluctuates more than concrete. Pressure-treated deck boards, beams, posts, and fasteners can really add up. Unique decking materials like ipe or composite cost over $9 per square foot.
Concrete patios do allow more design options. You can stamp patterns into the concrete or use expensive finishes like stone, tile, or brick veneers. But the base concrete itself remains relatively affordable at $3 to $6 per square foot.
Permits
Most areas require permits and inspections for both decks and patios. However, wood decks have more complicated structural codes. Meeting requirements for footings, supports, railings, and stairs costs more upfront and takes longer. Concrete patios have fewer code requirements in comparison.
Deck permits average $250 to $500 depending on the location. Patio permits range from $50 to $300.
Site Preparation
Concrete patios require extensive excavation and grading. Most patio jobs involve:
- Removing topsoil
- Leveling and compacting soil
- Layering gravel and sand
This heavy site prep work costs $3 to $6 per square foot and increases labor hours.
Decks require less earthwork. Leveling footings and posts takes less time compared to preparing a concrete substrate. There are also fewer materials to transport and handle during construction.
Size and Features
Decks and patios provide about the same usable square footage. But for larger outdoor living spaces, patios offer fewer seams and more seamless expansive areas. Wood decks are limited by the practical lengths of lumber. Anything beyond a 20′ x 20′ deck would have multiple sectioned areas interrupting the open floor plan.
For elevated decks, stairs are always an added expense. Concrete patios are at ground level, eliminating the need for stairs and railings that drive up costs.
Design features like lighting, kitchens, and amenities generally cost the same for both decks and patios. Built-in benches, planters, pergolas, and fire pits don’t significantly impact overall pricing.
Cost Comparison Table
| Cost Factor | Deck | Patio |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost Per Sq. Ft. | $15 – $40 | $8 – $25 |
| Lifespan | 15 – 25 years | 30+ years |
| Maintenance | Frequent, recurring costs | Minimal after installation |
| Labor Rates Per Hour | $35 – $75 | $50 – $100 |
| Permits | $250 – $500 | $50 – $300 |
| Site Preparation | Minimal grading | Excavation, grading, compacting |
| Size Limitations | 20′ x 20′ optimal | More seamless expansive areas |
Conclusion
For a basic backyard project, concrete patios tend to have lower long-term costs compared to maintenance-intensive wooden decks. But upfront pricing is just one factor. Assess your climate, design needs, and budget considerations before deciding on the most cost-efficient option for your home. A professional builder can also give you an accurate quote for a custom deck or patio tailored to your property. While patios have a higher initial price tag, they can provide better return on investment and keep maintenance costs down over their long lifetime.