Is It Cheaper To Do a Deck or Patio?

When designing outdoor living spaces, homeowners often face a choice: build a deck or lay a patio? Both options provide perfect venues for entertaining or family gatherings. In most cases, building a patio is less expensive than constructing a deck. Since patios are made right on the ground, they usually need fewer building supplies, supports, and professional help.

For a 200-square-foot deck or patio, the cheapest concrete patio construction costs approximately $800 to $3,000. A deck, however, requires $5,000 to $16,000. But the final total investment depends on a lot of things, like the terrain, the cost of materials, the cost of work, and the cost of upkeep. You can use this article’s in-depth comparisons to help you choose the option that fits your wants and budget the best.

The Difference Between a Deck and a Patio

The biggest difference between a deck and a patio is the height: a patio is built flush with the ground, while a deck is built above the ground and supported by vertical joists. Both can be attached to the house or stand-alone and are available in a variety of materials and styles.

What Is a Deck?

A deck is a great way to make your outdoor living area feel like part of your home. Decks are usually made of wood, but can also be made of composite decking material, metal, or a mixture of materials. Often built on the back or side of a home, decks are great for grilling and enjoying the outdoors.

Decks are usually best suited for the following people:

• People who want the best return on investment (ROI).
• Homes with unevenly sloped yards
• Homeowners who are concerned about insulation

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Advantages of Decks

• Increase home value: Decks can increase the value of a home, which means they are a good investment. Not only do they increase the value of your home, but they also provide you with more space for outdoor recreation.
• Good for rough terrain: Since decks are built on top of the ground, rather than directly on it, they are also great for uneven yards.
• Customizable: You can easily change the look of your deck to fit your style or your goals for the area. You can change the shape and size of the deck in order to install a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, or other entertaining amenities.

Disadvantages of Decks

• Costly: Decks usually cost more to build than decks, so people on a tight budget may not want to build a deck. Typically, the average cost to build a deck is $7,900.
• More maintenance: Cleaning, sealing, and staining your deck is an important part of deck maintenance. Regular maintenance and upkeep will keep your deck in good shape.
• Shorter lifespan: Decks, especially wood decks, tend to have a shorter lifespan than decks.

What Is a Patio?

A patio is an inexpensive and flexible way to change the appearance of an outdoor area. The most common materials used to build patios are concrete, brick, tile, and stone.

Patios are usually suitable for the following people:

• Homeowners with flat yards
• People who don’t have enough time for maintenance
• People who want more privacy

Advantages of Patios

• Low construction costs: Patios are usually less expensive to build than decks. This makes them a good choice for people on a tight budget.
• Easy to Maintain: Patios are not difficult to maintain, as long as you regularly clean up the debris on the patio. Clean the bricks on your patio and check for damage to get it ready for spring.
• More privacy: Patios are usually more private than decks because they are lower to the ground. This is especially true if the patio is located in a fenced yard.

Disadvantages of Patios

• Requires level ground: If you live on rocky or uneven ground, a patio won’t work well. A patio is right on the ground, and a deck can be raised above the ground. If you want to build a patio in your yard, you may need to level your yard first.
• Get dirty easily: Patios usually get dirty quickly from bad weather and require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
• Long life: Compared to a deck, a patio has a longer lifespan. However, patios can also crack or become damaged if not laid properly. High or low temperatures can also cause patios to crack.

Installation Costs for Decks and Patios

For most budget-conscious households, initial construction costs are the most critical decision factor. In this regard, patios typically offer lower costs in most scenarios.

Initial Costs for Patios

For patios, the ground has to be leveled first. This gets rid of the need for complicated support systems and a lot of work at heights, which means that the costs of materials and labor are pretty low. Costs are mostly caused by materials and getting the land ready.

• Concrete Pouring: Pouring concrete is the most economical option. Costs range from approximately $4 to $15 per square foot. This material is durable and long-lasting, but its drawbacks include a limited range of surface colors and textures. Additionally, in cold climates, it can crack if not properly maintained. Its plain appearance may not significantly enhance property value.
• Concrete Pavers: Pavers are currently a very popular choice. Costs range from approximately $10 to $20 per square foot. They are laid using an interlocking system over a base of gravel and sand. Individual pavers can be replaced if damaged. Their variety in color, shape, and laying patterns significantly enhances aesthetic appeal.
• Natural Stone or Slate: Natural stones like bluestone and limestone feature unique textures and hues. They create a luxurious, natural ambiance. However, these materials are costly, ranging from $15 to $35 per square foot or higher. Additionally, installation requires experienced skilled labor, increasing labor costs accordingly.

Initial Cost of a Deck

The process of building a deck is more complicated. Load-bearing calculations, base work, framing, decking installation, and railing and stair installation are all things that need to be done. These steps usually lead to higher costs at the start. The materials used for the deck also have a big effect on the final cost.

• Pressure-treated Lumber: A common choice for wooden decks. Costs range from approximately $25 to $50 per square foot. Preservative-treated wood undergoes chemical treatment to provide some protection against rot and insect damage. However, it requires significant maintenance over time.
• Cedar or Redwood: These woods don’t rot naturally, and they have beautiful color and grain patterns that make them look nice. The products, on the other hand, cost about $27 to $70 per square foot, which is more than pressure-treated wood. Additionally, they also require regular maintenance to preserve their appearance.
• Composite Deck Materials: Composite decks are made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic. Costs range from approximately $40 to $80 per square foot. The greatest advantage of composite decks is their extremely low maintenance requirements. They are scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and mold-resistant.

Learn More: How Much Does a 20 x 20 Composite Decking Cost?

Long-Term Costs and Return on Investment

Patios do cost less than decks when it comes to the starting cost. But to really make a smart choice, you should think about how much this outdoor place will cost to own and how much it will earn you back over the next few decades.

Long-Term Costs of a Patio

Due to its durable nature, a patio requires relatively simple maintenance. Typically, it only needs regular sweeping to clear leaves and debris. Occasionally, rinsing surface grime with a hose or pressure washer suffices. A well-constructed patio can last 25-50 years or even longer. Consequently, its long-term costs are low. You’ll pay almost nothing in annual upkeep fees.

Long-Term Costs of a Deck

Decks, especially wooden ones, require ongoing maintenance investments. Wood exposed to sun, rain, and snow naturally ages, leading to cracking, warping, rot, and mold growth. To protect your investment, wooden decks typically need annual maintenance, including:

• Cleaning: Regularly remove surface grime and mildew.
• Sanding: Wood decks require periodic sanding to smooth the surface.
• Staining or Sealing: Wood decks also need new coats to keep water and UV rays away.

These maintenance costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Over time, they accumulate significant time and financial expenses.

Because it’s hard to keep wood in good shape, composite deck is becoming more and more popular as a deck material. It doesn’t need to be sealed or stained, and only needs to be cleaned with water every so often. It also lasts longer than wood, 25–30 years or more. Even though it costs more at first, it ends up being cheaper in the long run.

Return on Investment

Building outdoor spaces is also a real estate investment. The value added to a home by patios and decks varies significantly.

• Deck: Constructing a high-quality composite deck typically yields a return on investment (ROI) between 60% and 80%. This means it can substantially increase your home’s value.
• Patio: In contrast, patios generally offer a lower ROI. Approximately 50% to 55%.

So, even though patios are easier to build and keep up, building a deck might help you make more money when you sell your house.

How Terrain Affects Patio and Deck Costs

Even though patios are usually less expensive, there are times when decks are a better value due to the way the land is built and how it is maintained. Slopes and uneven ground are two examples.

• Patio: Uneven slopes require extensive land grading for patio construction. Steep inclines may necessitate costly retaining walls. These additional expenses can significantly inflate the final cost.
• Deck: A deck’s elevated structure perfectly solves slope issues. Homeowners only need to put in a few deep base posts and then build a level deck on top of them. This completely avoids problems with sloping ground. In these situations, it might be much easier to build a deck than a patio.

To sum up, carefully look at your land before you start building. It is cheaper to build a patio than a deck if your backyard is as flat as a pool table. A deck, on the other hand, is the better choice if your backyard slopes or the house itself is higher than the ground.

Conclusion

In most cases, constructing a patio is more cost-effective than building a deck on flat land. However, the choice should be based on practical considerations and usage requirements. For limited budgets, concrete patios are typically the most economical option. If you have enough money, composite decks offer more features and a better return on your investment.

Whether you choose a deck or a patio, the right selection will enhance your outdoor enjoyment. For further inquiries, feel free to contact COOWIN. We provide premium composite deck materials.

FAQ

Which Patio Material is The Most Durable?

Natural stone is the most durable patio material. When properly installed, it can last over 100 years. Concrete pavers follow, with a lifespan of 25-50 years.

Are Composite Decks Completely Maintenance-free?

Composite decks require far less upkeep than wood. However, they aren’t entirely maintenance-free. We recommend cleaning them 1-2 times annually with mild soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt and mildew. Avoid direct pressure washing, as it can damage the surface.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Deck or Patio?

Time depends on project size and complexity. A simple concrete patio may take just a few days. A paver patio could require about a week. A medium-sized deck typically takes 1-2 weeks. Complex multi-level decks may take longer.

Can I Build a Deck or Patio Myself?

Building a ground-level deck or paved patio isn’t overly difficult. If you’re a skilled DIY enthusiast, you can save a significant amount on labor costs by doing it yourself. However, for elevated decks, it’s generally recommended to hire professionals.