Deck vs Patio: Cost Comparison and Which Is Right for Your Home

Both decks and patios extend your living space outdoors, but they differ significantly in cost, maintenance, and suitability depending on your yard, climate, and lifestyle. Here's how to choose.

Patio costs by material: basic concrete $6-$12/sqft, stamped concrete $10-$18/sqft, pavers $12-$25/sqft, natural stone $15-$30/sqft, gravel $3-$5/sqft. A 300 sqft patio costs $1,800-$9,000 depending on material.

Deck costs by material: pressure-treated wood $15-$25/sqft, cedar $20-$35/sqft, composite (Trex, TimberTech) $25-$45/sqft, hardwood (ipe) $30-$60/sqft. A 300 sqft deck costs $4,500-$18,000.

Patios win on: lower initial cost, minimal maintenance, longer lifespan, no structural concerns, accessible design (ground level), and better for heavy items like hot tubs and outdoor kitchens.

Decks win on: elevated yards and slopes (where a patio would require expensive grading), homes with high foundations, views you want to preserve, aesthetic warmth (wood/composite feels warmer than stone), and flexibility in design.

Maintenance costs differ significantly. Patios: virtually zero ongoing cost for concrete or pavers — occasional power washing ($0.15-$0.25/sqft) and possible sealing. Decks: staining every 2-3 years ($500-$1,500) for wood, cleaning for composite.

Lifespan comparison: concrete patio 25-50+ years, paver patio 25-50+ years, pressure-treated deck 10-15 years, composite deck 25-30 years. Over 30 years, a wood deck may need to be rebuilt once while a patio endures.

ROI at resale: decks return 60-80% of cost, patios return 50-70%. Both add value, but decks are more visible and create a stronger impression during showings.

Climate considerations: concrete patios crack in freeze-thaw climates (repair cost $500-$2,000), wood decks need more maintenance in wet/humid regions, composite decks get hot in direct sun in southern climates.

The best choice for most budgets: a paver patio with a small covered pergola provides outdoor living space, low maintenance, and curb appeal for $8,000-$15,000 total — often less than a comparable deck.