Deck vs. Patio: Which Should You Build?

If your yard is fairly flat, a patio is usually cheaper than a raised deck and lasts longer than a wood deck. If your yard slopes or your back door sits a few feet above the ground, a deck is often the better fit, because it creates a level surface without heavy grading. For a 16x20 footprint, HomeAdvisor's rates put a paver patio at about $2,560–$8,000, a low ground-level deck at about $3,200–$6,400, and its deck size table lists $12,800–$19,200 for a 16x20 deck.

Deck vs. patio at a glance

Paver costs, paver lifespan and deck costs are from HomeAdvisor's paver patio and deck guides. Concrete cost is from Homewyse, and other lifespans are linked below. Costs are national ranges and vary by region.

When a patio makes more sense

A patio sits on the ground, so it doesn't need posts, beams, railings or stairs. That's the main reason it costs less. Concrete Network notes that patios suit relatively flat ground, can be built in almost any shape, and handle heavy items like outdoor fireplaces and pizza ovens better than decks, which have load limits.

Choose a patio if:

• Your yard is flat and your back door is close to ground level.
• You want a fire pit, outdoor kitchen or masonry fireplace. See our outdoor kitchen cost guide for what those add.
• You want the longest life with the least upkeep.
• You'd like curves, borders or mixed materials.

On material, pavers and poured concrete each have trade-offs in cost, cracking and repairs. Our guide to pavers vs. concrete covers that choice.

When a deck makes more sense

A deck stands on posts and footings, so the ground underneath doesn't have to be level. Concrete Network points out that decks handle slopes and uneven ground well, while patios suit relatively flat ground. Putting a patio on a slope means grading the site level first, which adds cost.

Choose a deck if:

• Your yard slopes away from the house.
• Your back door is more than a step or two above the ground, so a patio would need stairs anyway.
• You want a raised view over the yard.
• You like the warmth and feel of wood.

Height drives deck prices. HomeAdvisor lists ground-level decks at about $10–$20 per square foot and second-story or raised decks at about $40–$50. Once any part of the deck is 30 inches or more above grade, codes generally require guards at least 36 inches tall, as in New Ulm, Minnesota's deck handout, and that adds railing cost.

A common middle ground: a small deck at the door that steps down to a larger patio. You get easy access from the house and a bigger, cheaper surface for furniture and a grill.

Cost comparison for the same size

Here's how a 16x20 (320 sq ft) project compares, using each source's per-square-foot rate so the rows line up.

HomeAdvisor's paver size table gives a slightly wider $1,900–$9,600 for the same 320 sq ft, with an average near $5,700. The takeaway: a low deck on flat ground can cost about the same as a patio, while height is what makes decks expensive.

Decking material makes a big difference too. Composite boards cost several times more than pressure-treated wood, as covered in composite vs. wood decking. For a detailed paver budget, see the paver patio cost guide.

Maintenance, lifespan and climate

Patios generally outlast wood decks. Concrete Network says a concrete patio lasts 30 years or more, needs only occasional washing and resealing, and that paver joints need sand refilled every few years.

A wood deck needs a protective finish that wears off, so plan on re-sealing or re-staining every 1–6 years depending on the product. Trex puts wood deck life at 10–30 years. Composite decking narrows the gap: HomeAdvisor's composite decking guide says most last 25–50 years with just cleaning.

Regional differences

• Cold climates: Deck footings must go below the frost line, which can be deep. New Ulm, Minnesota, requires 42 inches. Patios need a well-compacted base instead, so ask your installer how they handle freeze-thaw.
• Hot, sunny climates: Decking maker TimberTech says all decking gets hot in the sun and darker colors feel hotter. Choose lighter colors and add shade.
• Wet, humid climates: Damp, shady decks need more upkeep, so keep a wood deck's finish up and clean off mildew. Patios need good drainage so water runs away from the house, not toward it.

Permits, HOAs and digging

Most decks need a building permit. Under the IRC, a deck is exempt only if it's 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house and not serving the required exit door, as shown in Federal Way, Washington's summary. HomeAdvisor puts deck permit fees at about $230–$500.

Patios usually don't need a building permit, according to Concrete Network, but your city may still regulate setbacks or how much of your lot can be paved. Check with your building department and HOA before you start.

Either project involves digging, whether it's footings or a patio base. Contact 811 a few business days ahead. It's free, and buried gas, power and cable lines get marked before anyone breaks ground.

When to call a pro

Small ground-level patios and low freestanding decks can be DIY projects. Hire a pro for raised or attached decks, sloped sites that need grading or walls, and any patio large enough to need heavy equipment. If a sloped yard needs a retaining wall over about 4 feet tall, hire a licensed pro and ask your building department whether the wall needs a permit.

When you hire:

• Get 2–3 written quotes for the same size and materials, including base prep or footings.
• Ask for photos of similar decks or patios the company has built.
• Check licensing and insurance where your state requires it, and ask who pulls permits.
• Get the scope, drainage plan and payment schedule in writing.

On LandscapeLookup you can find outdoor living pros for decks or hardscaping pros for patios. It's free with no sign-up, and you contact pros directly.