Is it easier to build a deck or patio?

If you're trying to decide on a deck vs. patio, consider the terrain, your budget, and your preferences. When it comes to costs, patios are often cheaper and easier to build but depending on the location, a deck may be a more valuable upgrade to your outdoor living space.

Is it cheaper to build a deck or patio?

Patios generally cost less to build than decks do.

Patios consist of more affordable materials like stamped concrete or stone as opposed to wood or bricks which are common for decks. Patios also require less labor and maintenance, which can help keep the costs down.

Should you build a deck or patio first?

Whenever possible, it's ideal to begin with the patio. This is mostly because the project is easiest to coordinate from an excavation point by starting with the patio. The footers for the deck can be installed at the time of the patio excavation.

Is it better to build a deck or concrete patio?

If you plan to live in your home a long time, the longevity of your outdoor floor should be a top priority. In general, a concrete patio — which offers a lifespan of 30 years or longer — will outlast most natural wood decks.

Is a concrete patio cheaper than a wood deck?

It's cheaper to build a concrete patio in terms of both the initial cost to lay a concrete patio, as well as its cost of maintenance over time. A concrete patio costs only $4 per square foot, while a deck costs roughly $6 per square foot for lower-cost pressure treated lumber.

Deck versus Patio - 9 Things to Consider

Are decks more expensive than patios?

Defining decks and patios

Patios are generally less expensive than decks, but the ROI on a new deck addition runs greater than one on a patio. However, both additions can offer a great experience depending on what you're looking for.

Is it worth it to build a patio?

#1: Lower cost to build.

Patios are usually more cost-effective to construct than decks. The reason for this is that they're usually made out of concrete, bricks, or stone, which are all less expensive materials! One study showed that—per square foot—patios cost less than half the cost of decks!

Is it expensive to raise a patio?

In some cases, when the ground is not leveled or when the back door is above grade, an elevated patio is the perfect solution. Usually, raised patios lay on top of a concrete slab. A raised patio will cost between $1,038 and $8,064 for a 12-by-12-foot area, $2 to $6 more per square foot than a ground patio.

How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?

A 20x20 brick paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. The average cost of pavers and base materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while labor runs $6 to $11 per square foot. Get free estimates from masonry contractors near you or view our cost guide below.

How much is a 12x12 concrete patio?

The average cost for a 12′ x 12′ concrete patio is about $1,700, or $12 per square foot. The typical range for a concrete patio depending on design, color, and texture is $6 to $16 per square foot, or $864 for a plain slab to a vibrant custom design that costs $2,300.

What is the least expensive way to build a patio?

Concrete is one of the cheapest and most popular materials that can be used to build a hard-surface patio. The aggregates of concrete can be stone, gravel, sand, or shells, which are mixed with water to form a paste that dries into a hard surface when left to settle.

What is the cheapest type of patio to build?

Poured or stamped concrete ($$)

Concrete is one of the most popular patio materials and the cheapest material you can use to build a hard-surface patio. Concrete is made of aggregates and paste—concrete aggregates can be crushed stone, sand, gravel, or even shells; the paste is made up of water and cement.

How much does a 20x20 concrete patio cost?

A 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio runs between $1,200 to $6,000, including labor and materials. Adding decorative finishes and colors could make the price even higher.

Do decks increase home value?

In terms of pure home resale value, wood decks provide the best return on your investment. The more affordable material translates to a more affordable deck project while boosting the resale value of your home to a similar amount compared to a composite deck.

Do outdoor patios increase home value?

That said, it's estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%. A better option for most homeowners, however, would be to refinish or repair an existing patio, as repair estimates average around $1,400. This can provide an ROI of nearly 500%.

Should I replace my deck with a patio?

Contrary to many peoples' impressions, patios are actually much cheaper than decks if you're building fairly close to the ground. In our mind, a patio is always preferable if you're going to need it within 2-3 feet of ground level.

Is a deck worth the investment?

Adding a deck to your home is one of the best investment decisions you can make. According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost Vs. Value Report, a homeowner can expect to recoup about 65% of the cost of building a new composite deck when the time comes to sell your home.

How difficult is it to build a deck?

In general, building a deck is fairly straightforward — you make a basic frame using standard beams and top it off with some kind of deck material. In reality, it ranges from simple to complex. A properly constructed deck requires some knowledge of woodworking, concrete, landscaping and engineering.

What is a floating deck?

A floating deck is a deck that isn't attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don't require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they're built just above the ground level, or grade.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don't forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don't get it.

Should I put a roof over my deck?

A regular deck can support a certain amount of weight per square foot, but a deck roof adds a lot of weight and requires support. In most cases, larger footings and sometimes more footings are required for a roofed deck. This is why it's best to add a roof during initial deck construction.

What is the easiest patio to install?

PAVERS are the best option

For a do-it-yourself patio, a simple square design with one size of pavers is a lot easier to install than one with various sizes and curves because you will not have to cut the pavers, which takes time and skill. Pavers are strong, inexpensive, and easy to install.

How do you lay a patio for beginners?