Deck vs patio
Decks suit uneven yards; patios work on level grade with proper base prep.
- Pressure-treated wood deck: $25–$40/sq ft
- Composite deck: $40–$60/sq ft
- Concrete paver patio: $15–$30/sq ft
Permits and setbacks
Deck footings, railing height, and property line setbacks are enforced in most jurisdictions.
- Call 811 before digging
- Ledger attachment to house structure
- Stair geometry and graspable rails
Pavers vs concrete
Pavers allow future changes; poured concrete is monolithic but can crack with soil movement.
- Compacted base depth for freeze zones
- Drainage away from foundation
- Sealing and joint sand maintenance
Structure first if the ledger is suspect
Resurfacing boards on a rotten ledger is a cosmetic cover. Budget flashing to the house, hanger hardware, and footings that actually sit below frost before you price composite. Many “deck refreshes” should be 60% framing.
- Pull a board and look at joist ends at the house
- Call 811 before new footings
- Railings are a code item once height triggers a guard — not an optional upgrade
Patio versus deck is a different dirt problem
A paver patio is excavation, base, and edge restraint. A deck is posts and air. Mixing those budgets is how a “$12k outdoor living” quote cannot decide whether you get a platform or a paved pad. Pick the system, then price it.
- Slope patios away from basement windows
- Composite on a new frame is not comparable to stain-only on old wood
- Lighting and a gas line for a grill are separate trades