A deck or patio is where a home's living space spills outdoors — and it's one of the improvements homeowners enjoy most day to day. But a deck is also a structure people stand on, so it has to be built to code with proper footings and connections. The material you choose sets the tone for both looks and maintenance for years.
This guide covers deck and patio options, costs, and how to hire a builder who does it safely. When you're ready, request free quotes from local deck builders.
Wood, composite, or a patio
Pressure-treated wood is the affordable standard but needs regular sealing. Cedar and redwood look beautiful with moderate upkeep. Composite and PVC decking cost more up front but resist rot, fading, and splinters and need almost no maintenance — often the better long-run value. A ground-level patio in concrete or pavers is a lower-maintenance alternative to a raised deck.
Decks pair naturally with fencing and landscaping to complete an outdoor space.
Safety and code
A deck's beauty is on top, but its safety is in the structure — footings below the frost line, proper ledger attachment to the house, correct joist spacing, and code-compliant railings. Deck failures almost always trace back to a bad ledger connection or undersized footings. This is why permits and inspections exist, and why an experienced builder is worth it.
Ask any builder how they attach the ledger and size the footings; a confident, specific answer is what you want.
Decks & Patios cost: what to expect
Decks are priced per square foot installed, driven mostly by material and height. Here's a planning range.
| Project | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood deck | $15 – $30 / sq ft |
| Cedar / redwood deck | $25 – $40 / sq ft |
| Composite deck | $30 – $60 / sq ft |
| Typical deck (200–400 sq ft) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Paver or concrete patio | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Deck repair / restaining | $500 – $3,000 |
Prices are national ballpark ranges for planning only; your local quotes are what matter. Height, railings, stairs, and material drive the per-foot cost.
How to choose a decks & patios pro
- Hire a licensed, insured builder and confirm they'll pull a permit and schedule inspections.
- Ask specifically about footings, ledger attachment, and railing code compliance.
- Compare quotes on the same material, size, and features to judge them fairly.
- For composite, confirm the brand and the color/warranty in writing.
- Check references and photos of decks a few years old to see how the work holds up.
Common decks & patios questions
How much does it cost to build a deck?
A typical deck costs $15 to $30 per square foot for pressure-treated wood and $30 to $60 for composite, installed. A common 200–400 sq ft deck lands between $5,000 and $20,000, with height, railings, stairs, and material driving the range.
Wood or composite decking — which is better?
Wood costs less up front but needs regular sealing and staining and has a shorter life. Composite costs more initially but resists rot, fading, and splinters and needs almost no upkeep, often making it the better value over 20+ years. If you hate maintenance, composite usually wins; if budget is tight, wood does.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Almost always, yes — decks are structures people stand on, so most jurisdictions require a permit and inspection to verify footings, attachment, and railings. A reputable builder handles this. Skipping the permit risks fines, insurance problems, and complications when you sell.
How long does a composite deck last?
Composite and PVC decking typically last 25 to 30+ years with minimal maintenance, versus about 15 years for a well-maintained wood deck. The structural frame underneath (often pressure-treated wood) also affects overall lifespan, so quality framing matters regardless of the decking surface.