Deck Cost by Material
The material you choose drives most of the cost variance. Here are 2026 installed costs per square foot, including framing and labor:
| Material | Cost per Sqft | 200 sqft Total | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $25–$35 | $5,000–$7,000 | High — stain/seal every 1–2 yrs |
| Cedar or redwood | $30–$45 | $6,000–$9,000 | Medium — stain every 2–3 yrs |
| Composite (Trex-style) | $40–$60 | $8,000–$12,000 | Low — clean annually |
| Exotic hardwood (ipe) | $50–$70 | $10,000–$14,000 | Low — oil yearly |
For a deck tailored to your size and material, use our Deck & Patio Cost Calculator.
Patio Cost by Material
Patios are cheaper per square foot because they sit at ground level — no framing, railings, or structural lumber. Costs depend on the surface material:
| Material | Cost per Sqft | 200 sqft Total |
|---|---|---|
| Poured concrete | $8–$15 | $1,600–$3,000 |
| Concrete pavers | $12–$22 | $2,400–$4,400 |
| Natural stone flagstone | $18–$30 | $3,600–$6,000 |
| Brick | $15–$25 | $3,000–$5,000 |
Patios work best on flat, well-drained ground. Sloped yards or high water tables may push you toward a deck.
Deck vs Patio: Which to Choose
The decision usually comes down to yard slope, height of your door, and budget. If your back door sits more than a foot above grade, a deck is the natural choice — patios would need a step-down or retaining wall. On flat ground with a ground-level door, a patio is cheaper and lower-maintenance. Decks have a shorter lifespan (15–25 years for wood, 25–30 for composite) versus patios (30–50 years for stone and concrete), so factor long-term cost, not just upfront.
Cost Drivers Beyond Material
- Height and structural complexity: A second-story deck costs 50–80% more than ground-level due to engineered posts, bracing, and railings.
- Railings and stairs: Required for decks over 30 inches high. Composite or metal railings run $40–$80 per linear foot.
- Permits: Required for most decks; budget $300–$800. Patios usually do not need permits unless large.
- Site prep: Grading, tree removal, and old-deck demolition add $500–$3,000.
- Built-in features: Benches, planters, pergolas, and lighting each add $500–$3,000.
ROI of Decks and Patios
Deck additions recover about 77% at resale in 2026 — among the best exterior ROI projects, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Wood decks slightly outperform composite on ROI because the lower upfront cost recovers a higher percentage, even though composite lasts longer. Patios have less formal ROI data but generally add curb appeal and usability. For ROI-focused spending, a mid-priced wood deck in a climate where outdoor living is valued (Pacific Northwest, South) tends to be the sweet spot.
Maintenance Cost Over Time
Upfront cost is only part of the picture. A pressure-treated wood deck needs staining every 1–2 years ($300–$600 each time) and board replacement as wood rots. Over 20 years, that maintenance can add $6,000–$12,000. Composite decks cost more upfront but need only annual cleaning, saving thousands over the same period. For owners planning to stay long-term, composite often wins on total cost of ownership.
Case Study: 220 sqft Composite Deck, Portland, Oregon
A homeowner replaced a rotting wood deck with a 220 sqft composite deck for $11,400. Breakdown: composite decking boards ($4,800), pressure-treated framing ($1,600), aluminum railings ($2,200), labor ($2,300), permits ($500). The deck sits 4 feet above grade, requiring posts and bracing but not full second-story engineering. Oregon labor runs slightly above the national average. The previous wood deck had cost $6,200 ten years earlier but required $4,800 in staining and board replacement over its life — making the composite upgrade a reasonable long-term choice despite the higher upfront cost.