Concrete Patio vs Wood Deck
A concrete patio is generally a slab-on-ground project, while a wood deck is a framed platform that may be raised above grade. Compare site elevation, drainage, foundations, stairs, guards, permits, accessibility, upkeep, and intended use before comparing price.
What should decide between a concrete patio and a wood deck?
The choice between a concrete patio and a wood deck should begin with the required elevation and site conditions because one is generally supported on grade and the other is a framed structure.
Elevation
A near-grade surface may suit a patio. A raised doorway or sloped site may make a framed deck more practical.
Water movement
A patio needs a defined slope and outlet. A deck still needs drainage and usable conditions beneath and around the structure.
Foundations and attachment
Compare slab support and joints with deck footings, posts, framing, ledger details, and any connection to the house.
Stairs, guards, and access
Raised decks may require stairs and guards. Both options should account for safe transitions and the intended route from the house.
Upkeep and repair
Ask how the concrete finish or wood system will be cleaned, maintained, repaired, and expected to change in the local exposure.
Permits and responsibility
Confirm permit, design, inspection, utility-location, and site-restoration responsibility for the option being priced.
Default context: 12-by-20-foot outdoor area (240 square feet).
These totals multiply the same surface area by two independently published planning ranges. They do not make the scopes equivalent: the concrete figure covers a plain slab-on-ground patio, while the wood figure covers framed deck construction that changes with elevation, footings, attachment, stairs, and guards.
Concrete
$4 to $12 per sq. ft.
Arithmetic size example: $960 to $2,880
Installed plain concrete patio. This is planning arithmetic, not a bid.
May matter when
- Continuous surface
- Multiple finish options
- Can coordinate footings or anchors before placement
Verify before choosing
- Cracks and repairs may remain visible
- Decorative finishes can exceed the range
- Future changes are harder after placement
Wood Deck
$25 to $50 per sq. ft.
Arithmetic size example: $6,000 to $12,000
Installed ground-level through elevated wood deck; stairs, guards, complex foundations, and upper-level work can increase cost. This is planning arithmetic, not a bid.
May matter when
- Raised construction can address elevation changes
- Wood-framed platform appearance
- Access beneath the deck may remain possible
Verify before choosing
- Framing, ledger, footing, stair, guard, and code scope matter
- Wood species and coatings affect upkeep
- Not the same structural system as a slab-on-ground patio
Decision framework
A concrete patio may fit a near-grade outdoor surface. A wood deck may fit when elevation, under-deck access, or a wood-framed platform is central to the project.
Concrete may fit when
The outdoor area can be built near grade and a continuous concrete surface fits the drainage plan.
Wood Deck may fit when
The project needs elevation, access below, or a wood-framed outdoor platform.
Questions to resolve for this comparison
- Does the site need an elevated structure, stairs, guards, or access beneath the surface?
- Are footings, ledger details, permits, drainage, and finish maintenance included?
- Are both proposals solving the same elevation and outdoor-use requirements?
Sources and limitations
- National patio pricing reference (reviewed July 25, 2026)
- National wood-deck pricing reference (reviewed August 16, 2026)
The cited price ranges cover different work and do not represent averages of contractor bids submitted to Contractors for Concrete. Small projects may be subject to contractor minimum charges that straight square-foot multiplication does not capture. The calculator multiplies area by installed price only. It does not estimate maintenance, service life, financing, resale value, or replacement timing.
More Patio resources
Browse Patio GuidesReady to define the project scope?
Use the planning comparison to define one written scope before checking quotes.