Concrete vs Wood Deck Patio
A concrete patio is generally a slab-on-ground project, while a wood deck is an elevated framed structure. Price is only useful after elevation, footings, stairs, guards, permits, drainage, and access are defined.
Default context: 12-by-20-foot patio (240 square feet).
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 wood deck. This is planning arithmetic, not a bid.
May matter when
- Raised construction can address elevation changes
- Warm material appearance
- Access beneath the deck may remain possible
Verify before choosing
- Framing, ledger, footing, and code scope matter
- Wood species and coatings affect upkeep
- Not the same structural system as a slab-on-ground patio
Decision framework
Concrete may fit a near-grade outdoor surface. A wood deck may fit when elevation, under-deck access, or a wood appearance is central to the design.
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)
Published ranges use different scopes 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
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Use the planning comparison to define one written scope before checking quotes.