
Spring and summer are coming; now is the time to consider your outdoor living space options and plans!
Both are great choices with their own distinctive benefits, and both will expand and improve your outdoor living space.
A deck, usually elevated and composed of wood, provides a cozy, intimate appearance. A patio, usually on the same level as ground level and usually made from stone or concrete slabs, can integrate perfectly with your garden.
Here’s how to find out and compare which option works best for your home and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Decks are traditionally elevated structures, usually made from wood, that deliver unlimited design possibilities and spectacular sightlines. They require regular maintenance to protect them from the weather and the elements.
Patios, often composed of concrete or stone, can provide a more affordable and lower maintenance outdoor space alternative. They lack the height associated with decks, so can’t always offer similarly picturesque perspectives.
Material options impact both decks and patios, determining appearance, budget, maintenance, and longevity. Decks will typically be built of wood or composite material whereas patios will likely be made of concrete, bricks, or pavers.
Decks have an expected lifespan of 10-50 years, depending on the material and maintenance they receive. Patios can last 100 years if they’re built – and cared for – the right way.
Privacy and comfort can be customized for both decks and patios through design elements like railings, screens, shade structures, and landscaping.
Building regulations and permits are necessary when constructing decks and patios, with specific requirements based on location and structure type.
Deck vs Patio: How They Are Defined
Definition of a Deck
A deck is an elevated, open-air outdoor structure, usually made of wood, designed to create more family and outdoor functionality.
These raised decks can extend from the home or stand freely in the yard.
Another popular choice is the wraparound deck, which sweeps gracefully around two or more sides of a house, providing a luxurious, wide-open area for gatherings.
While decks often come with a higher price tag than concrete patios, ranging from $30-60/sq ft, they bring beauty and warmth to any setting with the warmth of natural wood. However, wooden decks require significant upkeep, such as staining and sealing every two years and an annual power wash.

Definition of a Patio
In comparison, a paver patio is a space that sits flush with the ground, providing a seamless transition into the outdoors.
Made of solid materials such as concrete, bricks, or stones, patios are long-lasting and adaptable.
As far as maintenance, they need far less ongoing care than wooden decks and can last decades, holding their value.
Due to its durable nature, a new patio provides a more budget-friendly choice for anyone looking for a durable outdoor space.

Key Features of Decks vs Patios
1. Material Differences
The key difference between decks and patios lies in the deck materials used.
Decks are typically constructed from wood or composite materials, where wood adds natural warmth and character, composite offers long-lasting beauty with minimal maintenance. Composite decks can be more expensive, so weigh your budget against both material options.
In contrast, patios utilize concrete or stone, with concrete being incredibly versatile, as it can mimic any texture and color. Your design options are endless!
Stone imparts an elegance that complements various architectures, making it a popular choice for outdoor living spaces.
2. Attachment to the House
Decks may be free-standing or attached to a house, with the attachment impacting the overall design and ensuring smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The most common attached deck types are those that come off a kitchen/living room space allowing free-flowing movement of cooked foods and guests.
Patios, like a new patio or paver patio, usually extend beyond the house's footprint generally extending from a basement or bottom-dwelling patio door. The options to blend a patio with the surrounding terrain can be breathtaking with endless options for landscaping and design.
3. Weight and Load Considerations
Decks require a lot of support for their weight, affecting how you build them. Oftentimes, concrete footings are required to hold foundation posts in place.
Deck permits and preliminary plans are required before you build. A final Wake County deck inspection is mandatory before the deck can be used. Don't worry! Butler Homes Construction knows the process inside and out and can help you save time and frustration.
In contrast, patios, such as a simple brick paver patio, rest on the ground and don’t have to support heavy load-bearing structures, making them easier and often less expensive to build and usually not requiring plans, permits, and inspections.
4. Design and Style Options
Decks come in nearly limitless designs, from multi-level layouts to various railing options.
Patios can feature beautiful gardens or cozy fire pits and pergolas, enhancing the appeal of backyard outdoor living spaces.
If you need help with creating a design or finalizing an existing design, let the Butler Homes Construction Design Team help you! Just call us at 919-616-6902 or fill out our Contact Us form to get started. We even have 3-D renderings for you to see what your deck and patio will look like!
Pros and Cons of Decks
Benefits of Decks
Decks remain one of the most valuable home investments, adding usable and beautiful outdoor living spaces for everyone to enjoy. They add an inviting characteristic to any residence, enhancing visual allure and possibly increasing real estate value.
A quality composite deck can last as long as 30 years, making it a top choice among many deck materials. It boasts a remarkable ROI of 72 percent, enhancing your outdoor living space.
The multifunctional feature of a deck can host a range of activities, from soaking in the sun’s rays to enjoying a meal al fresco on a new patio. Overall, adding a new deck to your home is a wise investment.
Drawbacks of Decks
With the benefits of decks, there are the drawbacks.
Decks are less forgiving on maintenance than patios, particularly wooden decks that require consistent power washing, staining, and sealing due to their vulnerability to the wear and tear of the elements.
Deck Maintenance and Costs
Typical personal annual maintenance tasks and costs can include:
Cleaning supplies: $20-$50 (depending on products used)
Sealer or stain: $100-$300 (based on deck size)
Repairs: Varies, depending on the extent of damage. Minor repairs maybe $50-$200, but replacing boards or structural components can be more costly.
To hire a professional deck maintenance company, you're looking at the following costs:
Basic Plans: Typically cover cleaning, inspection, and sometimes minor repairs. These can range from $200 to $500 per year for a small to medium-sized deck.
Full-Service Plans: Include cleaning, sanding, sealing or staining, and more extensive repairs or touch-ups. Prices for these can range from $500 to $1,500+ annually, depending on the size and condition of the deck.
As you know, if a wooden deck is not correctly maintained, it can succumb to decay and rot, compromising its durability and aesthetic and leading to injury.
With solid construction and good upkeep, a natural wood deck can last between 10 and 15 years, but maintaining it is essential to ensure a long-lasting product you can be proud of.
Pros and Cons of Patios
Providing an easy-going and inexpensive outdoor living space option, patios include many advantages with few drawbacks.
The national average cost for a moderately complex 12-by-18-foot patio with several paver patio designs is about $4,000, making patios generally less expensive than decks.
Additionally, patios require less maintenance, needing less overall upkeep, and you typically do not need a building permit since it won’t affect the home’s structural integrity.
Benefits of Patios
High-quality concrete patios constructed with durable materials can last 30 to 50 years (even 100!), providing lasting value with little maintenance.
Patios can be made with different materials such as stone or gravel, allowing you to create stunning outdoor living space designs that best fit your home style and personality.
Typical limited maintenance tasks with patios make them a fan favorite. Maintaining a patio can include:
Drawbacks of Patios
Patios often have more constrained elevation options, which can impact the view compared to raised decks. The installation of foundations and patio materials is hugely important and typically requires the hand of expert professionals! If incorrectly done, homeowners could have water flow and structural integrity issues.
Patio Maintenance and Costs
As said before, patios require less maintenance than decks, but there are still things homeowners can do to maintain their patios and keep them in great condition.
Regular sweeping and cleaning
Stain removal
Sealing of natural stone
Inspections for cracks and chips as well as maintaining paver joints
Weed, moss, and algae control
When it comes to average annual maintenance costs, expect the following:
Cleaning: Pressure washing can cost around $100-$300, depending on the size of the patio.
Sealing: Professional sealing can range from $200 to $500+, again depending on the size and complexity of the patio.
Repairs: Minor repairs might cost $100-$300, but larger repairs (like resetting stone or redoing joint work) can range from $500 to $1,500.
Given the unlimited design options and relatively easy care, patios remain popular for their value as functional outdoor living spaces.
Deck vs Patio Cost Comparison in NC
Feature | Decks | Patios |
Average Cost | $4,100 - $11,600 (avg. $7,900) | $1,900 - $5,600 (avg. $3,620) |
Cost per sq ft | $30 - $60 | $8 - $20 |
ROI | 60% - 80% | Up to 50% |
The expense of Building a Deck
In North Carolina, a standard 300-400 sq. ft. deck might fall within the $10,500-$14,000 bracket with an average project costing around $7,900.
Obviously, deck construction costs can fluctuate based on the deck materials used, the deck size, and the complexity of the overall design.
Opting for materials like hardwood or composite materials can notably elevate expenses, especially with intricate designs that include features like built-in seating, fireplaces, and hot tubs.
You can use the Home Depot deck calculator to get a ballpark estimate. Keep in mind that big box retailer and family-owned business' pricing can vary. It's always a great idea to get several estimates.
The Expense of Building a Patio
Patios are more economical, often ranging from $1,900 to $5,600 with an average of $3,620. A 144-square-foot paver patio could run as little as $1,440 to $2,880, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Patios might cost anywhere from $10 to $85 per square foot depending on style and material options. You can use Home Depot's Paver Calculator to get a fairly good cost estimate.
Privacy and Comfort Considerations
Privacy Options for Decks
Decks provide a number of privacy options to help you create a more intimate outdoor living space.
Railings can do more than protect pedestrians from danger—if used thoughtfully, they can create a desired sense of enclosure. Select from a wide range of deck materials including painted wood or metal. Each choice introduces a different aesthetic and vibe to your deck!
To further enhance privacy, tall opaque screens or even lattice grown over with climbing plants carve out intimate, hidden nooks ideal for unwinding. Planting tall, flowering shrubs or trees around a paver patio makes it more private and helps it to better match the landscape.
Privacy Options for Patios
Patios can be designed for privacy in a multitude of ways, including the use of outdoor living space features.
Putting up a wall or fence to enclose a patio is a simple way to create architectural borders and maintain personal comfort.
Landscaping plays a significant role as well; planting hedges or tall native plants can form a natural barrier, softening the appearance while offering privacy from the street. These features are most impactful in urban contexts, where homes are in closer proximity.
Comfort Options for Decks and Patios
Adding moveable shade structures such as pergolas or awnings can improve the comfort of a deck or patio, especially in hot climates.
Adding plants and potted trees provides additional privacy and shade and allows one to easily bring nature into the outdoor living space. Adding hanging lights can give the area a nice ambiance for evening entertaining.
Building Regulations and Permits
Regulations for Deck Construction
Following local building codes is essential to ensure deck safety during the build of your outdoor living space.
Building regulations, which aim to prevent the spread of fire, ensure that one home doesn’t catch the next one on fire. Constructing a new deck to code requires passing minimum safety standards. Inspections play a crucial role during deck installation. Some other common regulations include setbacks from property lines, structural integrity, and railing heights.
In Wake County, you can check building regulations and permits regarding requirements and county needs. Since Butler Homes Construction knows Wake County Permitting, we can help guide you through the process or acquire the permits on your behalf.
Regulations for Patio Construction
Unlike decks, patios may require fewer or no permits at all. Designing a patio with effective drainage is most important for creating a quality patio system.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Whether you go with a deck or patio largely comes down to your budget and lifestyle needs.
Decks bring the beauty of elevation and warmth, and patios bring durability and a down-to-earth quality with stone inlays and intricate designs.
Both have unique features: decks suit uneven terrain, while patios excel in flat areas.
Maintenance can also be a factor, as decks require more maintenance as they age.
Before you start your deck or patio project, be sure to consult your local and county rules and permitting requirements. And if applicable, it would be a good idea to consult your HOA.
Decks and patios come with their own set of advantages, so consider what works best with your aesthetic and household needs.
If you are looking to replace or add a deck and turn your boring backyard into an outdoor living oasis contact Butler Homes Construction today by giving us a call at 919-616-6902 or filling out our Contact Us form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a deck and a patio?
A deck, often made from various deck materials, is an elevated wooden platform that enhances outdoor living space, making it look charming and welcoming. In contrast, a patio, typically constructed of concrete or pavers patio, is at ground level, providing a solid surface for versatility and outdoor seating areas.
Are decks more expensive than patios in North Carolina?
Yes, patios, such as a simple brick paver patio, are usually less expensive due to lower material costs and construction complexity. In general, outdoor living spaces like decks are more expensive, averaging $30-$60 per square foot, whereas patios typically cost about $8-$20 per square foot.
Which lasts longer: a deck or a patio?
Patios generally offer a more durable outdoor living space than decks, with the right upkeep allowing a concrete/rock patio to last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, while wooden decks may need extensive repairs or replacement in just 10 to 30 years.
What are the maintenance needs for decks?
Decks, especially wooden decks, need constant upkeep from sealing to staining to repairs, making annual inspections essential to avoid rot and ensure the safety of your deck.
Do patios provide more privacy than decks?
Because patios are at ground level, you can create a more private outdoor living space by surrounding your patio with landscaping or fences. Since elevated decks are up off the ground, you may need to build other structures to create privacy.
What building permits are needed for decks and patios?
It's best to find out if a deck or patio requires special permitting. Decks, given their safety risks and required load weight most always need a plan and permit to begin. While patios are mainly free and clear of required permits, water drainage that impedes a neighbor or local/city water table or run-off will most likely require a permit and plan.
What are the comfort benefits of a patio?
Patios, such as a paver patio, provide a well-defined, even surface that’s perfect for outdoor living space, dining, lounging, and entertaining. Generally, stone surfaces are naturally cooler on your feet.
Comments