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Outdoor living guide

Decks & patios: how to choose

Choose between a raised deck and ground-level patio by comparing materials, structure, drainage, upkeep, and the way you plan to use the space.

Lifespan, DIY and permitsDIY: hard12 brands8 cost linesUpdated Nov 2026

Decide these first

  1. Do you need an elevated outdoor room, or will a ground-level patio work?
  2. How will the space support dining, lounging, shade, privacy, or a hot tub?
  3. What maintenance level and service life fit your budget?
  4. How will the site slope, soil, access, and drainage affect the build?

Specs that actually matter

TermWhat it meansLook for
Deck permit exemptionThe 2021 IRC exempts only certain small, low, unattached decks from its permit requirement.Only if ≤200 sq ft, ≤30 in high, detached, and not serving the required exit door.
Paver patio slopeThe finished surface directs rainwater away from the house instead of toward the foundation.CMHA/ICPI homeowner guidance calls for at least 2% slope away from the house.
Paver base and edge restraintA compacted aggregate base supports the patio, while edge restraints keep pavers from spreading.For pedestrian patios, ask about a 4 in compacted base and secure perimeter restraints.

Good, better, best

Good

Gravel or poured concrete can suit simple ground-level patios; basic pressure-treated decks cost less but need regular upkeep.

$1–8/sq ft patio estimate; $25–50/sq ft pressure-treated deck installed

Better

Cedar or concrete pavers add texture and design choice; plan for sealing, surface preparation, and drainage.

$30–47/sq ft cedar deck installed; $8–15/sq ft concrete pavers

Best

Composite decking and natural-stone pavers offer elevated design choices; budget for premium materials and skilled installation.

$40–80/sq ft composite deck installed; $15–50/sq ft natural-stone pavers

What it costs

ItemUnitTypical US rangeSource
Pressure-treated pine deck, complete system installed
Complete new deck system with support base; attached deck on a one-story home.		sq ft$25 to $50HomeGuide
Cedar deck, complete system installed
Complete new deck system with support base.		sq ft$30 to $47HomeGuide
Composite deck, complete system installed
Complete new deck system with support base; brand and finish affect price.		sq ft$40 to $80HomeGuide
Trex composite deck, complete system installed
Complete new deck system with support base.		sq ft$45 to $70HomeGuide
Poured concrete patio
Angi 2026 per-square-foot patio estimate; site preparation and drainage may add cost.		sq ft$3 to $8Angi
Brick paver patio
Angi 2026 per-square-foot patio estimate; site preparation and drainage may add cost.		sq ft$8 to $25Angi
Gravel patio
Angi 2026 per-square-foot patio estimate; site preparation and drainage may add cost.		sq ft$1 to $4Angi
Permeable paver patio
Angi 2026 per-square-foot patio estimate; confirm base and drainage scope.		sq ft$10 to $30Angi

Calculators

Deck boards, joists and screws

Materials for a simple rectangular deck.

Results

Deck boards, joists and screwsConcrete calculatorPaver patio calculator

Major brands and where to buy

Links go to each manufacturer. Tier is a rough price position, not a quality score.

TrexComposite decking, railing, and outdoor living productsMidTimberTechPVC and composite decking systemsPremiumFiberonComposite decking and railingValueDeckoratorsDecking, railing, and outdoor livingMidMoistureShieldComposite decking; brand transition planned for 2027MidNewTechWoodCapped composite decking and claddingMidFortress Building ProductsSteel deck framing and outdoor productsPremiumUnilockConcrete pavers, slabs, and retaining wallsPremiumBelgardPavers and hardscape productsMidTecho-BlocConcrete pavers and outdoor living productsPremiumCambridge PavingstonesPavers, slabs, walls, and outdoor living kitsMidNicolockPaving stones and retaining wallsMid

Retailers

The Home DepotLowe'sMenardsDecksDirect

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Building a deck without confirming permit, footing, ledger, railing, and stair requirements.
  • Choosing deck boards before checking framing condition, joist spacing, and fastener compatibility.
  • Skipping patio excavation, compaction, edge restraints, or drainage planning.
  • Directing deck or patio runoff toward the house or a neighbor's property.
  • Comparing deck material prices with complete installed deck-system estimates.

Questions to ask a pro

  1. Does your deck bid include footings, framing, ledger flashing, stairs, railings, permits, and cleanup?
  2. How will the patio base, edge restraints, and slope be built to manage runoff?
  3. What maintenance, board spacing, and fasteners does this material require?
  4. Who checks local code requirements and handles inspections?

How long it lasts

Wood decks often last 10–25 years, composite decks 25–50 years, and properly installed interlocking pavers can last 50 years or more.

Can you DIY it?

hard: structural framing, footings, drainage, and base compaction demand careful planning and execution.

Permits

The IRC exemption is narrow; confirm local amendments and permit requirements with your building department.

Ready to hire?

Get up to 3 quotes from licensed, insured local pros.

Trusted resources

From the Journal

Sources

  1. https://homeguide.com/costs/cost-to-build-a-deck
  2. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-patio.htm
  3. https://www.angi.com/articles/brick-paver-patio-cost.htm
  4. https://www.angi.com/articles/interlocking-pavers-cost.htm
  5. https://st.hzcdn.com/static/econ/2026_U.S.Houzz_Outdoor_Trends_Study.pdf
  6. https://www.trex.com/deck-ideas/outdoor-living-trends-2026/
  7. https://www.cmha.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Free_Guide-Building-Your-Interlocking-Concrete-Pavement-to-Last-a-Lifetime.pdf
  8. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P2/chapter-1-scope-and-administration

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