Deck vs Patio Calculator
Cost and ROI comparison for outdoor living spaces.
Deck total cost ($)
$21,898
Patio total cost ($)
$9,939
Inputs
Comparison
Deck cost/SF ($)
$72.99
Deck cost per square foot installed.
Patio cost/SF ($)
$33.13
Patio cost per square foot installed.
Deck annual maintenance ($)
$45
Yearly deck maintenance cost (staining, sealing, washing).
Patio annual maintenance ($)
$60
Yearly patio maintenance cost (sealing, weed control).
Deck total ownership ($)
$22,573
Deck cost + maintenance over comparison period.
Patio total ownership ($)
$10,839
Patio cost + maintenance over comparison period.
Deck resale value ($)
$14,891
Estimated value added at resale.
Patio resale value ($)
$5,963
Estimated value added at resale.
Deck lifespan (years)
30
Expected lifespan of deck material.
Patio lifespan (years)
30
Expected lifespan of patio material.
Savings choosing patio ($)
$11,735
Total ownership savings if choosing patio over deck (positive = patio cheaper).
Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Cost Breakdown
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your desired outdoor area in square feet.
- Select deck material (pressure-treated wood, composite, PVC, or hardwood) and deck height above grade.
- Select patio material (concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, or flagstone) for comparison.
- Toggle deck railing inclusion to add railing costs to the deck estimate.
- Review and compare total cost, cost per square foot, and long-term maintenance estimates for each option.