A concrete patio is almost always cheaper than a wood deck, both at installation and over the long term. In the U.S., a basic concrete patio runs $4 to $12 per square foot, while a pressure-treated wood deck costs $15 to $35 per square foot installed. The gap widens when you factor in maintenance, repairs, and lifespan. Still, the right choice depends on your yard, climate, and how you plan to use the space.
Concrete Patio vs. Wood Deck: The Direct Cost Answer
Concrete patios cost less than wood decks in nearly every scenario. A standard 300-square-foot concrete patio averages $1,800 to $3,600 installed. A comparable pressure-treated wood deck averages $4,500 to $10,500. Cedar, redwood, or composite decks push costs higher. Concrete wins on price because it uses less labor, fewer materials, and no elevated framing.
Average Concrete Patio Cost
A poured concrete patio typically costs $4 to $12 per square foot for basic gray concrete. Stamped or stained concrete runs $8 to $20 per square foot. The price covers excavation, base preparation, forms, concrete pouring, and finishing. Slabs at ground level need no railings, footings, or structural framing. Labor stays predictable, and most installations finish in two to three days, which keeps overall project costs lower than elevated builds.
Average Wood Deck Cost
A pressure-treated wood deck averages $15 to $25 per square foot installed. Cedar runs $20 to $30, and composite decking reaches $30 to $60 per square foot. The price reflects framing lumber, joists, posts, footings, decking boards, fasteners, railings, and labor. Elevated decks require permits, structural engineering in some areas, and skilled carpentry, all of which raise both material and labor costs compared with a ground-level slab.
Upfront pricing tells only part of the story. Long-term ownership costs, including routine wood deck upkeep, often shift the math even further in concrete’s favor.
Long-Term Costs Beyond Installation
Wood decks demand ongoing attention. Concrete patios rarely do. That difference compounds year after year and often doubles the lifetime cost of a wood deck compared with a concrete patio of the same size. Climate, sun exposure, and foot traffic all influence how fast wood deteriorates, while concrete largely holds its form for decades with minimal intervention.
Maintenance, Repairs, and Lifespan
Wood decks need cleaning, sealing, or staining every two to three years, costing $500 to $1,500 per service. Boards warp, split, or rot and require replacement. A pressure-treated deck lasts 15 to 20 years. Concrete patios last 30 to 50 years with little maintenance beyond occasional sealing and pressure washing. Repairs are infrequent, and cracks can usually be patched affordably rather than replaced section by section.
When Each Option Becomes the Smarter Investment
Concrete is the smarter pick for flat yards, hot climates, low-maintenance lifestyles, and tighter budgets. Wood and composite decks make sense on sloped lots, elevated entryways, or homes where outdoor living style and resale appeal justify the premium. A composite deck, while expensive upfront, can rival concrete on long-term cost because it skips staining and sealing.
For homeowners ready to move forward, professional concrete patio installation or qualified deck builders ensure proper drainage, code compliance, and finish quality.
Conclusion
Concrete patios beat wood decks on price, both at installation and across decades of ownership. Maintenance savings make the gap even wider over time.
The right choice still depends on your terrain, climate, and how you want to use the space. A clear cost comparison helps you invest with confidence.
At Mr. Local Services, we connect you with vetted patio and deck professionals who deliver transparent pricing and quality workmanship. Get your free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a concrete patio or wood deck better for resale value?
Wood and composite decks usually return slightly higher resale value, recouping around 65 to 75% of cost. Concrete patios add steady value with far lower investment.
How long does a concrete patio last compared to a wood deck?
A concrete patio lasts 30 to 50 years with minimal upkeep. A pressure-treated wood deck typically lasts 15 to 20 years before major repairs or replacement.
Can I install a concrete patio myself to save money?
DIY is possible for small slabs, but professional installation prevents cracking, drainage issues, and uneven curing that cost far more to fix later.
Which is cheaper to maintain over 20 years?
Concrete is cheaper, requiring only occasional sealing and washing. Wood decks need staining or sealing every two to three years plus board replacements.
Does a concrete patio or wood deck work better in cold climates?
Wood decks handle freeze-thaw cycles better when properly built. Concrete patios can crack in harsh winters without proper base prep and control joints.