A concrete patio is usually less expensive compared to a deck and requires less maintenance.

Both deck and patio are good options to enhance your backyard and can be of good use in the summer when the weather is right. You can enjoy each in its own way. The question is however which is better for you – a deck or a patio and what are the pros and cons? Let’s look at a few factors that may affect the value of each of these. 

Initial Cost: Definitely the initial cost of a deck is more than a concrete patio. A deck involves treated lumbar plus railings. In addition it is usually higher than a patio and needs to be structurally sound. Therefore the deck usually costs more than a patio.

Investment: From an investment and resale value perspective, you can get more cost retention from selling the house with a patio, as the deck may only retain a percentage of its cost. Nevertheless both a deck and patio increase the sale price of a home, in different amounts though.

Maintenance: Both a deck and concrete patio may require maintenance but the amount varies. A deck usually requires repainting or repolishing as the finish on the wood may wary off. In addition due to its higher elevation, there may be plants or rodents below the deck and this may require some cleaning. Overall a deck requires more maintenance and cleaning compared to a concrete patio.

Design: A concrete patio usually has a simple design, is usually at one level, although it may have a few patterns and different edging colours. A deck however may have multiple levels, steps and varied railing designs. A deck design may also carved out in different variations of shapes compared to a poured patio and has more design flexibility. You therefore have a considerably higher design features and options in a wooden deck.

Accessories: A larger number of accessories are usually associated with a deck and you can see planters, hot pools, steps and designer railings in a deck design. Therefore a deck has more accessories, furniture, gazebos and design options compared to a flat concrete patio.

Given the constraints, there is more value and less cost associated with a concrete patio, compared to a deck.