Deck & Patio Budget Guide: Wood vs. Composite vs. Concrete — The True Cost

The material you choose for your outdoor living space determines maintenance cost more than any other factor. Here's what 20 years looks like for each.

The outdoor living space debate has one dominant variable that most homeowners don't account for: lifetime cost of maintenance. Pressure-treated wood is cheap upfront and requires staining or sealing every 2–3 years or it deteriorates. Composite costs more initially and is virtually maintenance-free for 25 years. Concrete is somewhere in between.

Here's how I think about material selection for decks and patios — and what the real 20-year cost looks like for each option.

Contractor Tips

• Composite decking (Trex, Azek, TimberTech) costs roughly twice the material cost of pressure-treated wood but has near-zero maintenance cost over its lifespan. For most homeowners, it's the better 20-year value.
• Any deck attached to your house requires a building permit. An unpermitted deck creates enormous problems at resale and potential liability if anyone is injured on it.
• Ground-level decks (within 30" of grade) in many jurisdictions don't require a permit. Ask your local building department before assuming.