Comparing the cost of decking against a paved patio

Is Decking Cheaper Than Paving? An Honest Cost Comparison

Decking is not automatically cheaper than paving. On flat ground a basic paved patio and a basic deck often land in a similar range, with the choice of slab or board moving the price more than the choice between them. Decking tends to come out cheaper on sloping or uneven ground, because a raised frame avoids the digging, walls and steps that paving would need. Paving tends to win on flat ground and over the long run.

We install both composite decking and patios, so we have no reason to push one. Here is how the cost actually builds up for each.

Composite Decking and Fencing work by Gardenscape in Essex

What drives the cost of paving

A patio is mostly groundwork. The area is excavated, a compacted stone sub-base goes in, and slabs are laid on a full mortar bed with falls away from the house, then jointed. The slab itself ranges widely: concrete slabs sit at the bottom, Indian sandstone in the middle, and porcelain and premium natural stone at the top.

Extras add up: removing an old concrete or crazy paving patio is heavy, slow waste. Edging, borders, steps and drainage channels all add. A sloping site that needs a retaining wall to create a level patio can double the groundwork.

What drives the cost of decking

A deck is mostly frame and boards. The ground is cleared and weed suppressed, footings or supports are set, a frame is built and the boards are fixed. Composite boards cost more than basic softwood, but they avoid the rot, splinters and treatment that timber needs.

On sloping ground the frame simply gets taller on the low side, which is usually cheaper than building walls and filling to create a level paved area. On flat ground at house level, there is no such saving and the frame is cost on top of the ground preparation.

When each comes out cheaper

Decking is usually cheaper on slopes, on raised areas meeting a doorway above ground level, and where the ground is awkward to dig. Paving is usually cheaper, or similar, on flat ground where a straightforward concrete or sandstone patio will do.

The finish can reverse either answer. A premium porcelain patio can cost more than a composite deck; a large composite deck with steps, balustrade and lighting can cost more than a sandstone patio.

Cost over the years, not just on the day

A well built patio needs little more than an occasional clean and, on some stone, repointing after many years. Composite decking needs a wash and not much else, but it is still a structure with a frame. Softwood decking is the cheapest to build and the most expensive to keep, with regular treatment and eventual board replacement.

How we price it

We quote both options from the same site visit where both are genuinely suitable, so you can compare like with like. Every quote is fixed and written, and our ten year guarantee applies to all our work, whichever surface you choose.

Frequently asked questions

Is decking cheaper than a patio?

Not always. On sloping or uneven ground decking is often cheaper because it avoids walls and levelling. On flat ground a basic patio is usually similar or cheaper.

Is composite decking cheaper than paving?

Composite boards cost more than softwood, so on flat ground a composite deck is often comparable to or dearer than a mid range patio. On a slope it can still work out cheaper.

Which lasts longer, decking or paving?

A properly laid patio generally outlasts decking. Composite decking lasts far longer than softwood and needs much less upkeep.

What adds most to the cost of a patio?

Groundwork on a sloping site, removing an old patio, and premium materials such as porcelain move the price most.

Can you quote for both?

Yes. Where both suit the garden we price decking and paving from the same visit so you can compare.

Deck or patio?

We will price both from one visit so you can compare properly.

Get both quoted Call 07535 661664