What’s Better – A Wood Deck Or A Paving Stone Patio?

A patio or deck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some outdoor living! It gives you a spacious area to set up somewhere to relax, with seating or perhaps a dining space and a grill. When you decide that you want to create an outdoor living space, you’ll need to consider whether a patio or a deck is the better option for your family!

When selecting materials, it’s absolutely crucial to choose based on the specific applications, such as foundations, fencing, decks, outdoor projects, or landscape features, to ensure optimal durability and aesthetic appeal. Decks are typically made of wood, composite decking, or a combination of both, while patios use pavers or natural stone!

Both offer stylish options for your backyard renovations, but is one better than the other? A patio could provide a more practical option that’s still attractive and can help extend the life of your outdoor living spaces. Central Home Supply is a building material supplier that can help you with all your patio and hardscaping needs!

How Improving Outdoor Spaces Enhances Your Home’s Value

Creating an inviting outdoor space enhances your home’s value and enjoyment. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of redwood, the low-maintenance appeal of composite decking boards, or the classic look of a polished patio, your material choice impacts durability, maintenance, and overall project value.

Key points to consider when planning your outdoor project:

• Wood Decking: Offers a timeless look, customizable with staining and sealing to boost longevity and protect from elements.
• Composite Decking Boards: Composite decking materials are durable and resistant to fading and splintering.
• Patios: Choose from porcelain pavers, concrete pavers, natural stone flagstone, and eco-friendly pavers to create a stylish and durable outdoor space.

Installation

Wooden decks are a popular option to enhance a backyard, and there are several compelling reasons you might choose to build one! A wood deck is elevated, whereas a patio is built at ground level… This can help to save space, as a deck could be a good solution for sloping yards or can even provide balcony space.

However, a ground-level paving patio is easy to install, particularly if you already have a prepared flat area where you want to put it! New products like porcelain pavers and Stonedek grids are a superb option for building an elevated deck structure. They provide a durable, non-combustible finish with tiles that look just like real stone, marble, or even wood, thanks to 3-D printing technology!

Costs and Return on Investment

The expense of home improvement is always important to consider… If you are comparing a wood deck with a patio, you might be thinking about the cost now and whether it will improve the value of your home if you want to sell later! By choosing a wood deck, you might get a good return on your investment; however, it will require a lot of maintenance, including sanding and reapplying a stain annually to prevent fading and splinters… It’s also important to note that certain types of wood, especially tropical hardwoods, can be significantly more expensive due to their density and sourcing challenges!

In terms of upfront costs, wood decks generally have a lower initial price compared to paving stone patios, but this can vary depending on the type of wood and decking materials chosen. Pressure-treated wood decks are usually the most budget-friendly option, while exotic hardwoods and composite boards tend to be more expensive. On the other hand, paving stone patios often have higher installation costs due to labor and materials, especially for natural stone or high-end porcelain pavers. However, patios typically require less maintenance over time, which can lead to lower long-term expenses.

A paving stone patio is a more affordable option if you’re thinking about your costs now, as well as maintenance costs in the future! Installing a patio can be easier, given that you often will not need to get building permits and might be able to do it yourself without specialty tools… Another added perk of porcelain tile, concrete pavers, or natural flagstone patios is that they offer a non-combustible area to place a firepit or provide the safety of being a fire-break from your home!

Eco-Friendly Materials

For environmentally-conscious homeowners, recycled pavers and composite decking materials offer sustainable alternatives. Recycled pavers help reduce waste by repurposing existing materials, while composite decking often incorporates recycled wood fibers and plastics, minimizing environmental impact. Sustainable wood options like cedar and redwood are also excellent choices, as they are naturally rot-resistant and durable, reducing the need for chemical treatments and frequent maintenance. These options allow you to build an attractive outdoor space that supports eco-friendly practices.

Choosing the right materials and planning thoughtfully helps you build an outdoor area that looks great, lasts longer, and requires minimal upkeep.

Maintenance and Lifespan

Maintenance is another crucial issue to take into account when deciding between a wood deck and a patio! If you’re thinking of installing a wood deck, it’s important to remember that it can require a lot of maintenance. Wood needs to be protected so that it doesn’t rot, which means cleaning it and applying protective stains and coatings on a regular basis! You should also treat the wood with appropriate finishes to enhance its durability and appearance, especially for tropical hardwoods and other deck materials. On the other hand, a paver patio doesn’t require nearly as much maintenance! Cleaning it now and then with a hose or reapplying an optional sealer every 5 years or so would be about it…

A deck will likely not last as long as a patio, especially if it doesn’t receive the proper care! Regular maintenance can help it last longer, but it takes time and money. A patio made with concrete pavers or natural stone is more durable and requires little maintenance! Wood decks can last 10-30 years for untreated wood, while pavers can last up to 30+ years with proper installation.

Another issue to consider for regions prone to wildfires is the practicality and environmental impact. A wooden deck may not be the smartest choice when wildfires during the summer have been on the rise! If a fire occurs, having a flammable outdoor feature isn’t going to do you any favors. A patio is more practical in this instance and can help you to avoid putting your home at more risk!

This concern extends beyond California to many other regions prone to wildfires or dry, hot climates, such as parts of the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and even some areas in the Southeast. In these regions, choosing fire-resistant materials like stone, concrete, or porcelain pavers for your outdoor living space can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage. Homeowners in fire-prone areas should prioritize safety by opting for patios or decks made from non-combustible materials, helping protect their property while still creating an attractive and functional outdoor space.

Style

The design of your outdoor living space is also incredibly important! Before you decide whether to build a deck or patio, consider the rest of your yard and what might fit best… A patio is a fantastic choice if you want something that blends in with other elements that you might be using for the space, such as a fire pit, grill, or other hardscaping! Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that wood decks are warm while stone patios are cold… You can still create a warm and inviting environment with a patio, especially with a variety of colors, materials, and designs available!

Why a Patio Is the Best Choice?

Choosing a paver patio over a wood deck is a smart decision! By choosing a patio, you get a durable, practical, and stylish outdoor living space.

Some of the reasons to choose a patio over a deck include:

• Affordable Materials and Installation
• Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan
• Easy to Replace Individual Pavers When Necessary
• Practical Option for Hot California Summers When Fire Risk Is High
• Plenty of Stylish Options, with Concrete or Natural Stone Choices Available to Design Your Perfect Patio
• Porcelain and concrete pavers offer additional benefits as they are non-porous and highly resistant to staining and weathering. This makes them ideal for areas exposed to heavy foot traffic, spills, or harsh weather conditions, ensuring your patio maintains its appearance and durability over time.

Building Your Paving Stone Patio

When you decide to install a paver patio, the first thing you need to do is choose your pavers and design your patio! With our range of pavers, you can choose from a large variety of products, including popular brands with registered trademarks. We continuously verify the availability of these brands to ensure we offer you the best options. You can use various materials and colors, whether you’re looking for beautiful natural stone, porcelain tile, or affordable concrete pavers! Our interlocking paver options make it easy to build your patio seamlessly.

Our pavers include trusted and popular brands such as:

• Belgard
• Unilock
• Techo-Bloc
• Pavestone
• Nicolock
• Mirage
• Cambridge Pavingstones

We also keep an eye on newer and emerging brands in the market to provide you with the latest innovative options as they become available.

If you’re taking the DIY route, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you out! Just ask us any questions that you have, and we would be glad to assist you. We can also refer you to top contractors in the area, who can take care of the work for you! A patio is quick and easy to install, and it should have a long lifespan, too. It’s an affordable option if you want to create an outdoor living space, whether you want a traditional style or something more contemporary!

Summary and Recommendation

When deciding between a wood deck and a paving stone patio, your choice should reflect your lifestyle, budget, and maintenance preferences. If you prefer a natural, customizable look and are prepared for regular upkeep, a wood deck might be the right choice. Wood decks offer warmth and versatility, allowing for staining and sealing to enhance durability and appearance. However, they do require consistent maintenance to prevent wear and damage.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, durable option, a paving stone patio may be better suited for you. Patios made with concrete, porcelain, or natural stone pavers provide long-lasting beauty with minimal upkeep. They are efficient in fire-prone or hot climates due to their non-combustible nature. Additionally, patios offer flexibility in design and are often easier to install and maintain over time.

Ultimately, your decision should balance aesthetics, maintenance commitment, and environmental considerations to create an outdoor living space that best fits your needs and enhances your home’s value.

Central Home Supply Can Help with Paver Materials

Select Central Home Supply as your materials supplier for your patio, and we will help you to find the perfect paving stones! Take a look at our range of pavers to discover interlocking pavers, concrete pavers, natural stone, and a variety of colors. Call us to talk about your requirements, send us an email, or fill out our contact form to get in touch!

Published on: June 24, 2019

Updated on: October 10, 2025