Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Table of Contents

Building a Deck/Patio: choices and prices

Building a Deck/Patio: choices and prices

Exterior renovationsBuilding a Deck/Patio: choices and prices

Redoing your deck or patio forces you to choose from a wide range of materials which can make your choice a difficult one. Although the characteristics of the materials available for your future deck or patio may directly influence your decision, keep in mind that the price will also be a determining factor of what your finished deck will look like.

Here at RenoQuotes, we’ve prepared a guide to help you navigate the different characteristics and prices of the various materials used in the construction of a deck.

The price of materials for the construction of a deck or patio

Composite wood

the construction of a deck or patio

Source : Canva

Made from the combination of recycled wood and plastic waste, composite wood has proven to be an increasingly popular option over the years. A great selling point of composite wood is that it is a fairly low maintenance material, while also delivering a high degree of resistance to moisture, rotting, fungi, insects and even termite infestation.

You can also easily maintain it by applying an anti-mould solution at least once or twice annually. During its lifetime (which is estimated to be roughly 25 years), This material will also resist fading heavily and will not crack. Finally, it’s worth noting that its non-slip boards will remain cool underfoot during the summer season, which is a major advantage.

Despite all the positive aspects, composite wood does have some drawbacks. First, let’s mention that it is a material that is available in only a limited number of colour variations. As a material, it is rather heavy, so this means it will take a lot of strength to transport and install it.

Finally, let us emphasize that this is a premium material and therefore quite expensive. It is crucial to remember that composite wood is sensitive to expansion, meaning you will need to place each board with specific spacing that takes this factor into account. In terms of pricing, it will typically cost between $6,50 and $9,50 per square foot to build your new deck or patio of this material. If you wish for the design and installation to be done by a trusted profession, be prepared to pay between $60 and $85 per square foot.

Western red cedar

This species of wood has a very distinct smell and is coated with natural oil that helps protect it against pests and mould. In keeping with the green principles of a growing number of consumers, it is sustainable as it comes from a renewable wood species. A huge selling point is the elegance conveyed by its beautiful wood grain, something that easily contributes to its popularity.

However, you will still need to make sure your deck is adequately protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays as this species of wood is very susceptible to fading. To counteract this negative effect, you can dilute a zinc oxide-based product in your paint before applying it, which will help guard the original colour of the wood from the sun. The application of a translucent finish will also allow it to retain its natural lustre for longer.

Also, you may consider applying a dark-coloured translucent dye which helps absorb ultraviolet rays much more easily than other dyes. Since western red cedar is a relatively soft wood you should be aware that it can be easily damaged.

Regarding the price of western red cedar, building your deck or patio will cost about $4,50 per square foot. If you use the services of a licensed professional to design and build your new deck, it will cost you about $42 per square foot.

Exotic wood species

the construction of a deck or patio

Source : Canva

Ipe wood

This wood species offers a very interesting degree of resistance against mould, fungi and insects. Its natural colour is beautiful and makes a very significant aesthetic statement. With a lifespan close to 50 years, this wood which comes from Brazil will cost about $12 to $14 per square foot. Its hardness, however, makes it particularly difficult to work with. This is a high-end material that can be out of reach for some budgets.

Teak

This species of wood has bright yellowish colouring and much like Ipe is considered an exotic species. Completely insensitive to rot, this species is one of the best options in terms of its overall durability. Its almost oily sheen and the beauty of its natural colour give it a particularly elegant appearance. Remember that teak requires the application of a layer of oil to help seal in and preserve its colour. As the colour begins to fade, you should reapply a coating of the oil to maintain its natural beauty.

For an investment of $12 to $14 per square foot, this may be an obvious choice for building a deck with a luxurious feel. It is also relevant to know that teak is protected from corrosion and will not be affected by its proximity to metal. As its price indicates, this is more of a premium option.

Pressure-treated wood

Pressure-treated wood is treated with quaternary alkaline copper to prevent fungus, insects or termites from contributing to its premature degradation. Although the products now used to protect wood are free of arsenic, the fact remains that the wood is technically undergoing a chemical process. As a result, there is no danger of unanimity among consumers who care more about environmentally-friendly production. The lifespan of a pressure-treated wood deck or patio is somewhere between 10 and 15 years.

As pressure-treated wood is sometimes of the spruce variety, this can cause some inconveniences. This is because the wood is not dried and this tends to make it ooze the surplus of product that has been applied for its preservation as well as a slight amount of resin during its first year. Note that opting for white pine wood can help to avoid these inconveniences.

This species of wood is easy to work with thanks to its tenderness and its uniform appearance. It is also rather easy to maintain and has a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years.

At a rate of about $3 to $9 per square foot, treated wood is one of the most economical options for building your deck or patio. Of course, for its design and installation, you should be prepared to spend between $35 and $70 per square foot.

Torrefied wood

Under the spectrum of torrefied wood, it is possible to find a very large selection of wood essences such as cherry, ash, oak, poplar, aspen as well as gray and white pine. Unlike pressure-treated wood, torrefied wood takes advantage of the heat generated by the baking process to provide protection against the harmful effects of insects, mould and rotting.

Heat also gives the wood a high degree of protection and allows it to have an appearance that showcases its texture. Its greatest advantage as a material is probably its inability to rot. Being that it is more expensive than treated wood, you should expect to spend from $6 to $12 per square foot. If you hire a professional to do the work, plan to spend $60 to $70 per square foot.

Paver stones

the construction of a deck or patio

Source : Canva

Available in a wide array of colours and sizes, paver stones are exceptionally durable and do not require much maintenance. However, this material can only be installed on the ground, which is something to keep in mind when planning your deck or patio. Usually, paver stones cost anywhere between $4,50 to $11 per square foot while of course, professional installation will cost you roughly between $18 and $30 per square foot.

Fibreglass

The benefits of a fibreglass deck or patio are undeniable. First off, it should be mentioned that a fibreglass deck requires very little maintenance and a simple solution of soapy water will keep it looking clean. Of course, for a deeper cleaning, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush should be enough to do the trick. Since fibreglass is perfectly waterproof, you don’t need to be worried about water seeping in and damaging your deck.

Due to the way fibreglass is produced, you can build a deck of virtually any size and thanks to the large selection of colours, you will end up with something unique! Fibreglass also offers great resistance to ultraviolet rays, fire, corrosive products and even freezing temperatures. The lifespan of a fibreglass deck is roughly 20 to 25 years, meaning you and your family will be able to take full advantage of it for years to come.

While you can easily choose a dark shade for your fibreglass deck or patio, it is ideal to opt for a light shade. This is of course because a dark shade will absorb more sunlight and then can become very hot, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot.

Moreover, this intense heat can force the fibreglass to dilate, leaving visible cracks on the surface. Any cracks will need to be filled immediately to avoid water permeating the crack and causing it to spread. Unfortunately, a fibreglass deck is not the most sustainable choice since it will most likely end up in a landfill at the end of its lifecycle.

Something else worth considering a fibreglass deck is that during the winter months, the surface can become very slippery, so it is important to exercise caution. One recommendation is to spread sand to help melt the ice and limit your chances of slipping.

Lastly, if you leave items such as furniture in the same place season over season, it could leave markings around the item, which will be difficult to remove. Therefore, consider taking the items off the deck and keeping them in storage when the deck isn’t in use, this is especially important for metal objects since they have a greater chance of leaving marks.

A fibreglass deck will cost you an average of $18 per square foot while refurbishing the surface by sanding will cost you about $2,50 to $4 per square foot.

Why not opt for a concrete deck or patio?

the construction of a deck or patio

Source : Canva

As we know, concrete is a very heavy material to work with. However, this also contributes to its excellent stability. Far from being bland, concrete is available in a wide range of finishes. Considering this, you may decide that a stamped concrete deck is the most beautiful choice for your backyard. Stamped concrete comes from applying a pattern on the surface to give it the appearance of another material, such as wood, ceramic or even brick.

One of concrete's biggest advantages is without a doubt its exceptional durability. Very resistant to cold and temperatures changes in general, concrete is only slightly prone to cracking. Another great benefit of concrete is its easy maintenance, only needing a simple washing with a high-pressure jet to help clear any dirt.

As for drawbacks, concrete certainly does not offer the warm effect that wood does. Also, concrete is not available in many colours which can be a deal-breaker for some. If you decide to install a deck made of concrete, it is necessary to call on the services of a licensed professional to carry out the work, which will, of course, add to the cost.

What is the cost of a concrete deck?

If a concrete deck or patio seems like the perfect solution for your home, you should plan for a generous budget. Consider a minimum of $60 per square foot (including labour and deck framing) which will most likely cover most costs associated with your new deck.

Some examples of what a 12 x 12 deck costs

Since a deck with dimensions of 12 x 12 is an ideal size to set up a dining table with chairs, a barbecue, and sun chairs, here is how much you should consider spending on a deck of this size based on the material you’ve chosen:

Pressure-treated wood: between $432 and $1 296 (for materials only), $5 040 to $10 080 (with labour included);

Western red cedar: approximately $648 (for materials only), approximately $6048 (with labour included);

Paver stones: between $648 and $4 320 (for materials only), $2592 to $3600 (with labour included);

Torrefied wood: between $864 and $1 728 (for materials only), $7200 to $8640 (with labour included);

Composite wood: between $936 and $1 368 (for materials only), $8640 to $12240 (with labour included);

Ipe wood and teak: between $1 728 and $2 016 (for materials only).

The regulations in place to build a deck or patio

the construction of a deck or patio

Source : Canva

Before you start the construction phase of your deck, it is essential to make sure that you are informed about the necessary steps to building a deck or patio based on your municipality’s regulations, and of course to obtain a building permit. As different municipalities vary in their regulations, it is important to make sure there are no issues with your plans as early as possible.

Overview of the average prices for deck and patio materials

Type of patio project or material
Average price

Treated wood patio (materials only):

approx. $3 to $9/square foot

Installation of a treated wood patio:

approx. $35 to $70/square foot

Western red cedar patio (materials only):

approx. $4,50/ square foot

Installation of a western red cedar patio:

approx. $42/ square foot

Ipe wood patio (materials only) :

approx. $12 to $14/square foot

Teck patio (materials only) :

approx. $12 to $14/square foot

composite treated wood patio (materials only):

approx. $6.50 to $9,50/square foot

Installation of a pressure-treated wood patio:

approx. $60 to $85/square foot

Torrefied wood patio (materials only):

approx. $6 to $12/square foot

Installation of a torrefied wood patio:

approx. $60 to $70/square foot

Paver stone patio (materials only)  :

approx. $4,50 to $11/square foot

Installation of a paver stone patio:

approx. $18 to $30/square foot

Fibreglass patio:

approx. $18/square foot

Concrete patio :

starting at 60$/square foot

Here are some other interesting articles about patios published on our home renovation blog: 

To find out about the average prices of different home renovation projects, check out our Home renovation price guide. 

Get 3 renovation quotes for your deck construction

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your deck project. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will get estimates from trusted professionals. 

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!


Last modified 2023-11-07

List of sources


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?


Table of contents


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

5 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer • 07 Nov 2023

How To Protect Your Outdoor Staircase in the Winter

Winters in Canada are long, gruelling and freezing cold. Living in this country, you quickly discover ways to adapt to sub-zero temperatures: you purchase a down-filled, well-built jacket alongside some heavy-duty boots, you dress in layers and make sure little to no skin is exposed.

3 min read

Cynthia Pigeon • 07 Nov 2023

What Is a Folding Sliding Window?

Have you ever just taken a minute to look outside and admire the cityscape? Keeping an eye on your kids while they play outside or simply noticing the fresh layer of snow that has covered the streets overnight?

10 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

Wooden Balcony Building and Maintenance Tips

Over the last few years, we’ve come to really value our home space. Thereby, adding a wooden balcony is a great way to benefit from an additional retreat at home where we’re most comfortable and can take full advantage of the warmer seasons. 

5 min read

Cynthia Pigeon • 07 Nov 2023

Overhead Garage Storage: All There's to Know

Even though your garage’s primary function is to shield your vehicle(s) from adverse weather conditions, it can also be used for storage. However, before long, you'll need to optimize your space as more items will start to pile up. As such, there are many things to consider regarding overhead storage in your garage. Overhead garage storage is one of the absolute best ways to keep your space clutter-free, while also maximizing its use. And, you'll soon notice just how much of a difference this alternative makes! 

5 min read

Cynthia Pigeon • 07 Nov 2023

How to Use Artificial and Augmented Reality in Construction Industry

Virtual reality, a well-known concept for many years, and augmented reality, made famous by the popular mobile game Pokemon Go, are ever-evolving technologies. Having first demonstrated their potential in video games, they're increasingly being used and developed across various industries.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!