How Much Does a Deck or Patio Cost? (2026 Guide)
A wood deck costs $15 to $25 per square foot installed nationally. Composite decking runs $25 to $45 per square foot. A concrete patio costs $6 to $17 per square foot, while a paver patio runs $15 to $35 per square foot, based on Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report and HomeAdvisor 2025 national data. A typical 200-square-foot deck lands between $3,000 and $9,000 in wood or $5,000 to $9,000 in composite. A 400-square-foot deck doubles those figures roughly.
In Denver and the Colorado Front Range, freeze-thaw cycles are harder on concrete than in warmer states, which pushes many local homeowners toward pavers or composite decking for longer-term performance. Permits are required in Denver for decks more than 30 inches above grade.
Deck and patio cost by material.
Based on Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report and HomeAdvisor 2025 national data.
* National average estimates. Colorado jobs may run 10 to 20 percent higher in the Denver metro. Prices confirmed before any work begins.
Deck cost by size.
* Estimates include labor, materials and a basic permit. Railings, stairs and built-in features add cost.
Building a deck or patio in Colorado.
Freeze-thaw cycles and concrete
Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles are harder on poured concrete than in warmer states. Water enters small cracks, freezes, expands and widens them over time. Stamped concrete patios can look great for 3 to 5 years, then begin spalling along surface patterns. Pavers handle freeze-thaw better because individual units can move slightly without cracking the whole surface.
UV exposure and untreated wood
Colorado's high altitude means more UV radiation than lower-elevation states. Untreated or unfinished wood grays out noticeably faster here than on the coasts. Pressure-treated wood holds up structurally but needs a UV-blocking stain or sealer applied every 2 to 3 years to keep it looking good. Composite decking does not need staining, which lowers ongoing maintenance cost.
Denver permit requirements
Denver requires a building permit for any deck that is attached to the house or more than 30 inches above grade. Permit costs typically run $100 to $250 for a residential deck. Your contractor should pull the permit and schedule the required structural inspection. A deck built without a permit can complicate a future home sale.
Wind and snow loads
Colorado decks must be engineered for local wind and snow loads, which are higher than much of the country. The Front Range sees wind gusts that require additional lateral bracing. Denver's snowfall requires the deck structure to handle the weight of several inches of wet snow on the surface.
Deck vs. patio: which is better for Colorado?
If your yard slopes away from the house, a deck is usually the practical choice. It handles elevation changes without grading. A patio works best on relatively flat ground and integrates better with a lawn or garden.
In Colorado specifically, composite decks and paver patios tend to outlast their alternatives with less maintenance. Composite decking costs more upfront than wood but eliminates annual staining. Pavers cost more than poured concrete but survive freeze-thaw cycles far better over a 10 to 20 year horizon.
A paver patio can be repaired one unit at a time. A cracked concrete slab requires grinding, patching or full replacement. In a climate where concrete stress is a given, pavers' repairability is a real long-term advantage.
How to get the best price.
Compare composite total cost of ownership against wood. A wood deck costs less on day one but requires sanding and resealing every 2 to 3 years. Composite costs more upfront and almost nothing after that. Over 15 years, composite often costs the same or less than a properly maintained wood deck in Colorado.
Do your own demolition and site prep. Removing an old patio or deck yourself before the crew arrives can save $500 to $1,500 on disposal and labor. Confirm with your contractor what needs to be done and what to leave for them so you do not create rework.
Get at least three quotes. Deck and patio prices vary 20 to 35 percent between contractors for the same scope. Ask each one to specify the material brand, grade and product coverage so you are comparing equal products, not just price.
Book before the spring rush. March through May is peak booking season for deck and patio work in Colorado. Contractors booked through fall and winter schedule projects earlier in the season and often price more competitively than when demand spikes in April and May.
Deck and patio cost FAQ.
How long does it take to build a deck or patio?
A 200-square-foot wood or composite deck takes 3 to 5 days for an experienced crew after the permit is approved. A paver patio of similar size takes 2 to 4 days. Permit approval in Denver adds 1 to 3 weeks before work can begin. Weather delays are common in Colorado spring and fall, so build buffer time into the schedule.
Does a deck add value to a home in Colorado?
Yes. A wood deck replacement returns roughly 68 percent of its cost at resale, according to Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report. A composite deck returns a similar amount. Outdoor living space is particularly valued in Colorado because of the number of sunny days per year, so a well-built deck or patio helps a home sell at asking price in competitive Front Range markets.
What is the most durable patio material for Colorado weather?
Concrete pavers or natural stone pavers handle Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles better than poured concrete. They allow minor individual movement without surface cracking, and damaged units can be replaced one at a time without affecting the rest of the patio. For decking, composite outperforms wood because it resists UV, moisture and the thermal expansion and contraction that come with Colorado's wide daily temperature swings.
Do I need a permit for a ground-level patio in Denver?
A ground-level patio that sits directly on grade (a concrete slab or pavers laid in sand) generally does not require a permit in Denver. However, if the patio connects to a structure, includes a pergola or overhead cover, or involves significant grading or drainage work, a permit may be required. When in doubt, ask your contractor to verify with Denver Building and Inspections before work starts.
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