Concrete Patio vs. Wood Deck: Which Is Better for Your NWA Home?

Patio or Deck? The NWA Homeowner's Dilemma

If you're adding outdoor living space to your home in Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, or Fayetteville, you'll likely wrestle with the same question at some point: concrete patio or wood deck? Both options are popular in NWA, and both have real strengths. The right choice depends on your lot, your budget, and how you want to use the space.

Here's an honest comparison from the perspective of a contractor who builds both — though we specialize in concrete and hardscape work.

Cost Comparison

**Concrete patio:** $6–$12 per square foot installed in NWA, depending on finish, thickness, and any drainage work needed. A 400 square foot patio runs roughly $2,400 to $4,800.

**Pressure-treated wood deck:** $15–$25 per square foot installed, depending on height, railing requirements, and access. A 400 square foot deck runs $6,000 to $10,000 — and that's a starting point, not a ceiling.

**Composite decking:** $20–$35+ per square foot installed. Much lower maintenance than wood, but the upfront cost is significantly higher.

On first cost, concrete wins — usually by a significant margin.

Maintenance Over Time

**Concrete patio:** Seal every 2–3 years ($100–$200 DIY). Clean with a hose and occasionally a pressure washer. Repair isolated cracks if they form. No painting, no staining, no annual treatments.

**Pressure-treated wood deck:** Sand and stain or seal every 1–2 years, or accept weathering and greying. Replace boards as they split, rot, or splinter. In NWA's humidity and summer heat, wood decks that aren't maintained degrade visibly within a few years.

**Composite decking:** Very low maintenance — wash periodically. Doesn't rot or splinter. But it does fade over time, it can get hot in direct sun (important in NWA summers), and damaged boards are expensive to replace individually.

On lifetime maintenance cost, concrete wins significantly — especially against wood.

Lifespan

**Concrete patio:** 30–50 years with basic maintenance.

**Pressure-treated wood deck:** 10–15 years before major repairs or replacement. Well-maintained decks can last 20–25 years.

**Composite decking:** 25–30 years. Better than wood, but still not concrete.

On lifespan, concrete wins.

Where Decks Win

Decks aren't without their advantages, and there are situations where they're clearly the better choice:

**Elevated applications.** If your back door is 4+ feet above grade — common on many NWA hillside lots — a deck is the natural solution. Building up a concrete platform to that height is expensive and requires retaining walls. A deck is structurally more appropriate and economically more sensible.

**Views and sightlines.** A deck that sits above the landscape gives you a perspective a ground-level patio can't. In hilly NWA neighborhoods, elevated decks often take advantage of natural views that a patio would bury.

**Warmth underfoot.** Wood and composite don't get as hot as concrete in direct summer sun — relevant for bare-foot patio use in July and August in NWA.

Our Recommendation

For most NWA properties where the back door exits near grade level, a concrete patio offers significantly better long-term value — lower cost, less maintenance, and longer life. For elevated lots or walkout basement situations, a deck (especially composite) often makes more structural and practical sense.

Many homeowners combine both: a concrete lower patio at grade with a wood or composite deck off the main living level above it.

GNG Underground specializes in concrete patios and hardscapes throughout NWA. Reach out and we'll help you think through what makes the most sense for your specific property.