Homeowners typically pay for either composite decking or concrete pavers based on material costs, installation complexity, and site conditions. This guide presents clear cost ranges in USD and highlights the main price drivers for each option, including per-unit pricing and typical project scopes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Decking (material) | $3.50/ft² | $6.00/ft² | $9.50/ft² | Premium boards cost more; includes hidden fasteners in some setups |
| Composite Decking (installation) | $3.00/ft² | $5.50/ft² | $7.50/ft² | Labor varies by slope and substrate |
| Deck Substructure & framing | $2.50/ft² | $4.50/ft² | $6.50/ft² | Includes joists, flashing, and railing integration |
| Pavers (material) | $2.50/ft² | $4.50/ft² | $7.50/ft² | Material type and color affect price |
| Pavers (installation) | $6.50/ft² | $12.00/ft² | $20.00/ft² | Includes base sand, edging, and compaction |
| Site preparation | $500 | $2,000 | $5,500 | Grading, drainage, or tree removal |
| Permits & inspections | $100 | $600 | $1,500 | Depends on municipality |
| Delivery & waste disposal | $150 | $450 | $1,000 | Heavy materials increase costs |
| Maintenance (annual) | $50 | $250 | $600 | Cleaning, sealing for some composites |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for a 300–400 ft² project spans both options, with composites generally starting higher on materials but often offering lower long-term maintenance. For decking, count on roughly $9–$16 per ft² installed when combining material, substructure, and labor; for pavers, the total can run $8–$20 per ft² installed, depending on stone type and base depth. Assumptions: moderate slope, 4–6 inches of base, standard permits where required.
Cost Breakdown
Table-driven view shows how costs accumulate across materials, labor, and ancillary items. The split often favors materials for composites and labor for pavers, especially when complex patterns or tight joints are involved.
| Category | Composite Decking | Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3.50–$9.50/ft² | $2.50–$7.50/ft² |
| Labor | $3.00–$7.50/ft² | $6.50–$20.00/ft² |
| Substructure/Base | $2.50–$6.50/ft² | $2.50–$5.50/ft² |
| Permits | $100–$600 | $100–$600 |
| Delivery/Disposal | $150–$450 | $150–$450 |
| Warranty | 5–25 years (material dependent) | 1–10+ years (installation dependent) |
| Contingency | 5–15% | 5–15% |
What Drives Price
Material selection is a primary driver. High-end composite boards with embedded fade resistance and textured surfaces cost more upfront but can reduce maintenance. Pavers vary by stone type (concrete pavers vs natural stone) and thickness, which shifts both material and installation labor. Key thresholds include decking boards with premium cores and hidden fasteners, and pavers with thick bases and intricate patterns.
Pricing Variables
Site conditions such as slope, drainage, and existing utilities influence both options. For decks, a sloped site increases framing work and railing installation time. For paving, a tight space or irregular ground requires more formwork, edge restraints, and a deeper base, driving up costs. Labor efficiency and crew size also scale with project size and complexity.
Ways To Save
Plan for simple layouts with straight runs and fewer corners to minimize cutting and joints. Composite decking benefits from choosing standard boards rather than exotic profiles. For pavers, selecting uniform, readily available colors and avoiding custom cuts reduces waste. Scheduling work during a non-peak season can also lower rates from some contractors.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to material costs, labor markets, and permit fees. In the Northeast, expect higher installation labor and higher base material costs. The Midwest often offers competitive pricing with solid value, while the Southeast may have lower freight costs but higher moisture-related considerations for bases. A typical regional delta is ±12%–22% compared with a national baseline.
Labor & Installation Time
Decking projects tend to require less time per square foot for straightforward layouts but can extend with curved runs or multiple access points. Paver projects typically demand more time for base preparation and precise leveling, especially with varied paver sizes or patterns. Install time often translates directly into labor costs, with deck crews charging by square foot and paver crews by the hour.
Extra & Hidden Costs
Potential add-ons include railing systems, stairs, lighting, drainage solutions, and sealants. Decks may require moisture barriers or termite treatment in certain regions. Paver installations can incur edging, geogrid reinforcement, or drainage upgrades. Delivery surcharges and waste disposal fees can add up, particularly on larger projects.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes for a 400 ft² area. Each card lists specs, labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals to help set expectations against quotes.
- Basic: Composite deck with mid-range boards, standard substructure, no railing upgrade. Materials $2.50/ft², labor $4.50/ft²; total around $3,800–$6,000 for 400 ft². Assumptions: flat site, standard fasteners, 6-inch railing height.
- Mid-Range: Composite decking with premium boards, hidden fasteners, basic railing, and concealed drainage. Materials $4.50/ft², labor $5.75/ft²; total around $7,500–$11,000.
- Premium: Concrete pavers with natural stone-look finish, thick base, intricate pattern, and edging. Materials $6.50/ft², labor $14.00/ft²; total around $11,000–$20,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.