Composite decking typically costs $30-$60 per square foot installed, while pavers usually run $18-$40 per square foot. For a 300-square-foot outdoor area, that puts common project totals around $9,000-$18,000 for composite and $5,400-$12,000 for pavers; site access, substructure, drainage, material grade, and regional labor can shift either estimate.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite deck, installed | $30/sq ft | $44/sq ft | $60/sq ft | Includes decking, framing, and standard labor |
| Paver patio, installed | $18/sq ft | $28/sq ft | $40/sq ft | Concrete pavers with prepared base |
| 300-sq-ft composite project | $9,000 | $13,200 | $18,000 | Ground-level or modest-height deck |
| 300-sq-ft paver project | $5,400 | $8,400 | $12,000 | Standard excavation and installation |
Installed prices for a 300-square-foot deck or patio
For the same footprint, pavers commonly cost less upfront, while composite decking costs more because it needs a supporting frame as well as finished boards. A basic composite deck in an average-cost market often falls near $13,200 for 300 square feet. A comparable paver patio averages about $8,400, before unusual grading, retaining walls, or premium finishes.
Composite material alone generally costs $8-$18 per square foot; installed pricing rises to about $30-$60 per square foot when framing, fasteners, labor, and site preparation are included. Entry-level capped or uncapped boards sit near the lower end, while premium colors, hidden fastening systems, and upgraded railing increase the total.
Concrete pavers commonly cost $3-$10 per square foot for materials, with installed patio rates around $18-$40 per square foot. Natural stone pavers can exceed that range, especially when cuts, irregular shapes, or heavier handling are involved. Assumptions: 300 square feet, standard residential access, midrange materials, no major retaining wall, and typical U.S. labor conditions.
What framing, base materials, and labor add to each quote
The quote should distinguish visible surface materials from the hidden structure or foundation that makes the installation stable. Deck estimates can omit framing details, while patio quotes may list excavation and base compaction as a single allowance. Asking for itemized quantities makes the two bids easier to compare.
| Cost component | Composite deck range | Paver patio range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface materials | $8-$18/sq ft | $3-$10/sq ft | Board grade, color, paver type, pattern |
| Frame or base preparation | $7-$18/sq ft | $4-$10/sq ft | Joists and supports, excavation depth, crushed stone |
| Installation labor | $10-$25/sq ft | $8-$18/sq ft | Cutting, layout, access, crew productivity |
| Equipment and delivery | $300-$1,500 total | $250-$1,200 total | Haul distance, machine access, material weight |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$8/sq ft | $2-$7/sq ft | Existing deck or patio, debris volume, landfill fees |
| Accessories and drainage | $300-$3,000 total | $200-$2,500 total | Railings, stairs, edging, drains, lighting |
A simple ground-level deck may use pressure-treated framing beneath composite boards, while an elevated deck requires stronger supports and often guardrails. A paver installation typically includes excavation, a compacted aggregate base, bedding sand, edge restraint, and joint sand. If any of these steps are missing from a quote, the low bid may not represent a complete job.
How height, soil, drainage, and material grade change the price
Elevation and ground conditions are among the clearest reasons two same-size estimates differ. A deck raised more than 2 feet may need additional posts, bracing, stairs, and code-compliant guardrails; a 4-foot-high deck can add roughly $10-$25 per square foot compared with a straightforward ground-level platform, depending on design and access.
For pavers, soft or poorly drained soil may require deeper excavation or a thicker compacted base. A typical base is about 6-8 inches for many residential patios, but unstable soil, vehicle loading, or freeze-thaw exposure can require more. Each extra 2 inches of excavation and aggregate may add approximately $2-$5 per square foot, including labor and hauling.
Material specifications also matter. Composite boards priced around $8-$12 per square foot are usually more economical than premium boards at $14-$18, while textured or large-format pavers can cost $8-$15 per square foot versus $3-$6 for basic concrete units. Curves, diagonal patterns, borders, and many small cuts can add 10%-25% to labor because they slow installation and increase waste.
Site access affects both systems: a narrow gate or steep yard may prevent equipment from reaching the work area. Hand-carrying soil, aggregate, or boards can add $500-$2,000 or more to a project. Drainage changes, tree-root conflicts, buried utilities, or retaining work should be priced separately rather than hidden in a vague allowance.
Ways to lower the deck or patio price without cutting corners
The most controllable savings usually come from simplifying the footprint and limiting extras, not skipping essential preparation. A rectangle is less labor-intensive than a curved layout, and a standard board or paver pattern reduces cuts. Keeping the project near grade can avoid costly stairs, tall posts, and railings where local code does not require them.
For a composite deck, compare the cost of standard colors and board profiles before choosing premium finishes. Confirm whether hidden fasteners are included, and price fascia, railing, lighting, and stairs as separate options. A pressure-treated frame may be less expensive than a specialty framing system, but it must be appropriately sized, protected, and installed for the site.
For pavers, a basic concrete style can deliver a lower installed price than natural stone or intricate mixed patterns. Avoid reducing base depth below the contractor’s recommendation for soil, climate, and intended use; inadequate compaction can lead to settling and repair bills. Reuse sound existing base material only if it is inspected, stable, and suitable for the new layout.
Request at least three comparable written bids with the same square footage, material grade, demolition scope, drainage plan, and finish details. Ask each contractor to state exclusions and change-order rates. Scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may help, but weather-sensitive work and local availability determine whether seasonal discounts are realistic.
Regional labor rates shift installed deck and paver prices
Local labor and disposal fees can move a project substantially even when material selections stay constant. In high-cost metro areas and parts of the Northeast or West Coast, installed prices may run 15%-30% above a national middle estimate. Smaller towns and lower-cost regions can be 10%-20% below it, although material delivery may erase some of the difference.
In cold-weather markets, contractors may specify deeper paver bases or drainage improvements to limit frost-related movement. That preparation can add $2-$6 per square foot compared with a simpler base in a mild climate. Composite decks also need framing designed for local snow loads and code requirements, which can change lumber quantities and labor.
Urban projects often incur higher hauling, parking, access, and disposal charges; an alley or restricted work window may add $300-$1,500. Rural projects may face delivery surcharges when a supplier is far away. Regional comparisons should therefore use installed quotes, not just online material prices.
How long installation takes and what labor charges cover
A typical 300-square-foot project may take several workdays, with complicated access or design extending the schedule. A straightforward paver patio often takes 3-6 working days for a small crew, including excavation, base preparation, laying, cutting, and cleanup. A basic composite deck can take 4-8 days, especially if framing, stairs, or railing are part of the work.
Residential landscape and deck labor commonly works out to roughly $50-$100 per worker-hour when priced by time, though many contractors quote by square foot or by project. Crew size, insurance, supervision, equipment, travel, and business overhead affect the effective rate.
Ask whether the bid includes demolition, grading, compaction, and final cleanup. A low labor figure may assume that the homeowner removes the old surface or provides a clear, level work area. Delays from rain, inspection scheduling, or material delivery can add time, but the contract should explain whether those delays change the price.
Three sample quotes for common 300-square-foot projects
These examples show how material choices and site preparation create different totals at the same size. They assume standard residential access and no major retaining work; local quotes can vary with labor, delivery, and code needs.
| Scenario | Scope and unit pricing | Estimated total | Included assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic composite deck | 300 sq ft at $35/sq ft; 48 labor hours at $70/hour incorporated in installed rate | $10,500-$12,000 | Low profile, standard boards, simple rectangle |
| Midrange paver patio | 300 sq ft at $26/sq ft; about 40 labor hours at $65/hour incorporated | $7,200-$8,700 | Concrete pavers, standard base, minor grading |
| Premium composite with stairs | 300 sq ft at $50/sq ft plus $2,000-$4,000 for stairs and railing | $17,000-$19,000 | Premium boards, elevated platform, added safety features |
The first two examples are closer to a like-for-like ground-level comparison. The third is not directly comparable to a flat patio because elevation and stairs create additional structure. A paver patio with borders, a curved edge, or drainage work may reach $10,000-$14,000 for 300 square feet without matching the added height of a deck.
Five-year upkeep and repair can narrow the upfront gap
Lower installation cost does not automatically mean lower ownership cost, and neither surface is maintenance-free. Composite decking generally avoids routine staining, but it needs cleaning and may require occasional replacement of damaged boards or fasteners. Budget roughly $100-$400 a year for basic cleaning and minor upkeep, depending on size and whether the work is hired out.
Pavers may need periodic joint-sand replacement, weed control, and spot leveling. A small maintenance visit can cost $150-$500; resetting settled areas may run $10-$30 per square foot for the affected portion, depending on access and base repair. Pressure washing can help, but excessive pressure or unsuitable cleaners may damage surfaces or joints.
For a 300-square-foot area, a rough five-year upkeep allowance might be $500-$2,000 for composite and $750-$2,500 for pavers, excluding major damage or full resurfacing. These ranges assume routine care rather than professional annual treatment. Local climate, shade, drainage, installation quality, and the owner’s maintenance choices influence the result.
Warranty terms should be checked for coverage, exclusions, and labor. A board warranty may cover specified manufacturing defects without paying to remove and reinstall the deck. Paver warranties also vary by manufacturer and usually do not guarantee that a patio will never settle; installation quality and base preparation remain important.
Which surface costs less for a level yard or raised entry?
Pavers usually win on initial price for a level yard, while a raised entry can make composite decking more practical despite its higher estimate. On stable, well-drained ground, a standard paver patio avoids the framing expense that pushes deck pricing upward. It can also be extended in stages, provided the base and edge restraints are planned correctly.
When a door sits several feet above grade, a deck may provide direct access without the extensive fill, retaining structure, or long stair run a patio could require. In that case, compare the full project scopes: a deck with stairs and guardrails versus a patio plus grading, retaining, and access work. The cheapest surface rate alone will not identify the lower total.
For a final comparison, obtain estimates using the same measured area and specify finish level, demolition, drainage, steps, edging, and debris removal. If quotes differ by more than 15%-20%, ask what scope or assumption explains the gap. A detailed bid helps distinguish a true price advantage from omitted preparation that could become an added charge.