Deck vs. Paver Patio — Or Why You Might Want Both
- Alexandra Wilson
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
The Smart, Practical Guide to Building a Backyard That Works
You don’t need a design degree to know what feels good when you step outside: solid footing, a place to sit, and room to breathe.
At Iron Ridge Contracting, we build outdoor spaces that make sense—because they’re built around how you actually live. So if you're wondering whether to go with a deck or a patio, the real answer might be: both.
Let’s break it down. No fluff. Just real information, a few numbers, and the kind of insight that comes from doing this work every day.
What a Deck Brings to the Table
A deck is like the front porch of the backyard. It’s a little elevated, a little polished, and built to handle the foot traffic of real life.
Here’s when a deck makes sense:
You’ve got a slope or uneven yard
You want to walk straight out from your kitchen
You’re looking for low-maintenance, high-performance materials
We work with TimberTech and Deckorators—composite decking that holds up to weather, wear, and time. No splinters. No stain jobs every year. Just soap, water, and a hose.
Cost: $70 - $110 per square foot Lifespan: 25–50 years Maintenance: Basically none. Just don’t let leaves pile up and you’re good.
The Case for Paver Patios
Pavers are the workhorse of outdoor design. They don’t rot, they don’t rust, and they look even better with age—kind of like a well-worn leather glove.
When to choose pavers:
You want a ground-level space (firepit, hot tub, pergola)
You’re working around landscaping or existing features
You need something durable with a custom look
We typically use Belgard or Techo-Bloc pavers. They’re built to last and come in styles that work for both rustic and modern homes.
Cost: $30–$50 per square foot Lifespan: 30–100 years (no joke) Maintenance: Sweep it, maybe re-sand the joints every few years, and seal it if you want it to really pop.
Why the Best Backyards Use Both
Some of the smartest outdoor spaces we’ve built use both decking and pavers. Not because it looks fancy—but because it works.
Real-life combinations we build all the time:
A deck off the kitchen, steps down to a patio with a firepit
An under-deck patio, protected by drainage, for rainy-day lounging
A composite deck with built-in grill, and a dining area under a pergola on stone
It’s about zones. You cook and gather on the deck. You relax and unwind on the patio. No wasted space. Just a backyard that finally works for how your family lives.
How We Build It at Iron Ridge
We don’t just sketch it out on a napkin and hope for the best. Here’s how we get it done—start to finish:
Visit the Ridge Room You’ll see real samples of materials and layouts—and talk through ideas with our team.
Site Visit We check your grading, elevation, access, and figure out what’s possible (and what’s smart).
Proposal + Planning You’ll get a detailed estimate—including job details, what’s optional, and what it will take to get it done right.
Build with Integrity Our in-house crew builds the deck. Our trusted hardscape pros handle the pavers. One point of contact. No excuses. No middlemen.
A Word About Cost and Longevity
We get it—these aren’t small investments. But they’re worth it when done right.
A deck built with composite and aluminum railing won’t need repairs for decades.
A paver patio with the right base and drainage can last longer than the house.
And together? You’ve got a backyard that adds serious function and curb appeal—and saves you from redoing it all in 5 years.
Final Thoughts (from one working family to another)
We’re not trying to “transform” your yard into something it’s not. We’re just here to build something you’ll actually use—every weekend, every season.
So whether you’re team deck, team patio, or team let’s do both—we’ve got the crew, the process, and the know-how to make it happen.
Ready to start the conversation? Let’s walk the yard together, talk it through, and build a space that works for your life.
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