It depends on the size of the deck or patio, as well as the materials used. Generally speaking, a deck will be cheaper to build than a patio.Deck materials can include pressure-treated lumber, cedar, redwood, plastic lumber, and composite materials. Patio materials can include concrete, flagstone, brick, and asphalt.If you're looking for a cheap option, a deck made from pressure-treated lumber is your best bet. If you want something that will last longer and look nicer, consider using cedar or redwood. Cedar is also resistant to rot and insects, while redwood is naturally flame retardant.

Decks are generally cheaper to build than patios. A deck can be built relatively easily and inexpensively out of untreated lumber or composite decking materials. Patios, on the other hand, usually require more expensive materials such as stone or brick, and labor costs can be higher because they involve excavating the ground and installing a foundation.