AntoineAsphalt.caDeck vs patio guide
Deck vs Interlock Patio: Which Is Right for Your Yard?
Choose a deck when your back door sits well above the yard, such as a walkout or raised main floor; choose an interlock patio when the door is close to grade. Many of the best yards use both: a deck at the door with wide stairs down to an interlock patio, which is exactly what we design and build.
Choose a deck when your back door sits well above the yard, such as a walkout or raised main floor; choose an interlock patio when the door is close to grade. Many of the best yards use both: a deck at the door with wide stairs down to an interlock patio, which is exactly what we design and build.
Is my back door too high for a patio?
Door height is the deciding factor. A patio sits on the ground, so it works best when the door is only a step or two above grade. When the door is higher — a walkout, raised bungalow or second storey — a deck brings the outdoor floor up to the door, and building a patio up to that height would need large retaining walls and fill.
How do decks and interlock patios compare?
Both can look excellent and last for many years when built properly.
| Factor | Deck | Interlock patio |
|---|---|---|
| Best door height | Well above grade | Near grade |
| Lifespan | About 15–20 yrs (PT) to 30+ yrs (PVC) | Long-lasting on a properly compacted base |
| Maintenance | Wood: stain/seal; composite/PVC: wash | Sweep, occasional re-sanding and cleaning |
| Cost | Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026): $45–$110 / sq ft by material | Quoted on site from base depth, pavers and access |
| Permits | Often required (attached or raised) | Usually not; grading and drainage rules may apply |
| Feel | Warmer, raised, open views | Grounded, solid, great for fire features |
Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026). Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Is a deck or a patio cheaper?
Deck costs follow the per-sq-ft material ranges in our deck cost guide. Interlock cost depends heavily on excavation depth, base material, paver choice, borders and access, so we quote patios on site rather than publish a rate. For a door near grade, a patio avoids the framing, guards and stairs that raise deck costs; for a high door, a deck avoids the walls and fill a raised patio would need.
Does a deck or a patio need a permit?
Decks often need a building permit — any attached deck in Hamilton and Oakville, and larger or higher detached decks. Patios at grade usually do not need a building permit, but grading and drainage must not direct water toward the house or neighbours, and zoning or lot-coverage rules can still apply. Confirm current requirements with your municipality before building.
Which feels better and adds more to the home?
A deck feels like an extension of the kitchen, with views over the yard and space underneath for storage or a lower patio. A patio feels grounded and suits fire tables, outdoor kitchens and heavy planters. Buyers tend to value outdoor space that is well built and fits the house, rather than one type over the other.
Can I have both a deck and an interlock patio?
Yes — and this is our specialty. As a landscape construction company, we design the deck as part of the whole yard: a deck at the door for dining, wide stairs down to an interlock landing or patio for lounging, with retaining walls, lighting and planting tying the levels together.
- Deck at door height for dining and barbecue
- Wide stairs that double as casual seating
- Interlock patio or landing at the base of the stairs
- Retaining walls to manage grade changes
- Step and landscape lighting planned from the start
- Planting to soften edges and add privacy
Frequently asked questions
Should I build a deck or a patio?
If your back door is well above the yard, a deck usually makes more sense. If it is close to grade, an interlock patio is often the better fit. Many yards combine both.
Does an interlock patio need a permit?
A patio at grade usually does not need a building permit, but grading and drainage rules and zoning can apply. Confirm current requirements with your municipality before building.
Which lasts longer, a deck or interlock?
A properly built interlock patio on a compacted base is very long-lasting. Decks range from about 15–20 years for pressure-treated wood to 30+ for PVC.
Can you build a deck with stairs down to a patio?
Yes. A deck at the door with wide stairs to an interlock patio is one of our specialties.
How much does an interlock patio cost?
Interlock depends on base depth, pavers, borders and access, so we quote it on site.
Which needs less maintenance?
Composite or PVC decks and interlock patios are both low maintenance. Wood decks need regular staining or sealing.
Related deck information
From guide to site plan
Get an on-site deck quote
Call (647) 459-7775 or send the essentials. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.