A local deck builder publishes $25–$35 per square foot for a pressure-treated wood deck and $40–$70 per square foot for a composite deck. A separate Arkansas concrete patio guide gives a broader $8–$16 per square foot installed patio range. Those figures come from different providers and scopes; they are starting points for planning, not a direct apples-to-apples bid comparison.
Composite deck: $40–$70/sq. ft. · Concrete patio: $8–$16/sq. ft. Compare construction details before comparing totals.
Choose your outdoor project
These are separate project types to describe when requesting a quote. The deck and concrete patio ranges above do not price pergolas, covered structures, or porch extensions; each needs its own site-specific scope.
Freestanding pergola
Give the builder your preferred size, location, material, and whether you want an open slatted top, adjustable shade, lighting, or a future cover. Ask how posts will be anchored and whether a new pad or footings are included.
Covered patio or porch
Describe the roof style and whether it attaches to the house. Ask about posts, footings, roofing, drainage, electrical work, and how the cover meets the existing roof or wall. A patio slab and its cover may be quoted by different trades, so identify who owns each part.
Extend an existing porch
Show the builder photos and approximate dimensions of the current porch. Ask how the new foundation, floor elevation, roofline, drainage, finishes, and connections to existing framing will be handled. Have structural changes priced separately from cosmetic upgrades.
Requirements depend on the address and design. Fayetteville publishes a permit checklist for porch/patio covers and pergolas. Benton County says structures attached to a residence require permits in unincorporated areas. Confirm the applicable requirements with your city or county before work begins.
Deck: what is included?
Ask whether the deck quote covers footings, framing, surface boards, stairs, railings, demolition, finish, and permits. A ground-level platform and a raised, multi-level deck are different projects. Slopes and access can change the structure and labor required.
Patio: what is included?
For concrete, ask about grading, compacted base, slab thickness, reinforcement, drainage, joints, finish, and any existing surface removal. Stamped or colored work will differ from a simple finish. If you plan a pool, make sure the patio and pool quotes agree on square footage, elevations, drains, and who owns the connection between them.
Permits and site checks
Requirements depend on location and scope. Fayetteville lists decks in its permit process. Check your city's or county's rules before work starts, and ask the contractor to spell out who applies for any permit.
Questions to ask builders
- What exact square footage, elevation, materials, and finish are included?
- For a deck, which footings, framing, stairs, and railings are specified?
- For a patio, what are the base, concrete thickness, joints, and drainage plan?
- For a pergola, cover, or porch extension, what footings, roof connections, drainage, and electrical work are included?
- Are demolition, haul-off, permits, and site restoration included?
- What is the payment schedule and process for written changes?
Sources and method
These figures are publicly posted planning examples from providers, not a survey of completed NWA jobs. Confirm the scope and current price with written bids for your property.
- NWA Fence & Deck Repair, deck cost guide — pressure-treated and composite deck ranges.
- Bel Covo, Arkansas concrete patio guide — statewide $8–$16 per square foot installed range, not a NWA-only sample.
- City of Fayetteville, permit process.
- City of Fayetteville, porch/patio cover and pergola checklist.
- Benton County Building Safety, residential permits.