Outdoor square footage is the cheapest space you can add.
A deck or patio adds living space at a fraction of the cost of an addition, and a fence changes how a yard gets used. This category covers deck and patio builders and designers, border and privacy fences, chain link, and invisible and electric pet fencing.
The product side includes deck and patio furniture, umbrellas, design software and the lumber, composite and fence materials themselves. On decks the fork in the road is wood versus composite: wood costs less on day one, composite wins on maintenance over a decade. Fences hinge on material and linear feet, which makes them easy to bid apples to apples.
Sketch the footprint, note the material you prefer, and mention gates, stairs or railing details. Up to four local builders respond with competing quotes and timelines.
What does it cost?
A basic privacy fence or small ground-level deck sits near the low end. Published averages put new wood decks around $30 to $60 per square foot built and composite higher; large multi-level decks and long fence runs reach the top.
Ballparks based on commonly published national averages, stated as assumptions, not measured local pricing. Your competing quotes set the real number for your home and ZIP.
Popular Decks, Fences and Patios services
The services and searches homeowners bring to this category most, straight from our demand data.
Plan your deck, fence or patio project
Deep-dive buyer's guides for every part of the project, built from the same demand data as this page.
Deck Building and Design
Footprints, framing, permits and honest per-square-foot math.
Read the guideDecking Materials
Wood vs composite math, lifespans and re-decking options.
Read the guideDeck Repair, Staining and Sealing
The stain cycle, safety fixes and the restore vs rebuild call.
Read the guideWood and Privacy Fences
Privacy panels, pickets, cedar upgrades and property line rules.
Read the guideVinyl, Aluminum and Chain Link Fences
Vinyl privacy, aluminum, iron and chain link by the foot.
Read the guidePet and Invisible Fences
Wired, wireless and GPS systems, plus the training truth.
Read the guideFence Installation, Gates and Repair
Quotes by the foot, gate sag fixes and storm claim basics.
Read the guidePatios, Pavers and Patio Covers
Slab vs pavers vs stone, plus pergolas and enclosed rooms.
Read the guideTop providers near you
A preview of how vetted providers will appear. These are placeholder cards, not real businesses.
Cedarline Decks and Fences
Backyard Framewrights
Post and Rail Outdoor Co
Sample data ... provider roster integration pending (state licensing boards). Rendered from data/providers.json.
How zipBuilder works for decks, fences and patios
Tell us the project
Enter your ZIP and describe the job in plain language. Size does not matter, detail does.
Local pros compete
Your brief goes to licensed pros who actually work your ZIP code. Up to four respond with quotes and availability.
You pick with confidence
Compare the responses side by side, check reviews, and share your contact details only with the pros you choose.
Decks, Fences and Patios questions, answered straight
How much does a new deck cost?
Published averages run $30 to $60 per square foot for pressure-treated wood built, $50 to $90 for composite, so a 300 square foot deck commonly lands $9,000 to $20,000. Railings, stairs and height above grade move the number most.
Wood or composite decking?
Wood is cheaper up front and needs staining or sealing every couple of years. Composite costs 30 to 60 percent more installed and mostly just needs washing. Over 10 to 15 years the totals converge, so decide based on how you feel about maintenance.
How much does a fence cost?
Fences price per linear foot installed: published ranges run $15 to $35 for wood privacy, $25 to $55 for vinyl, $10 to $20 for chain link. Gates, slopes and rocky soil add. Quotes on the same line drawing are directly comparable.
Do decks and fences need permits?
Decks usually do, especially when attached to the house or above a certain height. Fences often need only a height and setback check, but rules vary by city and HOA. Your builder should confirm before digging, and utility locates are non-negotiable.
When is a patio better than a deck?
On flat ground close to grade, a paver or concrete patio usually costs less and lasts longer with no refinishing. Decks win on slopes, on second stories and where you want wood underfoot. Many yards do best with a small deck stepping down to a patio.
Get Decks, Fences and Patios quotes in your ZIP
Free for homeowners. No obligation. Up to four local pros compete.
Homeowners also compare
Concrete and Masonry
Concrete contractors, brick and stone masons, stucco and paver crews.
Compare local prosLandscaping
Landscape design, lawn care and outdoor projects big and small.
Compare local prosSwimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
In-ground and above-ground pools, spas, hot tubs and saunas, built and serviced.
Compare local pros