Deck & Patio Builders in Savannah: Compare Options & Costs for 2026

Should you build a deck, a patio, or both? It's one of the first decisions Savannah homeowners face when upgrading outdoor living space — and the answer depends on your lot, your budget, and how you actually plan to use it. A deck raises you above a soggy yard. A patio keeps things at grade and low-maintenance. Each has real trade-offs in Savannah's heat, humidity, and coastal weather.

Here's what you need to know to make the right call and hire the right builder.

For a broader look at deck pricing across different materials and regions, see our complete deck cost guide. Timing your build right can also save thousands — check our guide on the best time to build a deck.

Deck vs Patio: Which Is Right for Your Savannah Home

The decision starts with your yard.

Choose a deck if:

• Your lot slopes or has uneven terrain (common in neighborhoods like Ardsley Park and the Southside)
• You want an elevated structure for views, airflow, or connecting to a raised back door
• You're building over sandy or poorly draining soil
• You want to integrate railings, built-in seating, or a multi-level design

Choose a patio if:

• Your yard is relatively flat
• You want a ground-level space with minimal maintenance
• Budget is tight — patios generally cost less
• You prefer stone, pavers, or stamped concrete aesthetics

Savannah-specific factors matter here. The water table is high in many parts of Chatham County, which can affect foundation work for patios and footing depth for decks. Homes in the Historic District often have small lots where a compact patio makes more sense, while larger properties in Georgetown, Pooler, or Wilmington Island have room for full deck-and-patio combinations.

Airflow is another consideration. A raised deck catches breezes off the marsh and keeps you above standing moisture — a real advantage during Savannah's humid summers when mold and mildew thrive at ground level.

Cost Comparison: Deck vs Patio in Savannah

Here's what Savannah homeowners typically pay in 2026, fully installed:

Deck Costs (Installed, Per Square Foot)

Patio Costs (Installed, Per Square Foot)

The bottom line: A basic patio can cost 50–70% less than a comparable deck. But patios aren't always cheaper once you factor in site prep. If your yard needs grading, drainage work, or a compacted base — common in Savannah's clay-and-sand soil mix — those costs add up fast.

For a detailed breakdown of deck pricing by size, check out our guide on how much a 12x16 deck costs or scale up with our 20x20 deck cost breakdown.

Combined Deck & Patio Designs

You don't have to pick one. Some of the best outdoor spaces in Savannah combine both — and there are practical reasons to do it.

Popular Combinations

• Elevated deck stepping down to a paver patio. The deck connects to your home at door height; stairs lead to a ground-level patio with a fire pit or dining area. This works especially well on lots with a slight grade.
• Deck with a concrete patio underneath. If your deck is raised 4+ feet, you've got usable space below. A stamped concrete patio beneath the deck stays shaded and cool — valuable in Savannah summers. Pair it with an under-deck ceiling system to keep the lower patio dry.
• Wraparound design. A deck off the kitchen transitions to a stone patio around the pool or garden. Common on larger Southside and Islands properties.

Why Combinations Work in Savannah

Savannah's climate creates a natural argument for layered outdoor spaces. Your deck catches evening breezes and keeps you above the humidity. Your patio gives you a shaded ground-level retreat during the heat of the day. Together, they extend your usable outdoor season from a few comfortable months to nearly year-round.

Budget tip: Building both at once saves 10–15% compared to separate projects. One crew handles site prep, and you avoid duplicate mobilization costs.

Materials for Each: What Works in Savannah's Hot, Humid Climate

Material choice matters more in Savannah than in most U.S. cities. You're dealing with extreme UV exposure, persistent humidity, heavy rainfall, mold and mildew growth, and termites. Coastal areas also need hurricane-rated fasteners and connectors.

Best Deck Materials for Savannah

Composite decking is the top recommendation for Savannah. Modern composite boards resist moisture, won't rot, and don't attract termites. They handle UV exposure better than wood (look for capped composite with UV inhibitors). Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon all perform well in coastal Southeast conditions. If you're comparing brands, our guide to low-maintenance decking covers the key differences.

Pressure-treated pine is the budget option and still the most common choice in the Savannah market. It handles moisture reasonably well when properly sealed, but you'll need to re-seal every 1–2 years — Savannah's humidity accelerates weathering. Expect to replace boards sooner than you would up north. Check our best deck sealers guide for products that hold up in high-moisture environments.

Cedar looks beautiful but struggles in Savannah. The humidity promotes faster decay than in drier climates, and cedar's natural oils aren't enough to fight the mold pressure here. If you choose cedar, commit to aggressive maintenance.

Ipe and tropical hardwoods are virtually indestructible in this climate. They resist rot, insects, and UV. The trade-off is cost — $60–$100 per square foot installed — and the fact that fewer Savannah contractors have experience working with them.

Best Patio Materials for Savannah

Concrete pavers handle Savannah's conditions well. They allow water to drain between joints, resist cracking from heat expansion, and come in styles that complement both historic and modern homes. Light-colored pavers stay cooler underfoot — a real consideration when summer surface temperatures hit 150°F+ in direct sun.

Stamped concrete gives you the look of stone at a lower price, but watch for cracking. Savannah's soil can shift with moisture changes, and stamped concrete doesn't flex. Proper base preparation and control joints are critical.

Natural flagstone is durable and handles heat well, but the irregular surface can collect standing water — a mosquito concern in Savannah if drainage isn't planned carefully.

Avoid: untreated wood pavers at grade level (rot within 2–3 years) and dark-colored materials that absorb heat.

Use PaperPlan to visualize different decking materials on your own home before committing — it helps you see how colors and textures look against your siding, trim, and landscaping in Savannah's bright sunlight.

Deck Framing Considerations

Whatever decking surface you choose, the substructure matters just as much. In Savannah's coastal zone, building codes often require:

• Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners (standard zinc-coated hardware corrodes fast in salt air)
• Ground-contact rated lumber for posts and joists (minimum UC4A treatment)
• Hurricane ties and reinforced post-to-beam connections in wind zones

If you're on Tybee Island or in any area within the coastal high-wind zone, expect stricter engineering requirements that add $2–$5 per square foot to your framing costs.

Finding a Contractor Who Does Both

Most Savannah deck builders focus on either decks or hardscaping — not both. That matters because a combined deck-and-patio project needs someone who understands structural framing and grading, drainage, and masonry.

What to Look For

• Dual experience. Ask to see completed projects that include both deck and patio work. Photos of deck-to-patio transitions specifically.
• Proper licensing. Georgia requires a Residential-Light Commercial Contractor license for projects over $2,500. Verify through the Georgia Secretary of State's licensing portal.
• Insurance. General liability and workers' comp. Non-negotiable.
• Hurricane and coastal experience. If you're in an AE or VE flood zone (parts of the Islands, Thunderbolt, and Tybee), your contractor needs to understand elevated construction requirements.

Getting Accurate Quotes

Get three to five bids and make sure each one includes:

• Detailed material specifications (not just "composite" — which brand, which line?)
• Site prep and demolition costs
• Permit fees and who handles the application
• Timeline with start and completion dates
• Warranty terms for labor and materials separately

Timing tip: Savannah's best building months are October through April. You avoid the brutal summer heat, and contractors have more availability during the cooler season. That availability means more negotiating room on pricing — some builders drop rates 5–10% during their slower months.

For insight into what a quality contractor relationship looks like, see how other homeowners have approached hiring the best deck builders in Houston — the process is similar in Savannah's market.

Permits: Deck vs Patio Requirements in Savannah

Permit rules differ significantly between decks and patios, and getting this wrong can cause real problems at resale.

Deck Permits

In Savannah, deck permits are typically required for structures over 200 square feet or 30 inches above grade. Contact Savannah's Building/Development Services department at (912) 651-6530 to confirm current requirements for your specific property.

You'll generally need:

• A site plan showing the deck's location relative to property lines and setbacks
• Construction drawings with dimensions, materials, and structural details
• Engineering calculations for elevated decks or those in wind zones
• Permit fees (typically $75–$300 depending on project scope)

Inspections are required at footing, framing, and final stages. Budget 2–4 weeks for permit approval before construction begins.

Building without a permit is risky. If you're caught, you face fines and potentially having to tear down the structure. It also creates title issues when you sell. Read more about the risks of building without a permit — the consequences are similar across jurisdictions.

Patio Permits

Most ground-level patios in Savannah do not require a building permit — they're considered landscaping improvements. However, you may still need permits if:

• The patio includes a covered structure (pergola, roof)
• You're adding electrical or plumbing (outdoor kitchen, lighting)
• The work affects drainage patterns that impact neighboring properties
• You're in the Savannah Historic District, where exterior changes need review by the Historic District Board of Review

HOA Restrictions

Many Savannah-area subdivisions — especially in Pooler, Richmond Hill, and the Islands — have HOA covenants governing materials, colors, and placement of outdoor structures. Check your CC&Rs before you design anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a deck and patio combo cost in Savannah?

A combined project typically runs $15,000–$40,000 for a mid-sized design (300 sq ft deck + 200 sq ft patio). The range depends heavily on materials — a pressure-treated deck with a concrete paver patio sits at the lower end, while composite decking with natural stone pushes toward the top. Building both together saves roughly 10–15% compared to hiring separately.

What's the best decking material for Savannah's humidity?

Composite decking is the best overall choice. It won't rot, resists mold and mildew, doesn't attract termites, and requires almost no maintenance. Pressure-treated pine works on a tighter budget, but plan on sealing it every 1–2 years. Avoid standard cedar in Savannah — the humidity breaks it down faster than in drier climates.

Do I need a permit for a patio in Savannah?

Most ground-level patios don't require a building permit. However, if you're adding a covered structure, electrical, or plumbing, you'll need permits for those components. Properties in the Historic District face additional design review regardless of project type. Always verify with Savannah's Building/Development Services before starting work.

When is the best time to build a deck or patio in Savannah?

October through April is ideal. You dodge the worst of Savannah's summer heat (which is hard on both workers and materials like concrete that cure too fast in extreme temperatures). Contractor availability is also better during these months, which gives you more leverage on pricing and scheduling.

How do I find a contractor who builds both decks and patios?

Look for companies that specifically advertise outdoor living or deck and hardscape services, rather than specialists in one or the other. Ask for project photos showing combined deck-and-patio work. Verify their Georgia contractor license, check reviews, and get at least three detailed bids that break out costs for each component separately. Start your search in late summer or early fall to lock in a contractor for the prime building season.