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

You want more usable outdoor space. The question isn't if you should build — it's whether a deck, a patio, or some combination of both makes the most sense for your Spokane property. The answer depends on your lot, your budget, and how you plan to use the space through Spokane's short but intense summers and long, snowy winters.

Here's what you need to know to make that call and find the right contractor to build it.

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 Spokane Home?

This isn't just an aesthetic choice. In Spokane, your terrain and climate should drive the decision.

A deck makes more sense when:

• Your yard slopes — common in neighborhoods like the South Hill, Cliff/Cannon, and areas along the bluff above the Spokane River
• You want the living space elevated to capture views or connect to an upper-floor entrance
• Drainage is poor and you need airflow underneath the structure
• You want to cover usable ground below (under-deck storage, dry space for a hot tub pad)

A patio makes more sense when:

• Your yard is relatively flat — typical in North Side neighborhoods, Indian Trail, and parts of the Spokane Valley
• You want a ground-level entertaining space with no steps
• Budget is a primary concern (patios generally cost less per square foot)
• You want something that handles heavy furniture, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens without load concerns

The climate factor matters here. Spokane sits in USDA Zone 6b with frost line depths ranging from 36 to 60 inches. That affects both options differently. Decks need footings sunk below frost line to prevent heaving. Patios need a properly compacted base — at minimum 6 to 8 inches of crushed gravel — or frost heave will crack pavers and buckle concrete within a few seasons.

Neither option is maintenance-free in this climate. But the maintenance profiles differ, and that's worth understanding before you commit.

Cost Comparison: Deck vs Patio in Spokane

Pricing varies based on materials, size, site conditions, and which contractor you hire. But here are realistic 2026 installed costs for Spokane:

Deck Costs (Installed, Per Square Foot)

Patio Costs (Installed, Per Square Foot)

For a typical 300-square-foot project, you're looking at roughly:

• Pressure-treated deck: $7,500–$13,500
• Composite deck: $13,500–$22,500
• Concrete paver patio: $5,400–$10,500
• Stamped concrete patio: $4,500–$7,500

These numbers include standard site prep, but significant grading, retaining walls, or deep footing work will add to the total. Spokane's shorter building season (May through October) means contractor schedules fill fast — book by March if you want your project completed that same year.

For a deeper look at how deck costs scale with size, check out our breakdown on composite decking costs across different sizes.

Combined Deck & Patio Designs

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

Popular Combinations

• Elevated deck stepping down to a ground-level patio. The deck connects to your home's main level; stairs lead to a paver or concrete patio below. This works exceptionally well on South Hill properties with grade changes.
• Deck as dining space, patio as fire pit area. Keep the cooking and eating on the deck (closer to the kitchen), and create a separate patio zone 15–20 feet away with a fire pit and seating. Fire pits on patios are safer and simpler to build than on decks.
• Wraparound deck with patio landing. A deck wraps along two sides of the house, with a patio pad at grade level for a grill station or hot tub.
• Under-deck patio. If your deck is elevated, the space underneath can become a dry patio area with a ceiling drainage system. This effectively doubles your usable square footage from one structure.

Design Tips for Spokane Properties

Think about snow management. Where does snow pile up in your yard? Where does meltwater run? Don't put a paver patio in a low spot where water pools during spring thaw. And plan deck drainage so melt doesn't cascade onto walkways and freeze overnight.

Consider sun exposure. Spokane gets strong summer sun but low winter angles. A south-facing deck will be your most-used space from May through September. A north-facing patio under tree cover might feel damp and cold well into June.

Use PaperPlan to visualize different decking materials on your own home before committing — it's especially helpful when you're trying to see how a combined deck-and-patio layout fits your specific lot.

Materials for Each: What Works in Spokane's Harsh Winters

Spokane's freeze-thaw cycles are the single biggest factor in material selection. Temperatures can swing from freezing to above zero and back multiple times in a single week during shoulder seasons. That repeated expansion and contraction destroys materials that aren't built for it.

Best Deck Materials for Spokane

Composite and PVC decking hold up best. They don't absorb moisture the way wood does, so freeze-thaw cycles don't split or warp them. Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon all perform well here. Expect 25-year+ warranties on most premium composites.

Cedar is a solid natural option, but it needs annual sealing to protect against moisture and any de-icing salts tracked from driveways. Left unsealed in Spokane, cedar grays fast and can develop surface checks within two winters.

Pressure-treated lumber is the budget choice, but it requires the most maintenance — staining or sealing every 1 to 2 years. Moisture absorption leads to cupping and splitting if you skip maintenance cycles. In a Spokane winter, that moisture freezes and accelerates damage. If you're comparing low-maintenance options, our guide to the best low-maintenance decking in Canada covers brands that perform well in similar climates.

Ipe is virtually indestructible in cold climates, but it's expensive and hard to source locally. Most Spokane contractors will need to special-order it.

Deck Framing Considerations

Don't overlook what's under the boards. In Spokane, ground contact pressure-treated lumber rated for the moisture level is essential for joists and beams. Some builders are now using aluminum deck framing — it won't rot, warp, or attract insects, and it's especially smart for ground-level decks where airflow is limited.

Best Patio Materials for Spokane

Concrete pavers are the most forgiving option for freeze-thaw. Individual pavers can shift slightly with ground movement and be releveled without tearing out the whole surface. Choose pavers rated for freeze-thaw resistance (look for absorption rates below 5%).

Poured concrete works if installed correctly — meaning proper base compaction, control joints every 8–10 feet, and a minimum 4-inch slab thickness. Without control joints, Spokane's freeze-thaw will crack it. Guaranteed.

Natural stone handles freeze-thaw well if the stone itself is dense (bluestone, granite). Softer stones like some sandstones and limestones can flake and spall. Ask your contractor specifically about the stone's absorption rate.

Avoid: thin porcelain pavers without proper bedding, low-quality concrete with high absorption rates, and any patio surface installed on less than 6 inches of compacted base material.

For a broader comparison, see our guide on the best patio materials for cold climates.

Finding a Contractor Who Does Both

Not every deck builder does patios, and not every hardscaper frames decks. If you want a combined outdoor space, you need a contractor (or coordinated team) who handles both scopes competently.

What to Look For

• Licensing and bonding in Washington State. General contractors in Washington need a contractor's license registered with the Department of Labor & Industries. Verify it at the L&I contractor lookup tool.
• Experience with Spokane soils. Spokane has a mix of glacial till, volcanic ash deposits, and sandy loam depending on the neighborhood. A contractor who's built 50 decks on the South Hill knows the footing challenges there. Ask where they've worked.
• Both hardscape and structural experience. If one company does both your deck and patio, coordination is simpler — grading, drainage, and transitions between the two surfaces need to work together.
• Clear scope of work documentation. The proposal should specify footing depth, base material thickness, fastener types, material brands, and warranty terms. Vague line items like "deck construction — $15,000" aren't good enough.

How to Compare Bids

Get three to four quotes minimum. In Spokane's compressed building season, some contractors quote high during peak months simply because they're booked. A quote from February will often be more competitive than one from May.

Compare bids on:

• Total project cost and cost per square foot (apples to apples on materials)
• Footing specifications — footings should reach below frost line (36–60 inches in Spokane)
• Timeline and start date commitment — get it in writing
• Warranty terms — both on labor and materials
• Permit responsibility — the contractor should handle permit applications

If you're exploring how to evaluate deck builders specifically, our article on what to look for in a deck builder covers the vetting process in detail.

Permits: Deck vs Patio Requirements in Spokane

Permit requirements differ significantly between decks and patios in Spokane.

Deck Permits

In Spokane, deck permits are typically required for structures over 200 square feet or 30 inches above grade. Contact Spokane's Building/Development Services department for current requirements and fees. You'll generally need:

• A site plan showing the deck's position relative to property lines and the house
• Construction drawings with dimensions, footing locations, beam sizes, and railing details
• Structural calculations for larger or elevated decks
• Compliance with setback requirements — typically 5 feet from side property lines and 15–20 feet from rear, but check your specific zoning district

Expect the permit process to take 2 to 4 weeks in Spokane. Factor that into your timeline, especially if you're trying to build during the May–October window.

Patio Permits

Ground-level patios generally don't require a building permit in Spokane, provided they:

• Are at grade level (not elevated)
• Don't include roofed structures (pergolas or covered patios may trigger a permit)
• Don't alter drainage in a way that affects neighboring properties
• Stay within setback requirements

However — if your patio includes electrical work (lighting, outlets), gas lines (for a built-in grill or fire pit), or any retaining walls over 4 feet, those components will need separate permits.

For more context on how permits affect project planning, our guide on building a deck without a permit and the risks involved is worth reading — the principles apply regardless of location.

HOA and Neighborhood Considerations

Some Spokane neighborhoods — particularly newer developments in areas like Five Mile Prairie, Eagle Ridge, and the Wandermere area — have HOA covenants that restrict materials, colors, and structure heights. Check your CC&Rs before finalizing designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a deck and patio in Spokane?

For a combined deck-and-patio project in Spokane, expect to spend $15,000 to $40,000+ depending on materials and total square footage. A typical setup — a 250-square-foot composite deck with a 150-square-foot paver patio — runs roughly $18,000 to $30,000 installed. Costs increase with elevation changes, complex shapes, and premium materials. Get quotes early in the year for better pricing and scheduling.

What is the best time of year to build a deck or patio in Spokane?

The building season runs May through October, though experienced contractors can start site prep and footing work in late April if conditions allow. Book your contractor by March — Spokane's short season means good builders fill their schedules fast. Late-season builds (September–October) are possible but risk weather delays that push finishing into the following spring.

Do I need a permit for a deck in Spokane, WA?

Yes, in most cases. Spokane requires permits for decks over 200 square feet or 30 inches above grade. Even smaller decks may need permits if they're attached to the house (which affects the home's structural connection). Check with Spokane's Building/Development Services department — their staff can tell you exactly what's required for your project. Unpermitted decks can cause problems when you sell your home.

What decking material lasts longest in Spokane's climate?

Composite and PVC decking offer the best combination of longevity and low maintenance for Spokane's freeze-thaw climate. Premium composites from Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon carry 25- to 50-year warranties and don't absorb moisture that causes freeze-thaw damage. Ipe hardwood outlasts everything but costs significantly more. Pressure-treated wood is the least durable option unless you commit to annual sealing and staining.

Can I build a patio myself in Spokane, or should I hire a contractor?

A simple ground-level paver patio on flat ground is a reasonable DIY project if you're comfortable with the physical work — we're talking hauling and compacting several tons of gravel base material. The critical piece in Spokane is getting the base right: at least 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel, proper slope for drainage (1/4 inch per foot away from the house), and pavers rated for freeze-thaw. Skip any of those steps and you'll be relaying the patio within a few years. Anything involving structural footings, electrical, or gas lines should go to a licensed contractor.