Designing an outdoor living space is one of the best ways to extend your home’s style and function. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy backyard retreat or building an entertainer’s paradise, the right outdoor planning and patio materials make all the difference. At DEKTEX, we’ve built our reputation on creating low-maintenance, high-quality outdoor solutions that fit every budget and lifestyle — and we believe in being transparent about what it takes to build them.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- The best patio and pergola materials
- What we don’t recommend
- Stamped concrete vs. pavers
- Affordable outdoor upgrades
- Our Good–Better–Best pricing guide
- How phased planning can save you money
Choosing the Right Materials: Patio & Pergola Solutions
The right patio materials and pergola materials are the foundation of any great outdoor space. At DEKTEX, we worked with and carefully chosen materials that are durable, beautiful, and truly low-maintenance.
Patio Materials
If you’re comparing types of patio materials for your Wisconsin backyard, here’s what we recommend and why:
- Stamped Concrete: Clean, custom patterns without the constant maintenance of pulling weeds or debris from paver joints. It resists heaving and stays smooth and even for years, making it a top choice for budget patio installations.
- Pavers: While they look great initially, pavers often shift over time, requiring frequent leveling and weed control. We recommend stamped concrete for a lower-maintenance, more cost-effective option. If you’re totally into the look, we get that too.
- Decking: We prefer PVC decking, like TimberTech PVC, because it’s cooler to the touch, resists stains and scratches, and doesn’t require any maintenance to look brand new for years.
Pergola Materials
Your choice of pergola materials can impact not just your aesthetic but how much time you spend maintaining your space. Here’s how the options compare:
- Pressure-Treated Wood: Affordable and customizable, but requires ongoing staining.
- Vinyl or Aluminum: Lower-maintenance and more modern. Does fade, crack and becomes unsightly over time.
- Automated Pergolas (Titan Cover): Luxury shade solutions with adjustable louvers for light and weather control. These transform a deck into an all-weather living room, and are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable pergola solution that offers year-round usability and adds serious wow-factor.
Why We Don’t Recommend Traditional Composites
Many companies push composite decking, but we don’t recommend or use it. Traditional composites are prone to fading, scratching, and holding heat in the summer, which can make them uncomfortable. Instead, we use TimberTech Advanced PVC decking because it’s zero-maintenance, stays cooler, and looks stunning for decades.
Affordable Outdoor Upgrades with Big Impact
You don’t need a six-figure budget to create a beautiful outdoor space. Even small, affordable outdoor upgrades can completely transform your backyard:
- Hideaway Privacy Screens – Add privacy, comfort and style, especially in windy areas.
- In-lite LED Lighting – Create ambiance and extend the usability of your deck or patio into the evening.
- Stamped Concrete Patios – A cost-effective way to add durable and attractive hardscape.
- RTA Outdoor Kitchens – Affordable modular outdoor kitchens that look custom-built.
Why Outdoor Planning Matters
Smart outdoor planning ensures your space is not just beautiful, but functional for years to come. We consider:
- How you’ll use your space (entertaining, relaxing, dining)
- Future upgrades (we design for the end game so you can add features later)
- Phased construction plans to spread costs while keeping a cohesive look
Our Good–Better–Best Outdoor Living Packages
We believe in being transparent with pricing so you can plan your project with confidence. Here’s a look at real DEKTEX projects and what they cost:
GOOD – Functional. Durable. Built to Last.
$28,920
Perfect for homeowners who want a strong, low-maintenance outdoor space with clean design.
Includes:
- 16′ x 16′ deck
- TimberTech Harvest Brownstone (PVC)
- TimberTech IRX Modern Railing
- Mascore Helical Piles (frost-free foundation)
Why it works: Zero maintenance and a long-lasting foundation.
BETTER – Elevated Living with Comfort + Style
$45,370
For those who want more privacy, style, and lighting to create a warm outdoor atmosphere.
Includes:
- 16′ x 16′ deck with TimberTech Landmark American Wheat (PVC)
- Hideaway Privacy Screens
- 16′ Retaining Wall + 12′ x 10′ Stamped Concrete Patio
- Deck & landscape lighting by In-lite Design
Why it matters: Enhanced finishes and lighting make it feel intentional and high-end without constant maintenance.
BEST – The Full Experience: Comfort, Innovation, and Luxury
Starting at $112,504
For homeowners who want to bring the full Bring Indoors Out experience to life — automation, cooking, and year-round comfort.
Includes:
- 16′ x 16′ deck with TimberTech Vintage Cypress (PVC)
- Hideaway Screen Titan Cover Automated Pergola
- Phantom Automated Screens
- RTA Outdoor Kitchen & Grill
- 16′ Retaining Wall + 12′ x 10′ Stamped Concrete Patio
- Full deck & landscape lighting by In-lite Design
Why it stuns: This is the luxury, zero-maintenance lifestyle — every detail automated, refined, and built for effortless living.
Why We Show Our Pricing
We believe in transparency and trust. These prices reflect real projects we’ve built, so you can see exactly what’s possible at each budget.
Note: Your custom project pricing may vary depending on grade, site conditions, and final design selections.
Phased Planning Options
Not ready to tackle your full dream project all at once? We offer phased planning. We’ll design your ideal outdoor space upfront, then build it in stages—starting with the essentials and adding features like kitchens, screens, or lighting later. This is a smart way to manage costs without sacrificing long-term vision.
Ready to Design Your Outdoor Space?
Whether you’re starting small or going all-in, DEKTEX will help you design a purpose-built outdoor space that looks incredible, performs flawlessly, and requires almost zero maintenance.
We love what we do. You will too.
