Compare

Composite deck vs concrete patio

Cost: A fixed canopy costs less per m² than an opening louvre roof - use the price calculator for an indicative figure.
Flexibility: Fixed canopy is always covered; louvre roof adjusts to conditions on demand.
Maintenance: Fixed canopy needs only cleaning and a fixings check; a louvre roof has a motor, drainage channels and pivot points to keep serviced.
Consent complexity: Both depend on the specific structure, but the electrical work for a motorised system is an extra factor to plan for.
Lifespan: Both use aluminium framing and are built to last well beyond their warranty period with basic care - fewer moving parts on a fixed canopy is one reason it needs less attention over time.

Both give you a hard outdoor floor. Which suits you depends mostly on the shape of your section.

Side by side

	Deck	Concrete or paved patio
Sloping ground	Raised frame creates a level floor	Needs excavation or retaining
Level with the house	Can be built to floor height	Usually steps down to ground level
Maintenance	No painting, staining or sealing	Occasional cleaning; can stain
Underfoot	No splinters, warmer feel	Hard and cold in winter
Moisture	Mildew-proof, anti-crack	Needs falls so water runs off

Choose composite decking for sloping sections, a step-free link to the living room, or a softer surface for kids and pets.

Choose a patio for flat, firm ground at lawn level and heavy outdoor furniture or a barbecue station.