Choose Your Decking Material
The material you walk on every day defines your deck experience. This guide helps you compare pressure-treated wood, composite, and premium hardwood options based on cost, maintenance, durability, and appearance.
Quick Comparison
Pressure-treated
Composite
Hardwood (40-75 yrs)
Composite (20 yrs)
How to Choose
The Real Question
Most people frame this as "wood vs. composite." The better question is: "How much annual maintenance am I realistically going to do?" If the answer is "probably not much," composite wins despite higher upfront cost. An unmaintained wood deck deteriorates rapidly.
Choose Pressure-Treated If...
- Budget is the top priority
- You enjoy annual deck maintenance
- You want to stain a custom color
- You may expand/modify the deck later
- DIY experience is limited (easier to work with)
Choose Composite If...
- Low maintenance is essential
- You want consistent appearance long-term
- Total cost over 20 years matters more than upfront
- Splinters are a concern (kids, bare feet)
- You value warranty protection
Choose Hardwood If...
- Appearance is the top priority
- Budget is not a major constraint
- You want a deck that lasts 40+ years
- You appreciate natural wood aging
- You have access to skilled installers
Pressure-Treated Lumber
The Industry Standard
$2-4/linear footPressure-treated lumber is softwood (usually Southern Yellow Pine) infused with preservatives to resist rot and insects. It's the most common choice for DIY decks due to low cost and easy availability.
Types of Treatment
- Ground Contact (UC4A): Required for posts/joists within 6" of ground or in contact with it
- Above Ground (UC3B): Fine for deck boards, railings, and elevated framing
- Brown-toned: Pre-colored to look more like cedar - same protection, different appearance
Maintenance Schedule
- Year 1: Let wood dry 3-6 months before first stain/seal
- Years 2-3: Reapply stain or sealer annually
- Ongoing: Annual cleaning, inspect for damage, re-stain every 2-3 years
Cost Example: 300 sq ft Deck
- Deck boards only: $600-$1,200
- Annual stain/seal (year 1-20): $200-$400/year = $4,000-$8,000
- 20-year total (surface only): $4,600-$9,200
Advantages
- Lowest initial cost
- Available at every lumberyard
- Easy to cut, drill, and work with
- Can be stained any color
- Familiar to all contractors
- Easy to repair or replace individual boards
Disadvantages
- Requires annual maintenance
- Splinters without proper finish
- Warps, cracks, and checks over time
- Shorter lifespan (15-20 years typical)
- Green/wet when purchased, needs drying
- Chemical preservatives are a concern for some
Composite Decking
The Low-Maintenance Choice
$4-9/linear footComposite decking combines wood fibers with plastic polymers to create a durable, low-maintenance surface. Modern composites have improved dramatically from early versions that faded and stained easily.
Types of Composite
- Uncapped (budget): $4-6/ft, more prone to staining and fading
- Capped (mid-range): $6-8/ft, protective shell on all sides
- Premium capped: $8-12/ft, best fade resistance, realistic wood grain
Leading Brands
- Trex: Market leader, good value
- TimberTech/Azek: Premium quality, higher price
- Fiberon: Good middle-ground option
- Big box store brands: Budget option, shorter warranties
Cost Example: 300 sq ft Deck
- Deck boards only: $1,200-$2,700
- Annual cleaning (year 1-20): $0-50/year = $0-$1,000
- 20-year total (surface only): $1,200-$3,700
Advantages
- No staining, sealing, or painting needed
- Won't splinter, rot, or attract insects
- 25-50 year warranties common
- Consistent color and appearance
- Often made from recycled materials
- Hidden fastener systems available
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost
- Gets hot in direct sunlight
- Some varieties look artificial
- Requires special fasteners
- Cannot be refinished or restained
- Heavier than wood (harder to handle)
The Heat Issue
Composite can get uncomfortably hot for bare feet in direct summer sun. Dark colors are worst - temperatures can exceed 140°F on a 90°F day. Lighter colors stay 10-15 degrees cooler. If your deck faces south or west with no shade, consider light-colored capped composite or plan for shade structures.
Premium Hardwood
The Luxury Option
$8-15+/linear footTropical hardwoods like Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru, and Garapa offer stunning beauty and extreme durability. These dense woods naturally resist rot, insects, and even fire. They're the deck equivalent of fine furniture.
Popular Species
- Ipe (Brazilian Walnut): The gold standard, extremely hard, 40-75 year lifespan
- Cumaru (Brazilian Teak): Similar to Ipe, slightly more affordable
- Tigerwood: Distinctive striped grain, moderate hardness
- Garapa (Brazilian Ash): Light golden color, good value
Key Considerations
- Requires predrilling for all screws
- Carbide-tipped blades needed for cutting
- Annual oiling to maintain color (or let weather to silver)
- Verify sustainable sourcing (FSC certified)
Advantages
- Stunning natural beauty
- Extreme durability (40-75 years)
- Naturally rot and insect resistant
- Fire resistant (Class A rating for Ipe)
- Stays cooler than composite in sun
- Increases home value significantly
Disadvantages
- Very expensive
- Difficult to work with (hard, dense)
- Limited availability
- Heavy - challenging for DIY
- Requires annual oiling to maintain color
- Some sustainability concerns
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Pressure-Treated | Composite | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ |
| Maintenance | High | Very Low | Low-Medium |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-50 years | 40-75 years |
| DIY Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
| Heat Retention | Low | High | Low |
| Splinter Risk | High | None | Very Low |
| Appearance | Natural wood | Consistent | Premium natural |
| Warranty | 1-5 years | 25-50 years | Varies |
Climate Considerations
Hot, Sunny Climates
- Best: Light-colored wood or premium capped composite
- Avoid: Dark composite without shade structure
- Consider: Hardwood stays cooler than composite
Wet, Humid Climates
- Best: Composite or hardwood (rot resistant)
- Caution: Pressure-treated requires diligent maintenance
- Consider: Good ventilation under deck is critical
Cold, Freezing Climates
- Best: Capped composite (resists moisture absorption)
- Caution: Uncapped composite can absorb moisture and crack
- Consider: Wood handles freeze-thaw if well-maintained
Coastal/Salt Air
- Best: Composite with stainless steel fasteners
- Avoid: Standard metal fasteners (will corrode)
- Consider: Hardwood with proper stainless hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a deck?
There's no single "best" material - it depends on your priorities. For lowest upfront cost: pressure-treated wood. For lowest maintenance: composite. For best appearance and longevity: premium hardwood. For best value over 20 years: composite often wins when factoring maintenance costs.
How long does composite decking last?
Quality composite decking lasts 25-50 years with minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers offer 25-year warranties, with premium brands offering lifetime warranties. Composite resists rot, insects, and warping that limit wood deck lifespan to 15-20 years.
Does composite decking get too hot in the sun?
Yes, composite decking can get 20-30 degrees hotter than wood in direct sun. Dark colors absorb more heat than light colors. Solutions include choosing lighter colors, adding shade structures, or considering capped composite which stays slightly cooler. In hot climates, this is a real consideration.
Is pressure-treated wood safe for decks?
Modern pressure-treated wood uses ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) or CA-C (copper azole), which are considered safe for residential use. The older CCA treatment (containing arsenic) was phased out for residential use in 2003. Wear gloves when handling and wash hands afterward, but normal deck use is safe.