By Kelin
Fri, Jun 5, 2026

Wood Decking Vs. Composite Decking: A Complete Comparison

There is nothing more soothing than an outdoor deck. It’s where you can enjoy the summer breeze and sunshine. When you are planning to build an outdoor living space, one of the first things you need to consider is what type of deck material to use. Wood and composite decking materials are the two main materials used to build a new deck. Each material is unique and has its own pros and cons.

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, including cost, durability, maintenance, and longevity. However, more and more homeowners are choosing composite deck boards. However, there are many loyal homeowners who still support wood decks. Thus, the composite deck vs. wood debate continues. This article compares the differences between composite and wood decks in various aspects.

More Durable & Waterproof Composite Decking CPD-05

EVODEK unique two-tone art color technology gives you a stunning natural wood look so you can enjoy the great outdoors.

View Details

Table of Contents

Cost Comparison of Wood vs. Composite Decks

Type of Deck	Wood	Composite Decking
Average Material Cost	$12 per square foot	$11 per square foot
Average Installation Cost	$11 per square foot	$18 per square foot
Maintenance Requirements	Resealing, refinishing, restaining and repairing	Occasional repair
Lifespan	10 – 30 years	15 – 25 years

Learn More: Comparison of Composite Decking vs Wood Cost

Composite Decking Types

Plastics and chemical additives are among the man-made and natural components used to make composite decking. The three most common types of composite materials are mineral-based decking, PVC decking, and composite decking.

Materials for Composite Decking

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) are made by combining wood fibers with recyclable polymers. Because composite decking boards are made from recyclable plastics, the process of creating this attractive material is environmentally friendly. Upon reaching the end of their useful life, composite decking boards are crushed and recycled into new goods. Materials for composite decking are therefore sustainable.

Composite decking materials come in a wider range of colors than solid wood. Similar to wood panels, composite decking materials can be painted to modify their color. Would you like to paint your home a new color? You may make sure that the color of your deck matches the rest of the space by using composite decking boards.

Additionally, composite decking boards can be fastened in place by screws, nails, or saw cuts. That being said, composite decking may be worked with standard carpentry equipment.

PVC Decking

Man-made polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has thick boards with a cellular structure like a honeycomb. Traditional wood is susceptible to insect damage. PVC is resistant to rot, leaks, and rodent and pest infestation. The majority of PVC decking surfaces have a grain pattern that resembles that of actual wood, giving them a realistic appearance. Similar to composite decking, solid wood grain is added to PVC decking during the production process.

PVC decking has a lower environmental impact than chemicals derived from petroleum, despite not being composed of natural fibers. For example, xylene, propylene, butylene, ethylene, benzene, and toluene. PVC decking may be recycled if it gets damaged because it is composed of plastic.

Mineral-Based Composite Decking

Because mineral-based composite (MBC) decking uses minerals rather than wood fibers, it is both stable and strong. Because of the way it’s made, bugs cannot penetrate it, and it can withstand fluctuations in water and temperature. Composite decking made of minerals is more durable because it won’t warp or flex. MBC is one of the latest technologies in deck building.

Mineral-based composite decking is manufactured by heating a blend of various minerals and resins and then shaping it under high pressure. Although mineral-based composites are extremely robust, they are devoid of organic components. As a result, it is not as green as composite decking composed of wood fibers. Manufacturers can, however, add elements like color and roughness to make it appear like wood.

Pros of Composite Decking

Has a long lifespan
Requires low maintenance
Available in a variety of colors
Some manufacturers use recycled materials
Newer composites are highly durable and resist staining, scratching, and fading

Cons of Composite Decking

Doesn’t have the natural beauty of wood
More expensive than wood decking
It can get extremely hot
Prone to sagging and bending
Can be slippery when wet

Different Types of Wood Decking

The main wood species used to make decks include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated wood from various species like spruce, fir, and pine. Additionally, you can purchase imported hardwoods such as teak, heavy wood, mahogany, and kumquat. It is important to note that the price of imported hardwoods is usually higher than other types of wood.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated (PT) lumber is still a popular choice for decking. Stores all around the nation sell pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber ages with time. For this reason, a lot of deck builders have to do routine care and maintenance on it.

The low cost of pressure-treated lumber is one of its main benefits. For families on a limited budget, this kind of lumber is a great option.

How is wood treated by pressure? In the manufacturing process, typical woods like pine, fir, and spruce are treated with chemical preservatives using high-pressure and vacuum technologies. The preservative strengthens the wood by adhering to it. Additionally, because preservatives keep bugs away, the wood is less vulnerable to insects, mold, rot, and deterioration.

Choosing high-quality pressure-treated wood is critical. This is because cheaper woods such as pine are prone to warping, shrinking, and swelling. Pressure-treated wood is prone to fading and cracking like other woods. Wear a mask and gloves when sawing or cutting pressure-treated wood to shield yourself from the harmful chemicals present.

Cedar

The premium softwood cedar keeps decks from deteriorating in the sun, rain, and extreme heat. Beautiful cedar wood with a range of hues and grains is available. Cedar can be painted, sanded, and sawn for a lovely finish. Like teak, cedar first has a reddish-brown color before gradually turning pale gray. The deck will look better and last longer if it is painted with a penetrating color.

There are numerous grades, hues, and sizes of cedar available. Cedar takes dyes nicely because it doesn’t contain any asphalt or resins. It’s vital to remember that cedar is a softwood and scratches more easily than hardwoods.

Purchasing cedar is more costly than purchasing inexpensively treated boards. Cedar is a renewable, biodegradable, reusable building material that emits no greenhouse gases. This will appeal to those who care about the environment. Furthermore, cedar trees are guaranteed to be sustainable because they are grown in forests that are carefully managed and sustainable.

Redwood

An excellent natural decking material is redwood. It doesn’t contain any resins, just like cedar. Therefore, the wood stains and polishes well. The wood doesn’t include any additives and won’t decay, distort, or attract insects. The tree can cost more because it is rare in other regions of the United States and only grows in the West.

If not cleaned, redwood’s reddish hue will eventually turn silver-gray. Redwood absorbs stains well after being sanded. To keep the deck boards from breaking, do-it-yourselfers might need to drill holes in the ends of the boards beforehand. Redwood is among the timbers used for roofing that burn less easily.

This wood can endure up to thirty years with proper care. The wood can be made to last even longer by applying a UV-blocking sealant, a fungicide that kills mold, and a finish that keeps water out.

Imported Wood

Imported woods with great strength and longevity include cumaru, ipe, and mahogany. Nevertheless, these woods are far more expensive than wood that is grown in the United States, as they are imported. Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of exotic woods.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a great wood for decks that are outside. This is due to the fact that it is long-lasting and weather-resistant. It is regarded as one of the greatest hardwoods available and has a stellar stability record. Most of this exotic wood is found in South America and Mexico.

Mahogany often does not shrink when dried and has an open texture. Though the wood has a long lifespan and a lovely appearance, it is highly costly. Environmentalists in the United States have also questioned the responsibility and legality of the cutting and transportation of mahogany.

Ipe

The rare species of tree known as ipe, or “Brazilian walnut,” is found only in South America. The wood, pronounced “EE-pay,” is regarded as one of the world’s toughest woods. For seventy years, people have been using this wood on the Coney Island beaches in New York City. The colors of this exotic hardwood include tan, olive, reddish brown, and dark brown. It won’t become moldy, wet, or shady. Ipe’s coarse grain prevents it from cracking.

Teak wood is overcut unfairly all over the world, which is an issue. South America’s tropical rainforests are home to teak trees, which are a part of the world’s richest ecology. It makes me question if the destruction of forests is being exacerbated by the felling of trees for the production of teak.

Cumaru

Brazilian teak is another term used to describe cumaru. The wood is robust and has a pattern of interlocking grains. Because the wood is so solid, it is particularly resistant to decay. Cumaru trees have a gorgeous golden tint and a warm reddish-brown hue that combine well with decks. They can live up to 50 years. It costs less than Ipe and is easily accessible in the United States.

However, there is a lot of oil in this wood, which may make installation more challenging. Furthermore, unscrupulous retailers occasionally pass off Brazilian teak as normal teak, which is more readily available but less common than Brazilian teak.

The Pros of Wood Decks

Has a warm and natural look
Varieties, like redwood and cedar, resist warping, cracking, and weather damage
Doesn’t get as hot as composite decking
Available in inexpensive options
A renewable and recyclable building material

The Cons of Wood Decks

Can split and crack without annual maintenance
Requires annual painting, staining, and sealing
Some varieties are prone to splitting, splintering, warping, and cracking
Durable wood can be expensive
Shorter life expectancy than composite decking

How Much Does a Composite Decking Cost?

200 square feet of composite decking can be installed for anywhere between $5,300 and $11,300. A 200 square foot composite deck will typically set you back $4,150.

Numerous factors affect how much composite decking will actually cost. For example, the price of the supplies, the cost of delivery, the deck’s size and design, and the builder’s prices in your area. This is a result of the higher cost of construction in cities compared to rural areas. It will also be more expensive to obtain building permits and to conduct excavations. Because composite decks require less effort than wood decks, they are less expensive to maintain.

How Much Does a Wood Deck Cost?

The price range for a 200 square foot wood deck is $3,050 to $7,650. Across the country, a wood deck typically costs $5,350. Prices change based on several factors. Compared to cedar or redwood, house lumber from species like pine, fir, and spruce is less expensive. The price of pressure-treated wood is also influenced by the wood’s grade. Certain pressure-treated lumber is pricey, and premium pressure-treated lumber is more expensive.

You will have to pay more if the wood is imported, like mahogany or ipe. The cost of the foundation, the dimensions and design of the deck, the site, any necessary excavation work, and any permits all affect the final cost. Wood requires annual maintenance and upkeep, which results in a wood deck that will continue to increase in cost.

In Summary

In the age-old argument between composite decking and traditional wood decking, the decision ultimately comes down to a combination of long-term value, maintenance preferences, and aesthetics. Traditional wood is popular because of its natural appearance and timeless charm. However, in order to prevent problems like decay and insect infestation, it requires greater upkeep.

Conversely, the low-maintenance beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness of composite decking offer a contemporary response to the problems associated with traditional wood.

Think about your lifestyle, intended aesthetics, and maintenance commitment as you balance the benefits and drawbacks. Whether you prefer the inventiveness of composite materials or the coziness of wood. The ideal option is one that perfectly fits your vision of a long-lasting, exquisite outdoor living area.