Cedar vs Composite Decking: How to Choose the Right Material
Cedar and composite are two of the most popular decking materials on the market. Both look great and perform well outdoors. But they differ significantly in cost, maintenance, lifespan, and long-term value.
This guide compares the two materials across every factor that matters, including a 20 year total cost analysis, so you can make a confident decision.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Cedar | Composite (Capped) |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost per sq ft | $4 to $8 | $6 to $12 |
| Installed cost per sq ft | $8 to $15 | $12 to $22 |
| Lifespan (with maintenance) | 15 to 25 years | 25 to 30 years |
| Lifespan (without maintenance) | 10 to 15 years | 25 to 30 years (same) |
| Annual maintenance | Stain/seal every 1 to 3 years | Wash 1 to 2 times per year |
| Annual maintenance cost | $150 to $400 | $0 to $50 |
| Rot resistance | Good (natural oils) | Excellent (polymer shell) |
| Insect resistance | Moderate (deters but does not prevent) | Excellent (no organic food source) |
| Scratch resistance | Poor (softwood) | Good (capped surface) |
| Fading | Grays naturally without stain | Minimal with UV stabilizers |
| Splinters | Yes (increases with age) | No |
| Eco friendliness | Natural material, renewable | Made from recycled materials |
| DIY installation | Easy (cuts and drills like standard lumber) | Easy (requires carbide blade for cutting) |
| Appearance | Natural wood grain and color | Realistic wood grain (manufactured texture) |
| Warranty | None from most suppliers | Up to 25 years |
Cedar Decking
Cedar is a softwood valued for its warm reddish brown color, distinctive grain, and pleasant natural scent. It has been used in outdoor construction for decades and remains a favorite among homeowners who prioritize the look and feel of real wood.
Strengths
- Natural beauty. Cedar has a rich, warm tone that many homeowners prefer over manufactured textures. No composite product perfectly replicates the look and scent of freshly installed cedar.
- Natural rot resistance. Cedar contains oils that resist decay better than most softwoods. It performs well outdoors without the chemical preservatives used in pressure-treated lumber.
- Easy to work with. Cedar is lightweight and cuts cleanly with standard woodworking tools. It accepts screws, nails, stain, and paint easily. This makes it the most DIY friendly natural wood for decking.
- Environmentally friendly. Cedar is a renewable, naturally grown resource. It does not require chemical treatment during manufacturing.
Weaknesses
- Requires regular maintenance. Cedar must be stained or sealed every 1 to 3 years to maintain its color and protect against moisture. Without maintenance, cedar turns gray, cracks, and deteriorates within 10 to 15 years.
- Not fully insect-proof. Cedar’s natural oils deter many insects but do not guarantee protection. In termite-heavy regions, cedar is still vulnerable. It is more resistant than pine but far less resistant than composite.
- Softwood surface. Cedar is softer than hardwoods and composite. Heavy furniture, pet claws, and dropped objects leave scratches and dents more easily. The surface also develops splinters as it ages.
- Shorter lifespan. Even with diligent maintenance, cedar decking lasts 15 to 25 years. Without regular care, it can fail in 10 to 15 years.
Composite Decking
Composite wood decking is engineered from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers. Modern capped composite wraps this core in a protective polymer shell through coextrusion. The result is a board that looks like wood but resists moisture, insects, UV, and wear without any maintenance beyond occasional washing.
Learn More: What is Composite Decking?
Strengths
- Near-zero maintenance. Composite decking never needs staining, sealing, sanding, or painting. The only upkeep is washing with soapy water once or twice a year. Over 20 years, this eliminates thousands of dollars in maintenance costs.
- Superior durability. Composite resists rot, mold, insects, and moisture penetration. The capped surface resists scratches, stains, and UV fading far better than cedar.
- No splinters. The smooth, uniform surface is safe for bare feet, children, and pets at any age. Cedar develops splinters over time as the wood dries and cracks.
- Longer lifespan. Composite decking lasts 25 to 30 years regardless of whether you maintain it, because the protective shell does the work. Most manufacturers offer structural warranties of 25 years.
- Made from recycled materials. Composite decking uses recycled wood fibers and recycled plastics, diverting waste from landfills.
Weaknesses
- Higher upfront cost. Composite decking costs 30% to 50% more than cedar at the point of purchase. For budget-constrained projects, this is a real barrier.
- Not identical to natural wood. Modern composite closely mimics wood grain, but up close, the texture is manufactured. Homeowners who value the authenticity of real wood may notice the difference.
- Surface temperature. Composite decking absorbs more heat than natural wood in direct sunlight. Lighter-colored boards help reduce this. A pergola or shade structure also makes a significant difference.
20 Year Total Cost Comparison
The true cost of a deck is not the purchase price. It is the total spent over the life of the deck, including maintenance, repairs, and replacement.
| Cost Factor | Cedar (200 sq ft deck) | Composite (200 sq ft deck) |
|---|---|---|
| Material and installation | $1,600 to $3,000 | $2,400 to $4,400 |
| Annual maintenance (stain/seal) | $150 to $400/year | $0 to $50/year |
| 20 year maintenance total | $3,000 to $8,000 | $0 to $1,000 |
| Board replacements (estimated) | $500 to $1,500 | $0 |
| 20 year total cost | $5,100 to $12,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 |
Key insight: Composite costs more on day one but less over 20 years. The maintenance savings alone typically cover the upfront price difference within 5 to 7 years. After that, every year is pure savings.
Which One Should You Choose?
Cedar Decking
You want the most authentic natural wood appearance and scent. You enjoy (or do not mind) annual deck maintenance. Your budget is limited, and the upfront cost is more important than long-term savings. You live in a dry, mild climate where cedar’s natural oils provide adequate protection.
Composite Decking
You want a deck that looks good for decades with minimal effort. You prefer not to stain, seal, sand, or paint. You live in a humid, rainy, or insect-heavy climate where wood degrades faster. You view the deck as a long-term investment and prioritize total cost of ownership over initial price.
EVODEK composite decking uses capped co-extrusion technology across its full product line. This provides a durable polymer shell that resists moisture, UV fading, scratches, and stains. Request free samples to compare the look and feel of composite against natural cedar, or use the EVODEK decking calculator to estimate materials for your project.
Conclusion
Cedar is cheaper to buy and install. Composite costs 30% to 50% more upfront. However, over 20 years, composite is typically cheaper in total because it eliminates the ongoing cost of staining, sealing, sanding, and board replacement.
FAQ
How long does cedar decking last compared to composite?
Cedar lasts 15 to 25 years with regular maintenance (staining and sealing every 1 to 3 years). Without maintenance, cedar can fail in 10 to 15 years. Composite decking lasts 25 to 30 years with no maintenance beyond occasional washing.
Can you stain composite decking to look like cedar?
No. Composite decking is not designed to accept stain. The color is built into the material during manufacturing. If you want a cedar tone, choose a composite product in a warm brown or reddish brown shade. Many composite brands offer cedar-inspired color options.
Which is better for wet climates: cedar or composite?
Composite is significantly better for wet climates. The capped polymer shell blocks moisture completely. Cedar resists moisture better than most softwoods, but prolonged exposure without maintenance leads to rot and decay. In humid regions, composite is the safer long-term choice.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
For most homeowners, yes. The higher upfront cost is offset by zero maintenance, longer lifespan, and no board replacements. Over 20 years, a composite typically costs less in total than cedar. The value is strongest for homeowners who do not want to spend time and money on annual deck maintenance.
Does cedar decking need to be sealed?
Yes. Cedar should be sealed or stained every 1 to 3 years to protect against moisture, UV damage, and cracking. Without regular sealing, cedar loses its color within 6 to 12 months and begins to degrade structurally within a few years.
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