What are the main decking material options for a beginner deck build?

The primary decking material choices are pressure-treated wood, composite decking, and PVC decking [5, 11]. Each offers different benefits in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and environmental impact [5].

How do the costs of pressure-treated wood, composite, and PVC decking compare?

Pressure-treated wood is typically the least expensive upfront [5, 10, 11, 13, 24, 25, 28], while composite decking usually costs more [4, 8, 24, 25, 28], and PVC decking tends to be the most expensive option [11]. However, long-term costs can vary depending on maintenance needs and the lifespan of the material [8, 22].

What are the maintenance requirements for each type of decking material?

Pressure-treated wood requires regular cleaning, staining, and sealing to prevent warping, cracking, and damage from the elements [6, 10]. Composite and PVC decking require less maintenance, generally needing only occasional cleaning with soap and water [2, 18].

Which decking material is the most environmentally friendly?

The environmental impact varies [3, 7, 9, 15]. Pressure-treated wood can contribute to deforestation if not sourced sustainably and requires chemical treatments [7, 9]. Composite decking often utilizes recycled materials [4, 14] but may have a higher embodied energy [3]. PVC decking can be 100% recyclable [7] and doesn't contribute to deforestation [7], but its production relies on fossil fuels [3].

Which decking material is easiest to install for a beginner?

Pressure-treated wood is generally considered easy to work with due to its pliability [6, 10]. PVC decking is lightweight, making it easier to handle [2, 26]. Composite decking installation is similar to PVC, but the weight can be a factor [26]. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes for any decking material [26].

Decking Showdown

By Home Sidekick Team June 28, 2025 9 min read 1803 words

deckingwoodcompositePVCDIYbeginnerbuildingoutdoormaterialscostdurabilitymaintenanceeco-friendly

Decking Showdown: Wood vs. Composite vs. PVC

Building a deck is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space, creating a perfect spot for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the beauty of your backyard. However, selecting the right decking material can be a daunting task with various options available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This comprehensive guide will delve into the pros and cons of the three most popular decking materials: wood, composite, and PVC, helping you make an informed decision for your dream deck [1, 19, 32].

Understanding the Options: Wood, Composite, and PVC

The decking market primarily features three main materials: wood, composite, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) [1, 32]. Wood offers a natural aesthetic, while composite and PVC provide alternatives with different properties [15]. Understanding the nuances of each material is crucial for making the right choice.

Wood Decking: The Classic Choice

Wood decking has been a popular choice for centuries, prized for its natural beauty and warmth [7, 8, 39]. It offers a classic aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing [2, 22].

Pros of Wood Decking:

Natural Aesthetics: Wood provides a unique, warm, and natural look that is hard to replicate with synthetic materials [7, 16]. The genuine grain and texture of real wood bring a rustic charm to any outdoor space [7].
Affordability: Wood is generally more affordable in terms of initial material costs compared to composite and PVC decking [1, 7, 8]. Pressure-treated lumber is often the most budget-friendly option [2, 22, 24].
Ease of Installation and Repair: Wood decks are relatively easy to install and repair, making them a good option for DIY enthusiasts [7, 8, 39]. Damaged sections can be easily sanded or refinished [8].
Sustainability: Wood decking can be an eco-friendly choice if sourced from sustainably managed forests [8].

Cons of Wood Decking:

High Maintenance: Wood decks require regular maintenance, including cleaning, staining, and sealing, to prevent rot, decay, and insect damage [1, 7, 8, 26, 39]. This maintenance needs to be done every 1-3 years [2].
Shorter Lifespan: Compared to composite and PVC decking, wood has a shorter lifespan and is more susceptible to weathering, fading, warping, and splintering [7, 8, 14, 26]. Wood decking typically lasts 10-15 years [14, 18, 21, 26].
Susceptibility to Damage: Wood is vulnerable to rot, insect infestation, and moisture damage [1, 8, 26].
Safety Concerns: Some woods may develop cracks or splinters over time, posing a safety risk, especially for children and pets [16].

Types of Wood for Decking:

Pressure-Treated Wood: Typically made from pine, pressure-treated wood is chemically treated to resist rot and insects, making it a cost-effective option [2, 5, 23, 39]. It typically costs $2 to $5 per square foot [6].
Cedar and Redwood: These softwoods are naturally resistant to insects and decay and offer a beautiful appearance [2, 6, 23, 28]. Cedar costs $3 to $7 per square foot [6].
Hardwoods (Ipe, Mahogany, Tigerwood): These exotic hardwoods are exceptionally durable and offer unique grain patterns [2, 6, 23, 28, 30]. Ipe can last 40+ years with minimal maintenance [23]. Ipe wood decking costs around $10 to $20 per square foot [6].

Practical Example: If you choose a pressure-treated pine deck, be prepared to clean and re-stain it every two to three years to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements [18, 24].

Composite Decking: The Low-Maintenance Marvel

Composite decking is a popular alternative to wood, offering a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic [1, 18, 19, 31]. This combination results in a material that is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to many of the issues that plague wood decks [4, 7, 8].

Pros of Composite Decking:

Low Maintenance: Composite decks do not require regular sanding, painting, sealing, or varnishing [1, 4, 7, 8, 15, 31]. This can save significant time and money over the life of the deck [7].
Durability: Composite decking is designed to withstand severe weather conditions, resisting fading, staining, mold growth, and insect damage [4, 7, 8, 31].
Longevity: Composite decking lasts longer than wood, with many products offering warranties of 25 years or more [8, 17, 26, 38]. Capped composite decking can last 25-30+ years [14].
Variety of Styles: Composite decking is available in a wide range of colors, grain patterns, and wood looks [2, 8].
Eco-Friendly Options: Many composite decking manufacturers use recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice [2, 19, 31].
Safety: Composite decking doesn't splinter, making it a safer option for bare feet [1, 7, 39].

Cons of Composite Decking:

Higher Upfront Cost: The initial cost of composite decking is typically higher than wood [2, 4, 7, 8, 19]. Installed costs range from $40 to $80 per square foot [9].
Can Get Hot: Darker colored composite decking can get hot in the sun [2, 8].
Less Natural Look: While composite decking mimics the look of real wood, it may not have the same natural warmth and feel [19, 34].
Potential for Scratching: Composite decking can be susceptible to scratches from furniture, pets, and heavy foot traffic [1, 7].
Difficulties of Repair: Composite decking can be more challenging to repair than wood decking [8].

Types of Composite Decking:

Capped Composite Decking: This type features a protective outer layer that resists fading, staining, and scratching, generally costing between $4 and $12 per square foot [9].
Uncapped Composite Decking: These boards have no coating and tend to be cooler than capped boards but absorb stains more easily [39].

Practical Example: Opting for composite decking can save you the annual chore of sanding and staining, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space [4, 7, 8].

PVC Decking: The Ultimate in Low Maintenance

PVC decking is made entirely of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, offering the ultimate in low-maintenance and durability [1, 2, 15, 31, 38]. It's a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, hassle-free deck [23].

Pros of PVC Decking:

Extremely Low Maintenance: PVC decking requires very little upkeep, making it ideal for busy homeowners [2, 15, 23, 31, 32, 38]. It doesn't need to be painted, stained, or sealed [1, 15, 23, 32].
High Performance: PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture, insects, rot, mold, and mildew [2, 15, 23, 31, 32, 38].
Long Lifespan: PVC decking can last 50 years or more [14, 32, 38].
Water Resistance: PVC decking is 100% waterproof, making it an excellent choice for docks, pool decks, and areas near water [1, 2, 15, 23, 31, 34, 38].
Variety of Options: Modern PVC options mimic the appearance of real wood, offering aesthetic appeal without the maintenance [2, 23, 34].
Resistance to Fading and Staining PVC is resistant to fading from prolonged UV exposure [4]. PVC also doesn't require repainting or staining and has minimal upkeep requirements [15].

Cons of PVC Decking:

High Cost: PVC decking is typically the most expensive decking material [1, 2, 23, 34]. Costing between $10 to $15 per square foot [20].
Less Natural Look: While PVC decking has improved in appearance, it can still look less natural than wood [32, 34].
Heat Retention: PVC can absorb heat, making it hot underfoot on sunny days [32].
Temperature Sensitivity: PVC decks can expand and contract with temperature changes [34].
Environmental Concerns: PVC is a type of plastic and is not as eco-friendly as natural wood [34].

Practical Example: If you're building a deck around a pool or in a humid climate, PVC decking's water resistance makes it a superior choice [2, 38].

Decking Material Comparison Table

Here's a table summarizing the key differences between wood, composite, and PVC decking:

Feature	Wood	Composite	PVC
Initial Cost	Low [1, 7, 8]	Moderate [2, 4, 7, 8]	High [1, 2, 23, 34]
Maintenance	High [1, 7, 8, 26, 39]	Low [1, 4, 7, 8, 15, 31]	Very Low [2, 15, 23, 31, 32, 38]
Lifespan	10-15 years [14, 18, 21, 26]	25-30+ years [14]	50+ years [14, 32, 38]
Aesthetics	Natural [7, 8, 16, 39]	Wood-like [2, 8]	Can mimic wood [2, 23, 34]
Durability	Moderate [16, 39]	High [4, 7, 8, 31]	Very High [2, 15, 23, 31, 32, 38]
Environmental Impact	Can be sustainable [8, 39]	Often uses recycled materials [2, 19, 31]	Less eco-friendly [34]
Water Resistance	Low [1, 8, 26]	Moderate [4, 7, 8]	High [1, 2, 15, 23, 31, 34, 38]

Factors Influencing Your Decision

Choosing the right decking material depends on several factors:

Budget: Consider both the initial material costs and long-term maintenance expenses [2, 7, 8, 17, 19].
Maintenance Preferences: Determine how much time and effort you're willing to invest in maintaining your deck [2, 4, 7, 8, 15, 31, 32, 38, 39].
Aesthetic Goals: Decide whether the natural look of wood is essential or if you're open to synthetic alternatives [7, 8, 16, 19, 34, 39].
Climate and Environment: Consider your local climate and environmental conditions, such as humidity, rainfall, and sun exposure [28, 31].
Lifespan Expectations: Determine how long you want your deck to last and choose a material accordingly [14, 17, 26, 38].

Installation Costs and Considerations

Deck installation costs include materials, labor, and any necessary permits [3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 25, 27, 36]. Labor costs can range from $15 to $35 per square foot, with total costs between $30 and $60 per square foot [6, 9, 25]. A typical deck can cost between $9,000 and $20,000, averaging around $14,000 [24].

Wood Decking: In April 2025, the estimated cost to install wood decking starts at $11.41 to $14.66 per square foot [10].
Composite Decking: Material costs range from $16 to $32 per square foot, with total installed costs ranging from $40 to $80 per square foot [9].

Next Steps: Planning Your Deck Project

Define Your Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on your deck project [3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 25, 27, 36].
Research Local Codes and Regulations: Check with your local building department for any necessary permits or restrictions [10].
Get Quotes from Contractors: Obtain quotes from at least three different companies to ensure you're getting a fair price [3].
Choose Your Materials: Based on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance goals, select the decking material that's right for you [7, 8, 16, 19, 34, 39].

Conclusion

Choosing the right decking material is a crucial step in creating an outdoor space that you'll enjoy for years to come [26]. Whether you prioritize the natural beauty of wood, the low-maintenance convenience of composite, or the ultimate durability of PVC, understanding the pros and cons of each material will help you make an informed decision. By carefully considering your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences, you can build a deck that perfectly complements your home and enhances your outdoor living experience. As a next step, it is recommended that you consult a professional deck builder to discuss your specific needs and get personalized recommendations.