Composite decking is popular but not always the right choice. Here's honest comparison.
Appearance Comparison
Wood: natural grain, warm, unique character but varies. Composite: uniform appearance, stain options, consistent look. Wood weathers naturally. Color changes. Composite maintains color longer but fades differently.
Maintenance Reality
Wood: annual staining/sealing, but simple process. Composite: low maintenance but not zero. Cleaning required, mold/mildew possible, staining can happen. Composite claims overstate ease somewhat.
Long-Term Durability
Wood: lasts 15-25 years with maintenance. Composite: lasts 25-30 years theoretically. Wear patterns: wood shows use naturally, composite wears unevenly. Repairs: wood easier to replace individual boards.
Cost Analysis
Wood: $4-10/sq ft materials, $8-15/sq ft installed. Composite: $10-20/sq ft materials, $15-25/sq ft installed. 300 sq ft deck: wood $3,600-7,500, composite $7,500-15,000. Higher upfront composite cost may not justify minimal maintenance savings.
Final Thoughts
Choose wood for warmth and ease of repair. Choose composite for truly low-maintenance areas.
Build this at your home
We build from Santa Clarita to Long Beach, Thousand Oaks to Riverside, and Orange County down to Mission Viejo. Start with your city:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs?
Costs vary based on scope and location. Consult with professionals for accurate estimates.
Topics
- composite decking
- wood decking
- materials
- comparison
About the author
Remodel Your Vibe Design Team
Written by the design team at Remodel Your Vibe, a licensed (CSLB #1119054 (opens the CSLB license record in a new tab)), bonded and insured, veteran-owned and family-operated design-build company based in Los Angeles. Our own crews design, permit and build pools, backyards, ADUs and interiors across Greater Los Angeles and Orange County.
How we work
