Composite vs Wood Deck: Cost, Lifespan & 20-Year Math
Composite costs 2–3× more upfront, but after maintenance costs the math often flips. Here's the full comparison.
The real question isn't which one is cheaper. It's whether you'll actually maintain a wood deck.
Composite decking costs $5–$12 per square foot in materials. Pressure-treated wood runs $2–$4 per square foot. So composite is 2–3 times more expensive to install. That's real money — on a 300 sqft deck, you're looking at $1,500–$3,600 in materials for PT wood versus $4,500–$10,800 for composite.
But that's only the beginning of the story.
The Full Comparison
| | Pressure Treated | Cedar | Composite (Trex/TimberTech) | |---|---|---|---| | Material cost (per sqft) | $2–$4 | $3–$6 | $5–$12 | | Typical lifespan | 15–20 years | 20–30 years | 25–50 years | | Staining/sealing needed | Every 1–2 years | Every 2–3 years | Never | | Annual maintenance cost | $200–$500 | $150–$400 | $0 | | Warranty | Limited | Limited | 25–50 year fade/stain |
The 20-Year Math
Here's where composite starts making sense. Let's use a 300 sqft deck as the example.
Pressure-treated wood:
- Materials: ~$900 (at $3/sqft average)
- Staining every 2 years for 20 years: ~$3,500–$4,000 in labor and materials (or your weekends)
- Possible deck board replacement at year 12–15: ~$800–$1,200
- 20-year total: ~$5,200–$6,100
Composite (mid-range, e.g., Trex Enhance):
- Materials: ~$2,400 (at $8/sqft)
- Staining: $0
- Occasional cleaning: $0–$200 total over 20 years
- 20-year total: ~$2,400–$2,600
On a 300 sqft deck, composite comes out $2,600–$3,700 cheaper over 20 years, despite costing more than twice as much upfront. On a larger deck, the gap grows wider.
That said — this math only works if you actually hire someone to stain the wood deck. If you do the staining yourself and value your weekends at $0, wood closes the gap. But most homeowners stop staining consistently after year 4 or 5. Once you let wood go, you're replacing boards instead of just refinishing.
Where Wood Still Wins
Composite isn't perfect. There are legitimate reasons to choose pressure-treated or cedar:
Repairability. A rotted or cracked PT board costs $12 to replace. A composite board costs $40–$80, and you have to match the color exactly or the repair will be visible for the life of the deck. PT wood is forgiving.
Heat. Composite gets significantly hotter than wood in direct sun. On a south-facing deck in July, some composite products can reach 140–160°F — painful barefoot, and not ideal for pets. Lighter-colored composites are better than dark. This isn't a dealbreaker but it's worth knowing.
Appearance over time. Premium composite looks convincingly like wood. Budget composite looks like plastic. If you're shopping mid-grade, check samples in outdoor light before committing.
Project budget. If you're on a tight budget, PT wood at $2–$4 per sqft lets you get the deck built now. A deck that exists is better than a composite deck you're still saving for.
The Real Deciding Factor
Forget the spreadsheets for a second. Ask yourself honestly: do you actually enjoy spending a Saturday sanding and staining a deck? Some people do — it's satisfying, and a freshly stained wood deck looks beautiful.
If you're nodding: go with wood. You'll maintain it, you'll save money up front, and you'll enjoy it.
If you're grimacing: go with composite. Pay more now to never think about it again. That's what most homeowners who switch from wood to composite say they wished they'd done the first time.
Use our deck cost calculator to estimate total materials and installation cost for your specific deck dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is composite decking more expensive than wood?
- Yes, upfront. Composite decking costs $30–$60 per sq ft installed vs. $15–$35 for pressure-treated wood. However, composite has near-zero maintenance cost over its life, while wood needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years ($200–$800 per treatment). Over 20+ years, composite often costs less overall.
- How long does composite decking last compared to wood?
- Quality composite decking (Trex, Fiberon, TimberTech) lasts 25–30 years and typically comes with a 25-year warranty. Pressure-treated pine lasts 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Hardwoods like ipe can match composite longevity but require oiling annually.
- Does composite decking get too hot in the sun?
- Yes, this is a real drawback. Composite decking in full sun can reach 150–160°F on hot days — uncomfortably hot for bare feet. Lighter-colored composites run cooler than dark ones. Wood typically runs 10–20°F cooler than composite in direct sun. Consider your climate and deck orientation before choosing.
- Can composite decking be painted or stained?
- No — that's actually one of its advantages. The color is built into the material and doesn't need painting or staining. If your composite deck becomes dull over time, you can clean it with a composite deck cleaner, but you can't change the color. Choose carefully at the start.
- Which is better for resale value — composite or wood?
- Composite decking typically adds more resale value because buyers know they won't inherit a maintenance project. A well-maintained composite deck in good condition is generally seen as a bigger selling point than an aging wood deck that needs refinishing. The premium material signals quality to buyers.