Decking Guide
Five materials. One right answer for your home.
Here's the honest breakdown from people who build with all of them. We recommend what fits your home, not what's in our warehouse.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The honest breakdown.
| Factor | Pressure-Treated$ | Cedar$$ | Composite$$$ | PVC$$$$ | Hardwood (Ipe)$$$$$ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost / sq ft installed | $35–$48 | $45–$62 | $55–$78 | $70–$98 | $90–$130 |
| Realistic lifespan (WI) | 15–20 yrs | 15–25 yrs | 25–30 yrs | 30–40 yrs | 40+ yrs |
| Maintenance | Higher — regular sealing | Higher — regular sealing | Very low — wash occasionally | Very low — wash occasionally | Moderate — periodic care |
| Look & feel | Natural wood grain | Warm natural wood | Wood-grain, many colors | Clean, modern | Rich exotic grain |
| Heat on bare feet | Moderate | Low / cool | Warm in full sun | Cooler (lighter colors) | Moderate |
| WI freeze-thaw & salt | Good — keep sealed against freeze-thaw | Good — reseal for moisture | Excellent freeze-thaw & salt resistance | Top performer — moisture & salt proof | Very durable — oil to prevent greying |
| Fade & stain resistance | Grays without stain | Grays if untreated | Highly resistant | Best resistance | Grays without oil |
| Manufacturer warranty | Limited, 1–5 yr | Limited material | 25–50 yr manufacturer | 25–50 yr (limited) | Limited (natural product) |
| Best for | Lowest upfront cost · rentals & starter homes | Natural warmth with light upkeep | Wood look, no staining — most popular | Moisture-proof, lowest maintenance · pools | Best-of-the-best natural beauty · forever homes |
Pricing shown is installed cost per square foot and matches our estimator exactly — edit any rate in the estimator pricing settings and this table updates too.
Explore Each Material
Start with the one that fits your life.
Pressure-Treated
Most affordable entry tier. Reliable and code-proven; needs periodic staining to keep its color.
- Lowest upfront cost · rentals & starter homes
- 15–20 yrs lifespan
- Limited, 1–5 yr warranty
Cedar
Natural warmth and rich grain. A mid-tier classic that weathers gracefully with light upkeep.
- Natural warmth with light upkeep
- 15–25 yrs lifespan
- Limited material warranty
Composite
Most PopularLow-maintenance wood-grain boards. Long warranties, no staining. Most popular.
- Wood look, no staining — most popular
- 25–30 yrs lifespan
- 25–50 yr manufacturer warranty
PVC
Premium synthetic boards. Fully moisture-proof, fade-resistant, and the lowest maintenance available.
- Moisture-proof, lowest maintenance · pools
- 30–40 yrs lifespan
- 25–50 yr (limited) warranty
Hardwood (Ipe)
Exotic hardwood. Extremely hard, stunning grain, and a 40+ year lifespan.
- Best-of-the-best natural beauty · forever homes
- 40+ yrs lifespan
- Limited (natural product) warranty