Composite vs Wood Cost Comparison

The upfront cost gap is real — and shrinking

Composite decking costs about 2 to 2.5 times more per square foot installed than pressure-treated pine, and roughly 1.4 times more than cedar. That gap has narrowed steadily over the last decade as composite production has scaled and lumber prices have swung. In 2026, a 200 sqft composite deck typically runs $9,000–$13,000 installed versus $4,500–$6,500 for pressure-treated — a $4,000–$6,500 premium at the moment of purchase.

The 20-year total cost of ownership

The calculator above compares the upfront cost gap against 20 years of maintenance on a wood deck. Pressure-treated pine needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years ($400–$800 per cycle for a 200 sqft deck) plus a full board replacement around year 15 ($1,500–$3,000). Cedar is slightly better — 3–4 year cycles and a partial replacement around year 20. Composite requires soap and water twice a year and typically lasts the life of the substructure.

Add all of that up and composite typically breaks even at year 8 to 10 against pressure-treated, and year 12 to 14 against cedar. Beyond that, composite pulls clearly ahead. If you're planning to stay in the home five years or fewer, wood is still the smarter money — the buyer of your house won't pay a $6,000 premium for a composite deck they didn't choose.

What the calculator can't quantify

Two variables move the answer that the math doesn't capture: your tolerance for maintenance, and your climate. In the Pacific Northwest and the Sunbelt, wood deteriorates 30–50% faster than the national average — composite makes sense sooner. In dry climates like Denver or Phoenix, wood can outlast the calculated cycles and push the breakeven year further out.

Resale value

Real estate data from Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs Value report puts deck ROI at 66–72% for wood and 63–68% for composite — nearly identical from the seller's perspective. Composite doesn't command a premium at resale in most markets; wood loses value if it's visibly aged. If you plan to sell in 3–7 years, refinished cedar or pressure-treated is the highest-ROI choice.

Making the final call

Composite wins for homeowners staying 8+ years, disliking maintenance, or building in harsh climates. Wood wins for shorter time horizons, tighter budgets, or homeowners who like the smell of fresh stain in April. Read the full breakdown in our composite vs wood deep-dive for a decision framework that matches your specific situation.