Pressure-Treated Pine
$15–$25/sqftLifespan: 15–20 yrs
Pros
- + Lowest upfront cost
- + Widely available
- + Easy to work with
Cons
- − Requires staining every 2–3 years
- − Can warp and crack
- − 15–20 year lifespan
Decking materials compared
Every common decking material — installed cost, lifespan, pros, cons, and which one's right for your build.
Cedar
$20–$35/sqftLifespan: 15–25 yrs
Pros
- + Naturally rot-resistant
- + Beautiful grain
- + Lower maintenance than PT
Cons
- − Soft — can dent
- − Needs sealing
- − Price varies by region
Redwood
$25–$40/sqftLifespan: 20–30 yrs
Pros
- + Stable, less warping
- + Rich color
- + Naturally durable
Cons
- − Expensive
- − Limited supply outside West Coast
Composite – Entry (Trex Enhance)
$30–$45/sqftLifespan: 25–30 yrs
Pros
- + Low maintenance
- + 25-year fade warranty
- + Consistent appearance
Cons
- − Hot in direct sun
- − Looks plastic-y vs premium
Composite – Premium (Trex Transcend, AZEK)
$40–$60/sqftLifespan: 30+ yrs
Pros
- + Premium look
- + Best fade/scratch protection
- + Long warranty
Cons
- − Premium price
- − Heavy
PVC / Capped
$45–$65/sqftLifespan: 30+ yrs
Pros
- + 100% synthetic — no organic material
- + Lightest
- + Best moisture resistance
Cons
- − Most expensive composite
- − Less natural look
Hardwood (Ipe, Mahogany)
$50–$75/sqftLifespan: 30–50 yrs
Pros
- + Stunning real wood
- + Extremely durable
- + 30+ year lifespan
Cons
- − Highest material cost
- − Hard to install (pre-drilling required)
- − Sustainability concerns
Compare materials side-by-side in the calculator
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