We researched pros and cons of 12 different deck materials, both traditional, composite, and some wildcards (we don't recommend them) read the guide for decks
Not all decks are created equal. Some homeowners need deck space for huge weekend parties or outdoor family dining. Others just want a small space to lay out by the garden or pool.
There are dozens of ways to enjoy your backyard — and even more options for decking materials. Pressure treated lumber, capped composite, tropical hardwoods… it's enough to make the average homeowner dizzy.
So, how do you choose the best decking material for your outdoor living needs?
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Outdoor deck material shopping is about personal budget and preference. Each material option offers a different price point, visual style and level of durability.
Ask yourself a few questions before starting new deck construction:
The answers to these 4 questions will help you make the best decking material decision for your home.
There are 3 primary categories of decking material:
Hire the Right Dallas Deck Builder: The best deck materials require expert installation. HOMR researched every registered Dallas deck company and selected our top 2 picks for quality and craftmanship — read our updated Buying Guide to Dallas deck contractors for more.
Let's take a look at each category in detail.
Want the classic “natural deck” look? Traditional wood may be the right pick for you.
Wooden decks have the most clear-cut pros and cons of any decking material — especially when it comes to aesthetic value and long-term maintenance. Let's take a look at a few options.
Pros: Inexpensive and readily available; provides enhanced mold and protection with a natural wood grain finish
Cons: Chemical treatment can be unhealthy; prone to splinter and crack over time
Price Point: $2.50 - $5.00 per square foot (for pressure treated pine); $5.00 - $8.00 per square foot (others)
Pressure treated wood decking is sturdy and affordable. It's generally pine that undergoes chemical treatment through vacuum and pressure processes. The resulting wood planks are durable, less susceptible to rot and mold, and repellent to insects.
Bear in mind this is chemically-treated wood. If you drop food on it, don't eat it. You may also want to avoid walking barefoot on this material — it's packed with chemicals, and can also splinter and split like other wood products.
Do not burn this wood! The chemicals released are harmful to breathe. If you are cutting pressure treated wood for your deck, do so in a well-ventilated area.
If you want inexpensive wood decking that lasts longer than other options, pressure treated wood is likely right for you.
Pros: Gorgeous natural look and finish; excellent price point
Cons: Relatively easy to splinter and crack; must be sealed annually against rot, mildew and insect damage
Price Point: $3.50 - $6.00 per square foot (cedar)
If you love cedar, you won't find another decking material with its look and feel. It's a beautiful wood with strong color tones that's naturally easy to sand, stain and finish.
Another benefit of cedar decking is its natural resistance to insects and rot. Cedar decays less rapidly than many other natural wood options. It absorbs moisture slowly, which leads to less frequent sealing and board replacement..
While cedar is resistant to decay, it's still a soft wood that's prone to scratches and dents. Be careful as you move outdoor furniture and appliances across cedar deck surfaces. Homeowners must keep up maintenance to prevent a weathered gray look that comes with dried out cedar.
Pros: Unique and stunning visual appeal; strand-woven options are remarkably durable; environmentally friendly
Cons: Easy to scratch; prone to warping and cupping over time; bad in cold climates
Price Point: $14.00 - 18.00 per square foot
Bamboo that's used for decking doesn't arrive in its natural state. The wood fiber is woven together — this results in deck boards that are even more durable than wood. It's also more environmentally friendly than hardwood, as bamboo is harvested in 1/5 the time it takes hardwood to grow.
This durability and creation process comes at a price — most brands start over $15 per square foot. The price is somewhat offset by bamboo's longevity. Bamboo decks can last 15 years longer than softwoods like cedar.
The cost of bamboo maintenance is on par with wood deck materials. Be sure to clean and oil your bamboo deck on an annual basis.
The ultimate value of bamboo comes down to where you live. It does incredibly well in hotter climates and doesn't swell with humidity or moisture. However, cold and rainy climates are not ideal for bamboo use, as these conditions can cause rot.
Pros: Extremely stable and straight; less prone to warp and shrink; naturally resistant to termites
Cons: Will lose color and richness without annual maintenance; soft wood damaged under pressure
Price Point: $6.00 - $8.00 per square foot (standard); up to $35.00 per square foot (premium and rare redwood varieties)
Redwood is a gorgeous deck material with deep, beautiful tones. Its natural oils and tannins are resistant to termites, even with its soft wood composition.
A quiet benefit of redwood is its resistance to fire. It's the most flame-retardant wood deck option, which is ideal in hot and arid climates.
Redwood decking is decreasing in popularity due to scarcity and environmental concerns. Redwood is harvested from protected sequoia trees, which drives the price per square foot up. This also leads to less heartwood (the tannin-rich center of redwood logs) available for purchase.
Redwood is incredibly prone to dings and dents, even with annual sealing. Epoxy-coated screws should be used to prevent metal damage to the wood. If your heart isn’t set on redwood, there are other wood deck materials that cost less and are easier to maintain.
Pros: Visually beautiful “statement” decking; rich color and surprising durability
Cons: More expensive than other wood options; requires same (or greater) maintenance as regular hardwood decking
Price Point: $7.50 - $15.00 per square foot (Tigerwood); $10.00 - $19.00 per square foot (Ipe)
Tigerwood is a beautiful option for families and pet owners. It's highly scratch-resistant and able to withstand large amounts of foot traffic. It's also able to survive well without major use of preservatives.
Ipe wood is remarkably dense, leading to less maintenance and concerns about rot and infestation. Like tigerwood, ipe is great for decks that host large groups of people.
Tropical hardwood is a beautiful choice for warm, humid climates. Tropical hardwoods stay cool in the heat and tend to crack less than other wood decking materials. You can comfortably walk on ipe wood decks without fear of hot surfaces or splinters.
The key downside of tropical hardwood decking is cost. The prices we've listed fluctuate with each market, so you may pay more for your ipe or tigerwood boards. These deck boards will also be much heavier than the average hardwood.
The pros and cons of wood decking couldn't be clearer compared to composite decking. You'll pay less per square foot than composite, and get a classic look and feel. But you'll need annual maintenance and occasional board replacement to guard against cracks, infestation and rot.
Of the 3 deck material options, traditional wood is the cheapest — at least upfront. You'll pay more in the long haul for consistent maintenance, re-staining and cleaning. That said, homeowners who want a classic deck design love the look of natural wood.
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There are 3 main types of composite decking:
We researched 6 composite deck brands that offer quality composite deck materials. Each appeals to a different set of buying preferences:
Do you value name recognition? Are you looking for a wide variety of styles? Or is low maintenance decking your main criteria? Let's look at the advantages of each brand.
Pros: Wide distribution network; ideal for complete outdoor living designs, solutions at multiple price points
Cons: Slightly weaker than treated wood and some other composite brands
Price Point: $5 - 12 per square foot ($15 - 30 if railing and stairs are factored in, materials only)
Trex is to composite decking what Xerox is to copy machines — the name is synonymous with the product. Its entrenched status in the market allows Trex to offer price points lower than most competitors.
Trex is primarily made of synthetic materials, making rot and mold a non-factor. It's also highly resistant to fading and staining. Trex composite decking is also slip-resistant.
A negative of Trex — and most composite decking boards — is core strength. It's a bit weaker than treated wood, so heavy loads and foot traffic can cause structural bending over time. Trex owners should also keep an eye on standing water, snow and ice.
Be sure to have your Trex boards capped for extra protection. The Trex brand offers long-term warranty options as well.
Pros: Wide distribution network; ideal for complete outdoor living designs, solutions at multiple price points
Cons: Slightly weaker than treated wood and some other composite brands
Price Point: $5 - 12 per square foot ($15 - 30 if railing and stairs are factored in, materials only)
Pros: Excellent long-term warranty policies; good assortment of colors and grains; mold and rot-resistant capped composite boards
Cons: Higher price point than Trex; proprietary deck cleaner for TimberTech products is an added cost
Price Point: $5.70 - $13.50 per square foot (materials only)
Homeowners who want a composite deck that “looks like real wood” often choose TimberTech. They offer capped composite and capped polymer deck boards at several price points.
TimberTech offers 3 different board thicknesses made from 50-80% recycled content (dependent on product line).
TimberTech AZEK products are among the most expensive composite board options, but they come with excellent warranties that range from 25 years to lifetime. Homeowners can select from over 40 textures and colors across their style lines.
You'll pay more for TimberTech boards than Trex decking, but have a wider variety of choices.
Pros: Highly attractive composite that looks like real wood; solid, hollow and hybrid deck board profiles; UltraShield protects all sides from moisture and UV
Cons: Uncentered mounting templates for railing; difficult to locate product testing
Price Point: $102.67-$132.89 per box - Buy from Home Depot
NewTechWood® is a Houston-based outdoor company that provides composite decking, railings, deck tile and siding. HOMR service providers regularly mention NewTechWood products for their quality, aesthetic value and range of product options.
We like NewTechWood’s ability to create composite decking that looks like real wood. Their Brazilian Ipe and Peruvian Teak composite deck boards are well-reviewed.
“We do a double embossing process… to make [our boards] less shiny and more wood-like,” says Richard Lam of NewTechWood. “Our product does well… anywhere with harsh sun or a large amount of rain that would be detrimental to any wood deck.”
NewTechWood’s UltraShield products cover deck boards on all sides. This protects your decking from moisture and UV in extremely sunny and rainy climates.
Pros: 25-year warranties on all products (50-year on premium line); PVC outer shell provides strong fade and stain resistance; excellent color and style selection
Cons: Higher price point than Trex and TimberTech; able to be damaged by high water pressure
Price Point: $9.25 - $14.50 per square foot (materials only)
Fiberon offers six product lines and 21 color options — the most choice among mainstream composite deck brands. Want Concordia decking in “Prairie Wheat”, or Paramount decking in “Sandstone”? Fiberon’s the brand for you.
The company’s been around since 1997 — they’ve outlived their first set of 25-year warranties. It’s a great sign they’ll be around another 25 years to outlive your deck’s warranty as well.
Fiberon deck boards are made of 50% recycled wood and 50% synthetic plastic PVC. They are then compression molded with surface caps on 3 sides. Each composite wood board features a Permatech PVC outer shell.
Fiberon advises lower water pressure when cleaning their products. Stay below 2,500 psi when using a pressure washer, and do not use a metal scrub brush.
Pros: Eco-friendly products made from 100% recycled materials; LEED certified products; beautiful and durable woven bamboo styles
Cons: Much pricier than competitors; BamDeck hollow core design is less sturdy than capped composite boards
Price Point: $15 - $75 per square foot
Homeowners with an eye on sustainable green design choose Cali Bamboo for their composite deck needs. Cali Bamboo uses 100% recycled materials protected with a wrap shield on all four sides.
Cali Bamboo's BamDeck line features hollow core boards with matching fascia boards capping their ends. They're 60% recycled bamboo fibers and 40% recycled plastic. The TruOrganics line is made of 100% recycled wood fiber and is the priciest option.
Cali Bamboo deck materials are LEED certified. This government certification helps designate your property as “green” and has led to increased resale value.
Do not use chemicals to clean a Cali Bamboo deck — mild detergent and warm water is fine. Products carry a 15 or 25-year residential warranty, but the high price point dictates you should clean these deck boards with care.
Pros: Lifetime warranty on entire line of products; exceptional resistance to moisture and salts; zero organic materials means high protection from mildew and mold
Cons: No prices listed on website; orders require minimum purchase by square foot
Price Point: Custom orders priced individually; ask your deck provider or Lumberock directly
If you want a smaller manufacturer with an emphasis on product quality, Lumberock is a good choice. Its product line offers 12 deck board styles and 12 unique colors through its custom ordering system.
Every Lumberock composite deck board contains no organic materials. They're made from recycled plastic and minerals, making rot, insect damage and water absorption irrelevant.
We like the rich variety of color options Lumberock offers. From wood tones to unique green and black options, their deck boards match virtually any outdoor living design.
Bear in mind that each Lumberock deck is a custom order — there is no standard price per square foot. Most orders require a minimum purchase (usually 1,000 or 2,000 square feet).
Composite is the best decking choice for active people. Is your deck an outdoor living hub? Is it near a pool or garden area? Does it host large parties or heavy cooking equipment?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, choose composite decking material. The cost is higher, but you'll save bundles on maintenance and upkeep in the long run. Plus, most composite decking brands offer excellent warranty options.
Buyers with an eye on price point or a natural-looking finish may opt for other material options. Upfront costs aren't ideal for a budget deck project, and some homeowners don't care for the “artificial look” of composite.
Red Flag! Did your deck builder ask for full payment upfront or demand cash-only services? Those are 2 of the 7 red flags you must avoid when hiring a deck and patio builder. Read the full list of warning signs.
Think composite decking is too expensive? Don't care about a classic-looking wood deck? There are alternative deck materials to consider. We don't recommend these materials for most homeowners, both a combination of their costs and looks. There are a few unique scenarios where they may make sense
Pros: Highly fire-resistant; no mold or mildew damage; lightweight boards
Cons: Greater upfront cost; may require installer with specific experience and more structural components
Price Point: $10 - $15 per square foot
PVC decking is a “sister product” to composite decking in many ways. A lot of composite decks are created with PVC to begin with — PVC deck boards also use polymer blends and capping for added protection.
PVC often looks “more like real wood” than many composite deck materials. It's mold and mildew resistant and does well in wet weather when properly sealed. It's also more fireproof than other deck options.
Homeowners can find PVC deck options through many composite deck brands, like TimberTech. This affords you access to the same customer care and warranty options that composite deck owners have.
So what are the downsides to PVC decking? There's a higher upfront cost for materials than many composite boards. This includes finding a deck installer with PVC experience. PVC boards are flexible and often require extra structural installation.
Pros: Light construction, minimal maintenance; zero chance of rot and insect damage; great for docks
Cons: Quick to heat up underfoot; unnatural look; can be noisy
Price Point: $12 - $15 per square foot
Rot and insect damage are non-factors with aluminum decking. It won't degrade in extreme weather, and its hollow construction makes it lightweight and easy to assemble.
Aluminum decks are generally treated with a powder coat that prevents slips and falls and affords extra water resistance.
A major consideration for homeowners is temperature. Aluminum decking gets hot (and cools down) very quickly. Take care when walking barefoot on a summer day — it can get uncomfortable quickly.
Another potential downside — do you hate the noise of objects hitting metal? That will be you, every time you step on your aluminum deck.
You'll be able to maintain an aluminum deck for 20+ years with minimal maintenance. If you don't care about a natural-looking deck or a higher upfront price, it's an option for you.
You've narrowed down your deck options — we're so glad we could help!
Now, let's take the next logical step and help you find the best decking contractor to handle the job. You need a service provider with experience, transparent pricing and prompt service.
We've got you covered.
HOMR's 24/7 home management concierge team reviews, rates and schedules your service provider for you — all with one click.
Home is where you find peace of mind. HOMR is where you find home management peace of mind. Let us do the work for you.
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