A deck can be a great addition to your outdoor space, making it a useful and attractive area for all seasons. However, if you want your deck to survive the elements and continue to look great, you need to choose the perfect decking material. There are a number of material choices from the traditional natural beauty of wood to the low maintenance, synthetic vinyl. There is even composite which provides a hybrid option to balance durability to appearance. Each material has its own distinct characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which can make choosing between them a little tricky. So, in this article, we’ll guide you through choosing the perfect decking material - wood, vinyl or composite.
The Characteristics of Each Decking Material
Although superficially, these materials can look similar, each decking material does have its own characteristics that will influence whether it is the right choice for your new deck.
Wood Decking
Wooden decking is a natural and versatile option, but you will need to be prepared for regular maintenance to keep it looking its best and enhance itsweatherproof capabilities. There are several types of wood used for decking:
Pressure Treated Pine:
This material is an affordable option and due to its chemical treatments, it has insect and decay resistance. However, you will need to seal and stain this material every one to two years.
Cedar
Cedar has natural rot resistance, which eliminates the need for the material to be chemically treated. But, this does come at a cost, as cedar is a more expensive option.
Exotic Hardwoods
There are several exotic hardwoods, such as mahogany that provide a dense and durable decking material. This type of wood tends to be the most visually striking, but it can be trickier to install and it is the most expensive material. Additionally, you will need to oil the wood each year to maintain its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Maintenance Routine
It is important to note that the longevity of wood decking heavily depends on your maintenance routine. If you neglect oiling, sealing or staining regularly, your deck may become damaged by the weather and start to deteriorate. Wood can also be susceptible to warping and fading if you live in harsher climates. While wood demands regular sealing, staining and cleaning to retain its appearance and prevent rotting it offers natural beauty and texture.
Vinyl Decking
Vinyl is a synthetic decking material, providing a low maintenance option. It is resistant to mildew, mold and insects, giving it a long potential lifespan. In fact, some companies offer a warranty of 20 years or more on their synthetic decking materials. Vinyl decking is available in a variety of colors and textures, but it lacks the warmth of natural wood. Additionally, some products can feel a little plasticky and be prone to surface scratching or staining.
Composite Decking
Many people consider composite decking to be a middle ground solution. It can offer a good balance of durability and aesthetic appeal. It is low maintenance, but can have more warmth compared to vinyl. Composites are typically made using recycled materials, but they may not be biodegradable. Composite requires minimal maintenance with only occasional cleaning to prevent marks, stains and mildew and is less susceptible to fading compared to wood. It provides a middle ground, as it has high customization potential, mimicking the appearance of wood with a consistent finish.
There are several types of composite decking including:
Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC)
This composite is made of recycled plastics and wood fibers, but without proper maintenance it can be susceptible to mold.
Capped Composite
Capped composite features a durable plastic cap over the top of a core of wood fibers, polymer and plastic additives to provide stain and scratch resistance. It is available in a variety of realistic wood grain colors and patterns, along with some vibrant color options.
Mineral Based Composite (MBC)
This is a lightweight and durable material that is impervious to moisture and temperature changes. MBC is a premium product option with some brands offering warranties of 20 years or more.
Cost Analysis
As with any home project, it is important to set a budget for your new deck, but you need to assess the initial cost and the long term value for money.
Initial Costs
Wood tends to be the most affordable upfront option, with pressure treated pine being the most budget friendly deck material. Vinyl is the mid range option, but it does tend to offer a longer lifespan. Composite is the premium option and depending on the type of composite, it can be several times more expensive compared to wood or vinyl. However, these products tend to have a longer lifespan.
Maintenance and Lifetime Costs:
Wood tends to have the highest long term costs, as you’ll need to budget for frequent sealing and staining. Since vinyl and composite are virtually maintenance free, they offer lower lifetime costs, offsetting the higher initial purchase price.
Return on Investment (ROI)
While wood appeals to those who are interested in achieving a natural aesthetic, the ongoing costs does mean this material has a lower return on investment. On the other hand, the lifespan and minimal upkeep means that composite and vinyl offer a better ROI.
Deck Material Breakdown Chart
| Material | Cost | Maintenance | Aesthetic Options | Scratch & Stress Resistance | Lifespan |
| Pressure treated wood | $15–$35/sq ft | Requires staining/ sealing every 2 years | Natural wood look; limited color options | Prone to warping, cracking, and scratches | 10–15 years (with care) |
| Cedar | $30–$50/sq ft | Regular staining or oiling to prevent graying | Warm, natural appearance; easy to stain | Scratches easily due to softwood composition | 20–25 years (with care) |
| Exotic Hardwoods (e.g. mahogany) | $50–$70+/sq ft | Periodic oiling to maintain color | Rich, high-end appearance | Highly resistant to scratches and stress | 25–40+ years |
| Wood- Plastic Composite (WPC) | $45–$65+/sq ft | Low maintenance; periodic cleaning | Mimics wood grain; wide variety of colors | Moderate resistance; can scratch under heavy use | 25+ years |
| Capped Composite | $50–$70+/sq ft | Minimal maintenance; cleaning as needed | Enhanced wood grain; various colors and finishes | Durable, resists scratches better than uncapped WPC | 25–50 years |
| Mineral- Based Composite | $60–$80+/sq ft | No maintenance required | Stable color and texture options | Twice as strong as PVC; highly durable | 20–50 years |
| Vinyl | $40–$60/sq ft | Easy cleaning; mold- resistant | Variety of colors; less natural- looking | Moderate resistance; less scratch- resistant than PVC | 20–30 years |
Finding Your Perfect Decking Fit
Just like you, your home is unique, so it is important to choose the perfect decking material for your requirements and preferences. If you are looking to build a beautiful new deck for your home, call Lumina Construction at 212-951-9163.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main types of decking materials are wood (pressure-treated pine, cedar, exotic hardwoods), vinyl, and composite (WPC, capped composite, MBC).
Wood decking requires regular maintenance, including sealing, staining, or oiling every 1–2 years to prevent rotting, warping, and fading.
Composite decking has a balance of durability, low maintenance, and looks, mimicking wood while being more resistant to fading and stains.
Although pine is cheapest up front, vinyl and composite decking provide a better ROI due to their long lifespan and minimal maintenance compared to the higher ongoing maintenance costs of wood.
Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable decking material and has insect resistance capabilities, but it does require regular maintenance which adds costs over time.