A deck isn’t just something you build outside your house. It’s where you sit and rest, cook outdoors, or watch the sky at night. Selecting the right deck material options is an important aspect as your selected material will handle harsh weather conditions – whether it’s direct sunlight, rain, heat, cold, or snow. It should also match how you want it to look, how much you can spend, and how much time you want to spend taking care of it.
Your main choices are composite, wood, PVC, or wood-plastic blends. Each one looks and feels different. They cost different amounts and need different care. Where you live matters, too. Like areas where there is more sun or more rain – will affect how well a material will last.
This guide explains the main types of decking material and how they’re different. You’ll see comparisons between top brands. We’ll share some easy ways to keep your deck clean and in good shape. You’ll also learn why working with a certified installer is a smart idea. At the end, we’ll show how French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts can help you get the right deck from start to finish.
Overview of Types of Decking Material
There are multiple catalogs of best deck material out there today that it can be confusing to select the right option. So, to make things easier for you, we have highlighted advantages and trade-offs in terms of durability, cost, and maintenance for each below:
| Material | Typical Cost (installed, per sq ft) | Lifespan | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $18–$25 | 10–15 years | High |
| Cedar / redwood | $25–$35 | 15–20 years | Moderate |
| Tropical hardwood (ipe, cumaru) | $40–$60 | 25+ years | Moderate |
| Composite (Trex, Deckorators) | $30–$45 | 25–50 years | Low |
| PVC / capped polymer | $35–$55 | 30–50 years | Low |
Disclaimer: Prices may vary.
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Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated pine remains at the forefront of the budget line, with all boards averaging $2–$3 per square foot. They can be cut and fastened with normal tools, and are impregnated with preservatives that provide approximately 15 years of resistance to decay when the surface is sealed. Intend on giving your deck a good rinse each year and a new coat of stain or clear sealer every two to three seasons to minimize checking and slow color fade.
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Cedar or Redwood
Both softwoods produce natural oils that resist decay, so fewer chemicals are needed. Material costs land near $4 to $10 per square foot, with installed prices often between $14 and $35.
The boards stay cooler under bare feet and accept clear or lightly tinted finishes that highlight grain. Light washing and a clear water-repellent coat each spring usually keep surface checking and graying in check. Plan on a life span of two decades or more in moderate climates.
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Tropical Hardwoods
The species of the tropical hardwoods like the ipe, cumaru, or tigerwood are dense. Some sink in the water and shrug off scratches, termites, and rot for 30–50 years.
The tropical hardwood board alone can cost you $8 to $16 per linear foot. And that’s just the pricing of the board alone; when installation is included, it may reach $15 to $36 per square foot. Pre-drilling and specialized hidden-clip fasteners add labor time. Finished surfaces hold a deep brown tone with yearly oil; left untreated, they weather to silver while keeping their strength.
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Composite Decking
Made from recycled plastic blended with wood fibers, composite boards promise low splinter risk and steady color. Current market prices range from $4.50 to $13 per square foot for materials, with installed totals of $30 to $60.
Protective caps resist stains and fading, and that’s the reason why many brands selling these boards offer 25- to 50-year fade-and-stain warranties.
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PVC Decking
PVC contains no organic fill, so water, mold, and insects have little to grip. Boards average $10 to $15 per square foot, slightly above mid-tier composite, yet installation techniques are similar. Color streaking now mimics wood fairly well, and lighter weight can simplify freight and framing.
A garden hose and soft brush remove most grime, while surface warranties often stretch 30–50 years. PVC does expand and contract more than wood, so leave proper gaps during installation.
Composite vs Wood Decking
Composite decking mixes recycled plastic and wood fibers. It will not rot or warp. Insects leave it alone. Boards do not splinter, and you never need to sand or seal them. Most brands back their product with long warranties against fading and stains.
Wood decking is one of the best decking materials as it looks natural and costs less at first. But it needs steady care. You should seal or stain it at least twice a year. If you skip that work, the boards can crack, splinter, or twist over time.
| Factor | Wood | Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Annual Upkeep | Stain/seal | Simple wash |
| Lifespan | 10–20 yrs | 25–50 yrs |
| Color Options | Limited | Wide range |
| Sustainability | Renewable if sourced right | 90 %+ recycled content |
Trex vs Deckorators
Both provide low maintenance composite decking, but the difference is the style, cost and performance level. Trex is made from 95% recycled wood and plastic, meaning it won’t have that same look or feel, but it does come in a variety of colours. Material costs range from approximately $10 to $27 per square foot, depending on width and style. Every product line comes with a 25-year fade-and-stain warranty, with premium boards covered for up to 50 years.
Deckorators replace most wood flour with a mineral-based composite that is lighter, stronger, and absorbs almost no water. The Voyage series offers 34 percent more surface traction than typical composites – helpful by pools and docks – and a 50-year structural warranty plus 25-year fade, stain, and labour coverage.
Expect board prices near $3–$6 per linear foot, meaning jobs sit slightly above entry-level Trex overall pricewise.
| Feature | Trex | Deckorators |
|---|---|---|
| Core Type | Wood-plastic | Mineral-based |
| Slip Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Board Weight | Mid | 35 % lighter than Trex |
| Fade & Stain Warranty | 25–50 yrs | 25 yrs |
Tips to Maintain and Take Care of Different Deck Types
To maintain your deck, so that it lasts longer – think of upkeep as a yearly loop with four checkpoints: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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Spring:
After the snow or rain tapers off, launder the surface lightly with warm, soapy water. A soft-bristle brush picks up dirt without scratching. Rinse well. While waiting for the boards to dry, walk the frame. Tighten any loose screws, snaps or hidden clips and inspect for split boards. Or they could just decide to call your attention to small cracks before they become larger ones.
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Summer:
Wood boards can dry out in the sun and underfoot. If you have a softwood deck such as pine or cedar, test the finish. Splash a little water on a couple of areas. If the drops of water are absorbed in ten seconds, it’s time to reseal the boards. Apply the sealant in the evening, when it’s cooler, so it can rest on the surface and absorb properly. For composites or PVC decks, summer care is even less taxing: a simple hose-down prevents pollen and dust from baking on.
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Fall:
Leaves left to rot, trap moisture. Sweep or blow debris every week until trees are bare. This habit prevents mold and stains. It also keeps the gaps between boards clear, so rain can drain instead of pooling. Before the first frost, give the deck another wash and remove planters or rugs that stay wet.
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Winter:
Snow itself does little harm, but ice can. When clearing, use a plastic shovel and push with the grain of the boards. Skip salt with metal particles; choose calcium chloride marked safe for decks. If you have composite boards, avoid sharp ice-breakers – they can gouge the cap layer.
Why You Should Hire a Certified Deckorators Installer
Building a deck is more than just putting boards together. A good build makes the deck safer and helps it last longer. That’s where a certified Deckorators installer comes in. They’ve been trained by the brand and know how to do things right.
- They know the right tools and steps: Certified installers understand the best way to install Deckorators boards for your weather and soil type.
- They do the job right: Because of their training, they avoid mistakes like placing boards too close or forgetting to plan for water drainage. They also follow local building codes—whether it’s joist spacing, stair placement, or railing height. Certified installers ensure the structure is both safe and up to code, giving you peace of mind. (If you’re wondering, here’s how tall your deck railing should be to stay code-compliant.)
- They protect your warranty: Some Deckorators warranties only apply if a certified installer does the work. So if something goes wrong, you’re covered.
- They help you feel at ease: You can trust that the work meets professional standards. Plus, they can help guide you on what materials or styles work best.
How French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts Can Help
Picking deck materials and installing them can feel overwhelming. French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts works on decks and patios in Central Texas. We can help you choose a material that fits your home and budget. We offer:
- Consultation. We cover durability, maintenance, and style.
- Installation. Our team follows best practices for safe, code-compliant decks.
- Design. We plan open decks, multi-level layouts, or add built-in seating and lights.
- Quality. We use top quality decking material options and make sure your deck performs well.
Ready to start? Contact French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts for a free estimate and answers to your questions.
