Decks •
Wood vs. Composite Decking Costs
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Home Cost Experts
Construction Estimator
Table of Contents
Balancing Capital Costs with Lifespan ROI
When building a deck, the choice between natural wood and engineered composite (such as Trex) is the largest pricing factor.
Upfront Capital Costs
- Pressure-Treated Wood: Sourced cheaply at $3 to $6 per square foot. Highly economical.
- Composite Decking: Premium material ranges from $8 to $22 per square foot. Requires specialized hidden fasteners.
Long-Term Maintenance Schedules
A natural wood deck must be scrubbed, sanded, and sealed or stained every 2 years, costing roughly $300 to $800 in supplies and labor. Over a 20-year cycle, these recurring maintenance costs easily exceed the initial savings. Composite decking requires only simple soap-and-water washing, making it more cost-effective over its 25+ year lifespan.
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Written by Home Cost Experts
Home Cost Experts is a construction estimator with over 15 years of residential construction planning experience. He oversees our cost verification pipeline.