Decks & Patios · Materials and methods · Updated November 2026
Composite vs. Wood Decking
Most decks use pressure-treated lumber for the frame either way. The choice is the surface: pressure-treated wood boards at $2–$5 per square foot or composite boards at $12–$22, material only.
Cost comparison
| Pressure-treated wood | Composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Decking boards (material only) | $2–$5 per sq. ft. | $12–$22 per sq. ft. |
| Boards for a 16×20 ft. deck (320 sq. ft.) | $640–$1,600 | $3,840–$7,040 |
| Installed deck | Ground-level deck $10–$20 per sq. ft. | Composite deck $25–$54 per sq. ft. |
From our deck and patio cost guide. Board totals multiply the material rate by area, before waste.
Maintenance and wear
| Pressure-treated wood | Composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | Clean and re-seal or stain every couple of years | Wash; no staining |
| Splinters and cracks | Can check, split and splinter | No splinters |
| Heat | Stays cooler in sun | Can get hot in direct sun, especially dark colors |
| Scratches and stains | Can be sanded | Hard to repair deep scratches; capped boards resist stains |
Which to choose
- Wood if budget is the priority, you do not mind annual upkeep, or you want to stain it a custom color.
- Composite if you want low maintenance and plan to stay in the home long enough to value it.
Railings ($35–$210 per linear foot) and permits ($230–$500) apply to either. Thinking about a patio instead? See deck vs. patio cost.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our decks & patios cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.