COMPARISONS
Composite vs Wood Deck: Cost, Durability and Best Choice
Compare composite vs wood decking: installed cost per sq ft, lifespan, maintenance, appearance and which decking material fits your home in 2026.
Wood decks look classic and cost less; composite decks cost more but never need staining and last decades. The real question is how long you plan to stay and how much maintenance you want. Here are the 2026 numbers.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Composite vs wood deck cost
Wood decks cost $25-$40 per sq ft installed; composite decks cost $40-$70 per sq ft. Wood lasts 10-20 years and needs staining every 1-3 years; composite lasts 25-40 years with only washing. Composite costs more upfront but less over time.
Installed cost per square foot
Pressure-treated wood decks average $25-$40 per sq ft installed ($8,700 average for a 300 sq ft deck). Composite decks average $40-$70 per sq ft installed ($9,000-$20,000 for the same size). Premium composite brands and railings push toward $75+.
Wood wins upfront; composite wins the lifetime total because it needs no staining, sealing or frequent board replacement.
- Wood: $25-$40/sq ft installed; 300 sq ft ≈ $8,700 average
- Composite: $40-$70/sq ft installed; 300 sq ft ≈ $9,000-$20,000
- Railings add $15-$30 per linear foot to either
- Composite costs 40-70% more upfront but lasts 2x longer with no upkeep
Lifespan and maintenance
Wood decks last 10-20 years and need staining or sealing every 1-3 years; boards splinter, warp and rot. Composite decks last 25-40 years, need only soap-and-water cleaning and never splinter. Composite can scratch and shows heat in full sun, and premium lines cost more.
- Wood: 10-20 years, stain every 1-3 years, splinters and warps
- Composite: 25-40 years, wash only, no splinters
- Composite wins in wet climates and low-maintenance lifestyles
Which should you choose?
Choose wood for the lowest upfront cost, a classic look and a shorter ownership horizon. Choose composite when you want decades without maintenance, live in a wet climate, or plan to stay long enough to outlast the upfront premium.