Your deck material choice determines whether you'll be maintaining, replacing, or enjoying your outdoor space for the next two decades. Smart homeowners compare upfront costs against long-term maintenance expenses before making this significant investment. Each material offers distinct advantages and drawbacks that directly impact your budget, time commitment, and overall satisfaction with your outdoor living space.

At Krefta Landscaping, we are one of the leading landscaping companies in the industry, and we offer custom deck design and build services. Here we compare various decking materials' pros, cons, and costs:

1. Pressure-Treated Wood

• Pressure-treated lumber costs between $8 and $15 per square foot installed, making it the most affordable deck option for budget-conscious homeowners. This material handles moisture and insects better than untreated wood thanks to chemical preservation treatments that extend its lifespan significantly.
  
  
• Annual maintenance demands attention, and you'll need to clean, sand, and stain your deck every 1-2 years to prevent weathering and maintain its appearance. The wood can warp, crack, and splinter over time, requiring board replacements and safety considerations around bare feet.
  
  
• Installation goes quickly because contractors are familiar with this material. Most deck builders stock pressure-treated lumber, reducing lead times and keeping labor costs reasonable compared to specialty materials.
  
  

2. Cedar and Redwood

• Cedar and redwood command $15-25 per square foot due to their natural resistance to decay and insects. These materials age gracefully, developing attractive silver-gray patinas when left unstained or maintaining rich colors with regular treatment.
  
  
• Maintenance requirements mirror pressure-treated wood, but with better long-term results. The natural oils in these woods provide inherent protection, though annual cleaning and biennial staining keep them looking their best.
  
  
• Sustainability concerns affect availability and pricing. Both species grow slowly, making them premium choices that reflect environmental consciousness alongside aesthetic preferences.
  
  

3. Composite Decking

• Composite materials range from $12 to $30 per square foot, depending on brand quality and features. These wood-plastic combinations eliminate annual staining while providing consistent appearance and performance over decades of use.
  
  
• Maintenance drops to occasional cleaning with soap and water. No sanding, staining, or board replacement is needed, making this option attractive for busy homeowners who want outdoor living without ongoing projects.
  
  
• Heat retention becomes problematic in direct sunlight. Composite surfaces can become uncomfortably hot during summer months, limiting barefoot use and requiring strategic shade planning or color selection.
  
  

4. PVC and Vinyl

• PVC decking costs $16-35 per square foot but offers unmatched moisture resistance and structural stability. This synthetic option won't rot, warp, or support mold growth, making it ideal for humid climates and low-maintenance lifestyles.
  
  
• Color options remain limited compared to natural materials, though manufacturers continue expanding their selections. The plastic appearance doesn't appeal to homeowners seeking natural aesthetics, and some HOAs restrict synthetic materials.
  
  
• Installation requires specialized fasteners and techniques. Not all contractors have experience with PVC systems, which may increase labor costs or limit your builder choices.
  
  

5. Aluminum Decking

• Aluminum costs $15-20 per square foot and provides fireproof, pest-proof performance that lasts decades without maintenance. This material stays cool underfoot and offers excellent slip resistance even when wet.
  
  
• Weather resistance surpasses all other options. Snow, ice, rain, and UV exposure don't damage aluminum surfaces, making this choice perfect for extreme climates and harsh weather conditions.
  
  
• Aesthetic limitations restrict its residential appeal. The industrial appearance works well for modern architectural styles but clashes with traditional home designs, limiting its market acceptance among style-conscious homeowners.
  
  

Make The Right Deck Material Choice

Climate conditions in your area should drive your material selection more than aesthetic preferences alone. Humid regions favor synthetic options, while dry climates allow natural materials to perform well with reasonable maintenance schedules.

Your maintenance tolerance matters more than initial budget constraints. Spending extra upfront for low-maintenance materials often costs less over 15-20 years when you factor in time, products, and potential contractor services for ongoing care.

Professional installation affects material performance regardless of your choice. You should research local contractors' experience with your preferred material before making final decisions.

For high-quality decks, call Krefta Landscaping at 781-249-0012 or message us using this Online Form. One of our team members will call you back to discuss your requirements.