Decking comparison
Composite vs Wood Decking: Cost Comparison
Composite (like Trex) and pressure-treated wood are the two most common decking choices. Wood is cheaper to build; composite costs more but needs almost no upkeep. Here is the 2026 comparison.
Composite decking
$25 to $50 per sq ft installed
Pressure-treated wood
$15 to $30 per sq ft installed
| Feature | Composite decking | Pressure-treated wood |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $25 to $50 | $15 to $30 |
| Typical 300 sq ft deck | $7,500 to $15,000 | $4,500 to $9,000 |
| Lifespan | 25 to 50 years | 15 to 25 years |
| Maintenance | Almost none | Stain or seal yearly |
| Look | Uniform, fade resistant | Natural wood grain |
| Heat in sun | Hotter underfoot | Cooler |
Composite decking
- Almost no maintenance, never needs staining
- Long lifespan
- Fade and stain resistant
- Consistent appearance
- Higher upfront cost
- Can get hot in direct sun
- Less natural look
Pressure-treated wood
- Lowest upfront cost
- Natural wood look
- Cooler underfoot
- Easy to work with
- Needs staining or sealing regularly
- Shorter lifespan
- Can warp, crack, or splinter
The verdict
Choose pressure-treated wood for the lowest upfront cost and a natural look, if you do not mind staining it every year or two. Choose composite if you want to build it once and forget the maintenance, and you plan to keep the deck long term.
Doing the decking job yourself?
Amazon picks · SponsoredA contractor quote is mostly labor. If that estimate felt steep, here is the exact gear to tackle this job yourself. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
$19.99
Coated deck screws resist corrosion on pressure-treated framing.
View on Amazon
$28.99
Galvanized joist hangers tie deck joists to the ledger and beams.
View on Amazon
$19.94
Penetrating sealer protects new deck boards from water and UV.
View on Amazon
$99.00
A cordless drill/driver speeds every screw on a deck build.
View on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Is composite decking worth the extra cost over wood?
Composite costs 40 to 70 percent more upfront but needs almost no maintenance and lasts 25 years or more. Over the life of the deck, the saved staining and replacement costs often make up the difference.
How much more does composite decking cost than wood?
Composite typically costs $25 to $50 per square foot installed versus $15 to $30 for pressure-treated wood. On a 300 square foot deck that is about $7,500 to $15,000 versus $4,500 to $9,000.