Composite vs Treated Wood | Which Wood Works for You?
When it comes to building your desired deck, you have wood options. These options are going to be the main material used for your deck or patio. With each of these options you're going to have various levels of cost, color, maintenance, and overall feel for your project. There's composite, there's cedar, there's treated pine. What are each of these and which wood works for you? We are going to break down what these are and the pros and cons of each, so you can properly plan your perfect project.
Treated Pine:
Let's start with Treated Pine. Treated pine is going to be your most price-friendly option. A treated pine deck is a type of outdoor decking made from pine wood that has been chemically treated to resist rot, insects, and weather damage. The treatment process involves impregnating the wood with preservatives, making it durable and long-lasting, especially in areas with high moisture or pest activity. Treated pine is often a popular choice for decking because it is cost-effective, readily available, and can be easily maintained. Treated Pine is more prone to warping, shrinking, and cracking, requiring more frequent board replacements or sanding. Properly maintained treated pine decks last 10–20 years.
A treated pine deck typically starts with a rich, warm yellowish-brown or light honey color when it’s freshly installed. This color is vibrant and has a natural, rustic appeal. Over time, as the deck is exposed to sunlight and the elements, the treated pine will gradually weather and fade to a silvery-gray patina. This natural aging process gives the deck a more weathered, natural look. If you prefer to maintain the original golden hue, you can apply a stain or sealant to protect the wood from UV rays and prevent the color from fading too quickly. With proper treatment, a treated pine deck can retain its warmth and character, but many homeowners enjoy the elegant, aged look that develops with time. Treated pine decks are commonly used in residential and commercial settings for patios, porches, and garden spaces due to their strength, versatility, and resistance to environmental wear.
Maintaining a treated pine deck involves regular cleaning, inspection, and periodic protective treatments to ensure its longevity and appearance. To start, it’s important to clean the deck regularly by sweeping away debris and using a mild detergent or deck cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and algae. A power washer can be used for deeper cleaning, but caution should be exercised to avoid damaging the wood. Over time, the protective treatment on the wood can wear off, so it’s recommended to reapply a wood sealant or stain every 1-2 years. This helps protect the deck from moisture, UV rays, and further weathering, preserving both its appearance and durability. It’s also important to inspect the deck for any signs of damage, such as loose boards, nails, or splinters, and repair or replace them promptly to avoid further deterioration. Finally, trimming nearby trees and plants will prevent excessive shade or moisture buildup, which can promote mildew and mold growth. By keeping up with these basic maintenance tasks, a treated pine deck can remain in good condition for many years.
Cedar:
Composite:
Last, but most certainly not least, we have composite decks. A composite deck is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, offering a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decks. It comes in a variety of colors and textures designed to mimic natural wood while resisting rot, insects, and warping. Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t require staining, sealing, or sanding—only occasional cleaning with soap and water. It has a higher upfront cost but lasts 25–50 years with minimal upkeep. Composite decks are ideal for homeowners looking for longevity, weather resistance, and reduced maintenance.
Composite decking offers a wide range of colors and finishes, from natural wood tones like cedar, mahogany, and oak to modern neutrals such as gray, charcoal, and taupe. High-end options include multi-tonal hues and exotic wood-look designs. Finishes vary from wood-grain embossed textures to smooth, polished, or distressed styles, with choices in matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheens. With UV-resistant technology, composite decks maintain their color longer, resisting fading and requiring minimal upkeep.
At Apex Deck Co, we use TREX brand composite decking. TREX is a leading brand of composite decking, known for its durability, low maintenance, and eco-friendly materials. Made from 95% recycled wood and plastic, TREX decking resists rot, fading, and staining without the need for sealing or painting. TREX is a leading brand of composite decking, known for its durability, low maintenance, and eco-friendly materials. Made from 95% recycled wood and plastic, TREX decking resists rot, fading, and staining without the need for sealing or painting. TREX is a long-lasting, sustainable alternative to traditional wood decking.
Composite decking requires minimal maintenance compared to wood. It does not need staining, sealing, or sanding and is resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage. Regular upkeep includes periodic cleaning with soap and water or a gentle composite deck cleaner to remove dirt, mold, and debris. Unlike wood, composite decks resist fading and moisture damage, reducing the risk of cracks or splinters. With occasional rinsing and light scrubbing, a composite deck maintains its appearance for 25–50 years with little effort.
While more expensive upfront than wood, composite decking requires minimal maintenance, saving on long-term upkeep costs. It offers durability, weather resistance, and long-term value, making it a cost-effective investment over time.
That was a lot of information. Let's go ahead and break down the overall pros and cons of each option we talked about.
1. Pressure-Treated Pine Deck
✅ Pros:
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Most affordable decking option
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Widely available and easy to install
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Chemically treated for rot and insect resistance
❌ Cons:
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High maintenance (needs staining/sealing every 1–3 years)
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Prone to warping, cracking, and splintering over time
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Shorter lifespan (10–20 years) compared to other materials
2. Cedar Deck
✅ Pros:
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Naturally rot and insect resistant
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Beautiful natural wood grain
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More dimensionally stable than treated pine (less warping)
❌ Cons:
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Moderate maintenance (needs staining/sealing every 1–2 years)
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More expensive than treated pine
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Softer wood, making it prone to scratches and dents
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Lifespan of 15–25 years with proper care
3. Composite Deck
✅ Pros:
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Low maintenance (no staining, sealing, or sanding)
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Highly durable, resistant to rot, insects, and moisture
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Long lifespan (25–50 years)
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Available in various colors and textures that mimic wood
❌ Cons:
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Most expensive decking option
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Less natural look compared to real wood (though higher-end versions improve on this, especially with TREX)
Summary:
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Treated pine is the cheapest but requires high maintenance.
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Cedar is a mid-range option with natural beauty but still needs regular upkeep.
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Composite is the most expensive upfront but requires little maintenance and lasts the longest.
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