Composite vs Wood Deck Cost
Wood wins on upfront price; composite wins on maintenance. Over 20 years the gap narrows — sometimes reverses.
Upfront vs lifetime cost
Wood is cheaper to buy and install but needs cleaning, sealing or staining every year or two and eventual board replacement. Composite costs more upfront but only needs washing. Over 20–25 years, the maintenance savings can offset much of the price gap.
Quote both to the client
Show the homeowner the upfront and the lifetime picture. Run the same deck through the deck calculator with wood and composite prices to compare installed cost side by side.
FAQ
Is composite decking cheaper than wood?
Not upfront — composite costs more to install. But with almost no maintenance it can be cheaper over a 20–25 year life than wood, which needs regular sealing and repairs.
How long does a composite deck last?
Commonly 25–30+ years with minimal upkeep, versus roughly 15–20 years for a maintained wood deck.