How much does composite decking cost?

Materials per linear foot: budget: $3-$5. Mid-range: $5-$8. Premium: $7-$10. PVC: $8-$14. Installed per sq ft: composite mid-range: $25-$40. Premium: $35-$50. Average 300 sq ft deck installed: composite mid-range: $7,500-$12,000. Premium: $10,500-$15,000. Compared to pressure-treated wood: $4,500-$7,500 installed. Composite costs 2-3x more upfront but requires zero maintenance. Over 20 years: total cost is roughly equal.

Trex vs TimberTech — which is better?

Both are excellent. Trex: the market leader, most widely available, slightly lower price, and a good range of product lines. Best for: budget-conscious projects (Enhance line) and the widest dealer network. TimberTech/AZEK: slightly more premium, better color options, more realistic wood grain, and superior fade resistance. AZEK PVC line is the best moisture-resistant product available. Best for: premium projects where appearance is the top priority. Price: Trex Transcend ($7-$10/ft) is comparable to TimberTech Pro ($7-$10/ft). You cannot go wrong with either brand.

Is composite decking worth the extra cost over wood?

Yes, for most homeowners. The math: a 300 sq ft composite deck costs $7,500-$12,000 vs $4,500-$7,500 for pressure-treated. Over 20 years: you will spend $3,000-$7,500 on staining, sealing, and repairs for the wood deck. Total 20-year cost: about the same. But composite gives you: zero maintenance (no annual staining), no splinters, no warping or rotting, consistent appearance for 25+ years, and more time enjoying your deck instead of maintaining it. Choose wood if: upfront budget is very tight or you enjoy the maintenance process. Choose composite if: you want a low-maintenance outdoor space.

Does composite decking get hot?

Composite decking does get hotter than wood in direct sunlight, especially darker colors. On a 90-degree day in full sun: pressure-treated wood: 120-130 degrees F. Light composite: 130-140 degrees. Dark composite: 140-160 degrees. Mitigation: choose lighter colors (30-40 degrees cooler than dark), install in partially shaded areas, use outdoor rugs in bare-foot zones, and consider CoolDeck or similar heat-reducing products. In reality: most people wear shoes on their deck. The heat difference is only noticeable when walking barefoot on dark composite in full midday sun.

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Comparisons

Composite Decking Guide: Brands, Cost & Comparison

Lumberama Editorial Team, Decking & Outdoor Living Specialists Sep 9, 2026 12 min read

What Is Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene). It mimics the look of natural wood without the maintenance. Most composite boards are capped (wrapped in a protective polymer shell) that resists staining, fading, and scratching. Composite has become the most popular decking material, overtaking pressure-treated wood in new deck construction.

Top Brands

Trex: The market leader. Three product lines: Enhance (budget: $4-$6/linear ft), Select (mid-range: $5-$7/linear ft), and Transcend (premium: $7-$10/linear ft). 25-year limited warranty. The most widely available composite brand.

TimberTech/AZEK: Premium competitor to Trex. Composite lines: Pro, Edge, and Prime. AZEK (PVC) lines: Vintage, Harvest, and Landmark. Prices: $5-$12/linear ft. 25-50 year warranties. Known for realistic wood grain and superior color retention.

Fiberon: Value-oriented brand. Lines: Good Life (budget), Symmetry (mid), and Paramount (premium PVC). Prices: $3-$8/linear ft. Competitive pricing with good quality.

MoistureShield: Specializes in moisture resistance. Can be installed in ground contact and underwater. Lines: Vision, Elevate, and CoolDeck. Prices: $5-$9/linear ft.

Deckorators: Budget-friendly options. Mineral-based composite (unique composition). Lines: Vault and Voyage. Prices: $3-$6/linear ft.

Composite vs Wood

Composite pros: No staining, sealing, or painting ever. Does not rot, warp, or splinter. Resists mold, mildew, and insects. Consistent appearance (no knots or grain variation). Lasts 25-50+ years. Eco-friendly (made from recycled materials).

Composite cons: Higher upfront cost (2-3x pressure-treated wood). Can get hot in direct sun (darker colors especially). Cannot be sanded or refinished. Heavier than wood. Can look less natural than real wood (though newer products are very realistic).

Wood (pressure-treated) pros: Lower upfront cost ($2-$4/linear ft). Natural appearance and feel. Can be stained any color. Lighter weight.

Wood cons: Requires annual maintenance (staining/sealing). Warps, splits, and splinters. Shorter lifespan (10-20 years). Rots and attracts insects without maintenance.

PVC vs Composite

PVC (cellular PVC): 100% synthetic (no wood fibers). Examples: AZEK, TimberTech Advanced PVC. Pros: the most moisture-resistant (will not absorb any water), lightest weight, and best stain resistance. Cons: most expensive ($8-$14/linear ft), can feel less natural underfoot, and more thermal expansion.

Composite (capped): Wood fiber + plastic blend. Pros: more natural feel and appearance, less thermal expansion, and more affordable. Cons: can absorb some moisture (though capping minimizes this) and slightly shorter lifespan than PVC.

Costs

Materials only (per linear foot of board): Budget composite: $3-$5. Mid-range composite: $5-$8. Premium composite: $7-$10. PVC: $8-$14. Pressure-treated wood: $2-$4. Cedar: $4-$8.

Installed deck cost (materials + labor, per sq ft): Pressure-treated: $15-$25. Composite (mid-range): $25-$40. Composite (premium): $35-$50. PVC: $40-$60.

Average 300 sq ft deck: Pressure-treated: $4,500-$7,500. Composite (mid-range): $7,500-$12,000. Composite (premium): $10,500-$15,000.

20-year cost (including maintenance): Pressure-treated: $7,500-$15,000 (including staining every 1-2 years). Composite: $7,500-$12,000 (no maintenance). Over 20 years: composite and wood cost roughly the same.