Is composite decking worth the extra cost?

Over 20 years, composite typically saves money. Annual staining of treated wood costs $500-$1,500 per application. That adds up to $5,000-$15,000 over 20 years, often exceeding the initial composite premium.

How long does pressure-treated decking really last?

Well-maintained pressure-treated decking lasts 10-20 years. Without regular staining and sealing, it can deteriorate in as few as 7-10 years. Most homeowners underestimate the maintenance commitment.

Does composite decking feel like real wood?

Modern composites look increasingly realistic but don't feel like real wood underfoot. They're smoother, slightly warmer in the sun, and lack the texture variation of natural wood grain.

decking

Treated Wood vs Composite Decking: Complete Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated July 16, 2026|Sources & methodology

Pressure-treated wood and composite decking are the two most popular decking choices in North America. Treated wood wins on upfront cost, while composite wins on long-term maintenance savings. This is often the first and most important decision in any deck project, and the right answer depends on your budget, maintenance tolerance, and timeline.

Pressure-Treated Pine

Composite Decking

Key Takeaways

Pressure-treated wood and composite decking are the two most popular decking choices in North America.
Treated wood wins on upfront cost, while composite wins on long-term maintenance savings.
This is often the first and most important decision in any deck project, and the right answer depends on your budget, maintenance tolerance, and timeline.
Over 20 years, composite often costs less total when you factor in maintenance costs, and it looks better the entire time.
Treated wood is the right choice when the upfront budget is the hard constraint.

Property	Pressure-Treated Pine	Composite Decking
Price/Sq Ft Installed	$15-$25	$25-$45
Lifespan	10-20 years	25-50 years
Maintenance	Stain/seal every 1-2 years	Occasional cleaning only
Appearance (New)	Natural wood look	Simulated wood grain
Appearance (10 Yr)	Gray and weathered	Slight fading only
Splinters	Yes - common	No
Warranty	Limited structural	25 years to lifetime

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pros

Lowest upfront cost, Natural wood appearance, Easy to cut and modify, Universally available

Cons

Requires annual maintenance, Splinters and cracks, Shorter lifespan, Warps and checks over time

Composite Decking

Pros

Virtually maintenance-free, No splinters ever, Longer lifespan, Better long-term value

Cons

Higher upfront cost, Not real wood, Gets hot in direct sun, Harder to modify on site

Best Use Cases

Choose pressure-treated wood for tight budgets and projects where you enjoy annual deck maintenance. Choose composite for low-maintenance ownership and the best long-term value over 20+ years.

Verdict

Over 20 years, composite often costs less total when you factor in maintenance costs, and it looks better the entire time. Treated wood is the right choice when the upfront budget is the hard constraint.