Wood vs Composite Decking: Which Is Right for You?
A no-fluff comparison for Metro East homeowners. Real cost numbers, maintenance requirements, how each holds up in Illinois winters — and an honest recommendation based on your situation.
Cost Comparison: Wood vs Composite
The biggest factor for most homeowners. Here are installed costs from real Metro East jobs:
| Material | Installed Cost (per sq ft) | 12×16 Deck (192 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $28–$45/sq ft | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Cedar / Redwood | $35–$55/sq ft | $14,000–$22,000 |
| Composite (mid-grade) | $50–$70/sq ft | $18,000–$28,000 |
| Composite (premium capped) | $65–$85/sq ft | $24,000–$35,000 |
The real cost comparison is over 20 years. Wood requires $300–$600 in stain/sealer every 2–3 years plus occasional board replacement. Composite requires almost nothing. Over 20 years, the total cost gap often narrows to $2,000–$5,000 — or composite wins outright.
Maintenance: The Real Difference
Pressure-Treated Wood
- Needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years to prevent rot, graying, and cracking
- New wood must dry 6–12 months before first stain application
- Annual cleaning recommended to prevent mildew
- Screws and fasteners may back out over time — periodic re-tightening needed
- Boards may splinter as wood ages — especially in high-traffic areas
Composite Decking
- Annual wash with soap and water — that's it
- No staining, no sealing, no painting
- Capped composite (Trex, TimberTech Azek) resists stains, fading, and mold better than uncapped
- Virtually no splinters
- Fasteners stay put — composite doesn't shrink/expand as much as wood
Lifespan in Metro East's Illinois Climate
This is where Illinois homeowners need to pay close attention. Metro East gets:
- Hot, humid summers (90°F+ with high humidity)
- Cold winters with freeze/thaw cycles
- Spring/fall rain that keeps wood damp for extended periods
| Material | Lifespan (with maintenance) | Lifespan (neglected) |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | 15–25 years | 8–12 years |
| Cedar | 15–20 years | 8–12 years |
| Composite (standard) | 20–25 years | 20–25 years |
| Composite (capped premium) | 25–35 years | 25–35 years |
Metro East's freeze/thaw cycles are particularly hard on wood. Water gets into the grain, freezes, and expands — causing cracking and warping over time. Composite handles freeze/thaw much better.
Appearance and Feel Underfoot
Wood
Fresh-stained wood has a warmth and character that composite can't fully replicate. It looks "natural" in a way composite still struggles to match. The trade-off: without regular maintenance, it grays and looks weathered within 2–3 years.
Composite
Modern composite has come a long way. Capped composite (Trex Transcend, TimberTech Terrain) has realistic wood grain texture and a wide range of colors. It won't fade significantly or gray out over time. The one genuine downside: dark composite gets noticeably hotter in direct summer sun — plan for lighter colors on south-facing decks.
Composite Brands: What We Install and Why
| Brand | Line | Price Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trex | Select / Enhance | Mid | Budget composite, solid warranty |
| Trex | Transcend | Premium | Most realistic wood look, great color range |
| TimberTech | Terrain | Mid | Good value, wide color selection |
| TimberTech | Azek | Premium | Best durability, PVC-capped, premium look |
| Fiberon | Paramount | Mid-Premium | Value for capped composite |
We're not brand evangelists — we'll recommend what makes sense for your budget and goals. Trex and TimberTech are the most common because they're widely available in Metro East, have strong warranties, and we've installed enough of both to know how they perform locally.
Who Should Choose What
🪵 Choose Wood If…
- Budget is the top priority
- You plan to sell within 5 years
- You want a natural, warm aesthetic
- You don't mind annual maintenance
- It's a rental or investment property
🏆 Choose Composite If…
- You're staying 10+ years
- You have kids or entertain frequently
- You want zero annual maintenance
- Splinters are a concern
- You want a deck that looks good in 15 years
Our honest recommendation: If you're staying in your home more than 7–8 years, composite wins on total value almost every time in Metro East's climate. If you're selling soon or working with a tight budget, pressure-treated wood is still a solid choice — just commit to the maintenance schedule.
Not Sure Which Material Is Right for Your Project?
We'll walk you through the options at your property and give you written quotes for both — no pressure, no upsell.