Choosing between composite and wood decking is the biggest decision you'll make when building a new deck. Both have real advantages — here's an honest comparison from a contractor who installs both every week.
Cost Comparison
Upfront cost: Wood wins. Pressure-treated lumber runs $25–$35/sq ft installed vs. $40–$65/sq ft for composite. For a 300 sq ft deck, that's a difference of $5,000–$10,000.
Lifetime cost: Composite wins. Wood requires staining/sealing every 2–3 years ($500–$1,500 each time). Over 25 years, that adds $5,000–$12,000 in maintenance. Composite needs nothing but occasional soap and water.
Durability & Lifespan
Composite: 25–50 year warranty. Won't rot, warp, crack, or splinter. Resists mold, mildew, and insects. Holds up exceptionally well in NC's heat and humidity.
Wood: 15–25 years with proper maintenance. Susceptible to rot, warping, splitting, and insect damage if not regularly sealed. NC's humidity accelerates wear on untreated wood.
Maintenance
Composite: Virtually zero. Sweep off debris, rinse with a hose once or twice a year. No staining, no sealing, no sanding. Ever.
Wood: Significant. Power wash annually. Stain and seal every 2–3 years. Sand splinters as they develop. Replace individual boards as they rot or warp.
Appearance
Composite: Modern composites look remarkably like real wood, with realistic grain patterns and multi-tone color variation. Available in dozens of colors. Appearance stays consistent for decades — no fading, no graying.
Wood: Nothing beats the look and feel of real wood when it's freshly stained. However, wood changes appearance constantly — it grays without stain, darkens with some stains, and shows wear patterns in high-traffic areas.
NC Climate Considerations
North Carolina's combination of heat, humidity, and heavy rain is tough on decking materials. A few NC-specific factors:
- Humidity: Composite handles it perfectly. Wood swells and contracts with moisture changes, leading to warping and cupping.
- Heat: Dark composite boards can get hot in direct summer sun. Light-colored composites and wood stay cooler underfoot.
- Mold/Mildew: Composite resists mold growth. Wood in shady, damp areas is highly susceptible without regular treatment.
- Insects: Composite is immune to termites and carpenter bees. Wood requires treatment or monitoring.
Our Recommendation
Choose composite if: You want minimal maintenance, plan to stay in your home long-term, or want the deck to look great in 15 years with zero effort.
Choose wood if: Budget is the top priority, you enjoy the process of maintaining your outdoor space, or you prefer the authentic feel of real wood.
Our most popular choice: About 70% of our Raleigh-area clients choose composite decking. The upfront premium pays for itself within 7–10 years in saved maintenance costs.