Wood Deck vs Composite Deck: The Complete 2026 Cost & Durability Guide

"Should I go with wood or composite?" is the first question we hear on almost every deck project in Vancouver, Surrey, and across the Lower Mainland. It's a fair question with no one-size-fits-all answer. Wood costs less upfront. Composite costs less to maintain. And which one actually saves you money depends on how long you plan to keep the deck and how much time you want to spend maintaining it.

We build decks with both materials — cedar, pressure-treated lumber, and every major composite brand. This isn't a pitch for one over the other. It's what we'd tell you over coffee if you asked us which one to pick for your backyard.

Wood vs Composite: Side-by-Side Comparison

The Real Cost Difference

At first glance, wood looks like the obvious budget pick. A pressure-treated wood deck runs $25–$45 per square foot installed, while cedar sits around $35–$55. Composite starts at $45 and can climb past $85 for premium capped brands like TimberTech or Trex Transcend. So how much would a 20x20 composite deck cost? At 400 square feet, you're looking at $18,000–$34,000+ installed, depending on the brand, railing system, and site conditions. A comparable wood deck might come in at $10,000–$22,000.

But the sticker price doesn't tell the whole story. Wood decks need staining and sealing every 2–3 years, and that cost adds up fast:

• Staining/sealing a wood deck costs $2–$4 per square foot each time — that's $800–$1,600 for a 400 sq ft deck, every 2–3 years
• Over 20 years, you'll spend $5,000–$12,000+ on wood deck maintenance alone — not counting board replacements
• Composite maintenance is essentially a pressure wash once or twice a year — $0 in product cost if you own the washer
• When you factor in 20 years of total cost of ownership, composite often comes out equal to or cheaper than wood — especially cedar
• The cheapest deck to build upfront is pressure-treated lumber. But "cheapest to build" and "cheapest to own" are two different numbers.

When a Wood Deck Is the Better Choice

• Budget is tight — pressure-treated or cedar gets you a solid deck for 30–50% less upfront than composite
• You want the natural look and feel of real wood — nothing synthetic replicates the warmth of actual cedar or fir under bare feet
• The deck is partially covered — covered wood lasts significantly longer because it's shielded from direct rain and UV
• You're a DIYer — wood is easier to cut, drill, and modify with standard tools. It's more forgiving for custom details.
• You want the option to refinish — wood can be sanded down and restained to look new. Composite is what it is.
• Cedar specifically has natural rot and insect resistance — it's the best wood species for BC's climate without chemical treatment
• Short-term ownership — if you're selling within 5–7 years, you may not recoup the composite premium at resale

BC Lower Mainland Climate Considerations

Our climate is one of the toughest for decking in Canada. Heavy rain from October to April, moss growth year-round in shaded areas, and strong summer UV all affect both materials differently:

• Rain and moisture — wood absorbs water without proper sealing, leading to warping, cupping, and accelerated rot. Composite sheds water but can develop surface mold if debris accumulates.
• Moss and algae — both materials grow moss in shaded, damp areas. Wood requires power washing plus resealing. Composite just needs a wash — the cap layer prevents penetration.
• UV exposure — untreated wood greys within 6–12 months. Staining delays this but doesn't prevent it. Composite resists UV fading for 25+ years with capped products.
• Temperature swings — composite expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes, which is why proper gapping during installation is critical. Wood is more dimensionally stable but checks and splits.
• Ventilation underneath — in our wet climate, airflow below the deck is essential for both materials. Trapped moisture underneath will accelerate deterioration of the pressure-treated framing regardless of what's on top.

The Bottom Line

There's no universal winner. Are composite decks worth the money? Yes — if you plan to stay long-term and don't want the maintenance commitment. Is wood the wrong choice? Not at all — if you prefer natural aesthetics, have a tighter budget, or enjoy the upkeep. The downsides of composite decking are real: higher upfront cost, it gets hotter in direct sun, and it can't be sanded or refinished. The downsides of wood are also real: ongoing maintenance, shorter lifespan without it, and susceptibility to moisture in our climate.

Wondering if a concrete patio might be a better fit altogether? It often is for ground-level outdoor living spaces — and the cost can be significantly lower. Check our concrete patio service page or our stamped concrete vs pavers comparison for that angle.

For a deeper dive into cedar specifically, read our cedar vs composite deck comparison. And when you're ready to talk specifics for your property in Burnaby, North Vancouver, Langley, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland — we'll give you a straight answer on which material makes sense for your situation, your budget, and your yard.