Adding a new deck is one of the best ways to increase your outdoor living space, add value to your home, and create a place where you can relax, entertain, or enjoy family time. But before construction begins, there’s one key decision to make—what type of material should you use?
Most homeowners find themselves choosing between two popular options: composite decking and traditional wood decking. While both materials have their strengths, the right choice depends on your budget, your lifestyle, and your local climate.
At Maverick Construction, we’ve helped families across Minnesota and beyond build beautiful, long-lasting decks—and we’ve seen the pros and cons of each material up close. Here’s everything you need to know before you decide.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic, creating a material that mimics the look of wood but requires far less upkeep. It’s manufactured in a wide range of colors and textures, and many modern brands like Trex®, TimberTech®, and Fiberon® offer high-performance options that are resistant to moisture, fading, and staining.
What is Traditional Wood Decking?
Appearance: Natural Beauty vs Consistent Finish
Traditional wood decking includes natural lumber like pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwoods such as ipe.Wood decks have an undeniable charm. The grain, texture, and color of real wood give your deck a warm, organic look that many homeowners find irreplaceable. Over time, wood will weather and develop a unique character, especially in climates with strong seasonal changes like Minnesota.
However, composite decking has come a long way in recent years. High-end products closely mimic wood grain and come in consistent, factory-finished colors that don’t fade as quickly. If you’re after a clean, modern aesthetic—or you simply don’t want to deal with sanding and staining—composite delivers a polished, low-fuss appearance.
Winner: Tie (It depends on your personal style.) It’s the classic option and still a top choice for homeowners who love the warm, authentic look and feel of real wood.
Wood decks can be stained or painted to suit your preferences and offer a level of customizability that many people appreciate.
Maintenance and Upkeep
This is where composite decking really shines.
Composite boards don’t need to be stained, sealed, or painted. You won’t have to worry about splinters, rot, or insect damage. A quick rinse with a hose and an occasional scrub with soapy water is usually all it takes to keep them looking sharp.
Wood decks, on the other hand, require regular maintenance. You’ll need to clean, sand, and reseal or stain them every 1–2 years, especially in areas with snow, ice, humidity, or hot summers. In a place like Minnesota, where freeze-thaw cycles are rough on outdoor materials, wood decks can weather more quickly if not maintained properly.
Winner: Composite
Durability and Lifespan
In general, composite decking lasts longer than wood.
A well-maintained wood deck might last 15–20 years before needing major repairs or replacement. Certain hardwoods like ipe can go even longer, but they come with a much higher upfront cost and still require regular care.
Composite decking, especially premium lines, often comes with 25 to 50-year warranties and is built to resist fading, cracking, and moisture damage. It holds up well to harsh winters, wet springs, and summer heat, making it a smart option in variable climates.
Winner: Composite
Cost and Budget Considerations
Upfront, wood is usually more affordable. Pressure-treated lumber is the most budget-friendly option and can be a great choice for smaller projects or temporary builds. Even premium woods like cedar and redwood typically cost less than high-end composite boards—at least at the beginning.
But it’s important to factor in long-term costs. Between stains, sealers, cleaning supplies, and the time (or labor) needed for maintenance, wood decks can cost more to maintain over time. Composite decking may cost more upfront, but many homeowners find that the long-term savings on upkeep and repairs make it worth the investment.
Here’s a rough estimate:
| Material | Cost per sq. ft. (Installed) | Maintenance Needs | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $15–$25 | High | 10–15 years |
| Cedar/Redwood | $20–$35 | Moderate | 15–20 years |
| Composite decking | $25–$45+ | Low | 25–50 years |
Performance in Different Climates
If you live in Minnesota, you know that weather is a big deal. Winters are long and snowy, spring can be wet and unpredictable, and summers swing between heat and humidity. That means your deck materials need to be tough.
Composite boards won’t warp, crack, or splinter due to moisture or temperature swings, and many products are designed to resist UV damage as well. That makes composite a strong performer in northern climates.
Wood decks, especially when untreated or poorly maintained, can suffer from:
Moisture absorption that leads to rot or mold
Splitting and cracking from freeze-thaw cycles
Fading and discoloration from sun exposure
With the right maintenance and protective coatings, wood can hold up—but it requires more attention, especially in regions with dramatic seasonal changes.
Winner:Composite
Environmental Impact
This one’s a bit of a gray area, depending on what matters most to you.
Composite decking is often made with recycled materials, including reclaimed wood fibers and plastic. It reduces landfill waste and cuts down on deforestation. However, it’s not biodegradable, and some brands use more virgin materials than others.
Wood decking, when sourced from sustainably managed forests, is a renewable and biodegradable material. But frequent chemical treatments, stains, and maintenance products can offset those environmental benefits over time.
If you’re eco-conscious, look for FSC-certified wood or composite brands that prioritize recycled content and sustainable manufacturing.
Winner: Tie
Installation and Customization
Both composite and wood decks can be customized in terms of size, shape, and design. However, wood offers more flexibility when it comes to on-the-spot modifications and trimming. That can be helpful for unique layouts or custom details like curved edges, inlays, or railings.
Composite decking is a bit more rigid, and some brands require specific fasteners or hidden clip systems. These extra steps can make installation slightly more complex for DIYers, though professional crews are familiar with the process and can handle it with ease.
Winner: Wood (for flexibility) / Composite (for clean finish)
So, Which Decking Material Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick summary:
Choose composite decking if you want:
Minimal maintenance
Long lifespan
Fade and moisture resistance
A clean, modern appearance
Great performance in all seasons
Choose traditional wood if you prefer:
A natural, rustic look
Lower upfront cost
More design flexibility
Willingness to commit to regular upkeep
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but knowing your priorities can make the choice easier. For many homeowners in Minnesota and similar climates, composite decking offers the best balance of durability, convenience, and long-term value.
Need Help Deciding? We’re Here for You.
At Maverick Construction, we’ve built hundreds of decks across Kasson, Rochester, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re leaning toward composite or classic wood, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons and design a space that’s built to last—and built for your lifestyle.
Call 507-272-0001 or request a free quote to get started on your dream deck.