Building a deck is an exciting way to enhance your outdoor living space, but choosing the right material can be a tough decision. Two of the most popular options are composite decking and wood decking, each with its own set of benefits and costs.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the price differences between composite and wood decking, helping you make an informed choice for your next project.
For the most up-to-date pricing, we’ll reference AdvantageLumber.com’s live decking price comparison chart, which reflects their commitment to price transparency: AdvantageLumber.com Decking Price Comparison.
Understanding Composite and Wood Decking
Before we compare prices, let’s briefly outline what these materials are:
- Composite Decking: Made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic polymers, composite decking (like Trex and TimberTech) mimics the look of wood but requires minimal maintenance. It’s eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials, and resists fading, staining, and rot.
- Wood Decking: This includes softwoods (like cedar or pressure-treated pine) and hardwoods (like Ipe, Cumaru, or Tigerwood). Wood offers a natural aesthetic and can last decades with proper care, especially hardwoods, but may require regular maintenance like sealing or staining.
Price Comparison: Composite vs. Wood Decking
Pricing for decking materials varies based on the specific brand, species, or product line, as well as factors like board size and regional availability. Below, we’ll break down the costs based on the latest data from AdvantageLumber.com and other sources, focusing on prices per linear foot, as decking is commonly sold this way. For a rough square foot estimate, you can double the linear foot price for 6-inch-wide boards, accounting for spacing.
Composite Decking Prices
Composite decking, such as Trex and TimberTech, is known for its durability and low maintenance. According to AdvantageLumber.com’s decking price comparison chart, here are the typical price ranges for 2025:
- Trex Decking: $2.42–$10.12 per linear foot, depending on the product line (e.g., Enhance, Transcend, or Signature). The Signature series, a premium option, saw a 15% price increase for 2025, while other lines increased by 7.5%.
- TimberTech Decking: $3.33–$7.48 per linear foot for composite lines (e.g., Prime+ or Legacy). TimberTech’s PVC decking, which is more weather-resistant, is pricier, though specific costs aren’t listed in the chart. Prices rose by 3.5% for 2025 as TimberTech aims to gain market share.
On average, composite decking costs $2.42–$10.12 per linear foot, or roughly $4.84–$20.24 per square foot for a 6-inch board. These prices reflect material costs only, excluding installation or accessories.
Wood Decking Prices
Wood decking spans a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly softwoods to premium hardwoods. AdvantageLumber.com’s live price comparison chart provides detailed pricing for various wood species:
- Softwoods:
- Pressure-Treated Pine: Around $1.00–$2.00 per linear foot. It’s the most affordable option but requires regular maintenance to prevent decay.
- Cedar: Approximately $2.11–$10.58 per linear foot. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot but softer and less durable than hardwoods. Pricing varies significantly based on current market prices and grade. CVG cedar ( Clear Vertical Grain) is the most expensive Cedar option.
- Hardwoods:
- Ipe: $6.34–$7.82 per linear foot. Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood, is prized for its durability and 75+ year lifespan. Prices have trended downward in 2024 but increased by 5% for 2025 due to stricter regulations.
- Cumaru: $4.50–$6.34 per linear foot. Known as Brazilian Teak, Cumaru offers similar durability to Ipe at a lower cost, with a 5% price increase for 2025.
- Tigerwood: $2.75–$3.60 per linear foot. Tigerwood is a cost-effective hardwood with a striking grain, and its price dropped by 4% in 2025 due to large log purchases.
- Plantation Teak: Around $2.27 per linear foot (based on 1×6 material). Teak is lighter and easier to work with but saw an 8% price increase in 2025.
- Garapa: $3.19–$4.10 per linear foot. Garapa offers a golden brown hue and 30+ year lifespan with low maintenance.
Wood decking prices range from $1.00–$8.00 per linear foot, or roughly $2.00–$16.00 per square foot. Softwoods are significantly cheaper, while premium hardwoods like Ipe and Teak rival are often a bit cheaper than comparable composite product lines.
Live Price Comparison
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, visit AdvantageLumber.com’s Decking Price Comparison Chart. AdvantageLumber.com believes in price transparency and updates this chart in real-time to reflect market changes, ensuring you have the latest information for your project.
Factors Affecting Price Differences
While material costs are a key factor, several other considerations influence the overall price difference between composite and wood decking:
- Installation Costs:
- Composite: Easier to install due to its lighter weight and uniform boards, costing $20–$40 per square foot. Often it’s advised to frame your joists 12″ on center to avoid any sagging or bouncing feeling when walking since composite materials are more flexible than real wood. Stairs often require less joist spacing like 8″ on center depending on the manufacturer.
- Wood: Hardwoods like Ipe require pre-drilling and stainless steel fasteners, increasing labor costs to $20–$45 per square foot. Softwoods are cheaper to install but may need tighter joist spacing (e.g., 12 inches for diagonal layouts), adding to framing costs.
- Maintenance Costs:
- Composite: Requires minimal maintenance—just occasional cleaning with soap and water—making long-term costs lower.
- Wood: Hardwoods need annual sealing or oiling to maintain color (e.g., Ipe oil costs add up), though they can last decades without it if you’re okay with a grey patina. Softwoods need frequent staining or painting, increasing upkeep costs.
- Lifespan and Durability:
- Composite: Backed by warranties of 25–50 years, composites resist rot, insects, and fading but may not match the natural beauty of wood.
- Wood: Hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru can last 30–75+ years, while softwoods last 10–20 years with maintenance. This longevity can offset higher upfront costs for hardwoods.
- Market Trends:
- Composite prices are rising (e.g., Trex’s 7.5–15% increase for 2025) due to inflation and raw material costs.
- Hardwood prices vary by species; Ipe and Cumaru saw 5% increases, while Tigerwood dropped 4%. Import costs and regulations also affect hardwood pricing.
Which Is More Cost-Effective?
- Composite Decking: Ideal if you want low maintenance and are willing to pay a mid-to-high upfront cost. It’s cost-effective over time due to minimal upkeep, especially for busy homeowners. Trex’s lower-end lines ($2.42–$5.00 per linear foot) compete with mid-range hardwoods like Garapa or Cumaru.
- Wood Decking: Softwoods like pressure-treated pine are the cheapest upfront, but their shorter lifespan and maintenance needs make them less economical long-term. Premium hardwoods like Ipe or Teak have higher initial costs but offer unmatched durability and aesthetics, making them a better value for those prioritizing longevity and natural beauty.
For a 200-square-foot deck, here’s a rough cost estimate (materials only, based on linear foot prices doubled for square feet):
- Trex Composite: $968–$3,380
- TimberTech Composite: $1,304–$2,644
- Pressure-Treated Pine: $600–$1,000
- Ipe Hardwood: $2,396–$2,860
- Tigerwood Hardwood: $1,100–$1,440
Installation and maintenance will further impact these costs, so consider your budget and lifestyle when choosing.
Why Choose AdvantageLumber.com?
AdvantageLumber.com is a trusted supplier of both composite and wood decking, offering sustainable, high-quality materials since 1992. Our live price comparison chart is updated in real-time, ensuring you get transparent pricing for materials like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Teak, Trex, and TimberTech. We source directly from well-managed forests, mill our own lumber, and ship worldwide, providing competitive prices and expert advice.
Conclusion
The price difference between composite and wood decking depends on the specific material and your project needs. Composite decking ranges from $2.42–$10.12 per linear foot, offering low maintenance and durability. Wood decking spans $1.50–$8.00 per linear foot, with softwoods being budget-friendly and hardwoods offering premium longevity. For the latest prices, check AdvantageLumber.com’s Decking Price Comparison Chart, which reflects their commitment to transparency.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize upfront savings, long-term maintenance, or natural aesthetics. Weigh the costs, consider installation and upkeep, and consult with AdvantageLumber.com’s experts to find the perfect decking material for your outdoor oasis.