Composite vs Wood Decking
The Ultimate Canadian Comparison Guide

Choosing between composite and wood decking is the single biggest decision Canadian homeowners face when building a deck. Both have loyal advocates, and the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, climate, and aesthetic preferences.

Wood (pressure-treated, cedar, redwood, Ipe) has been the standard for generations. It's natural, affordable upfront, and can be sanded and refinished. Composite (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) is a newer category made from recycled wood fibres and plastic polymers. It costs more upfront but requires almost no maintenance.

Here's how the numbers compare for a typical 300 sq ft Canadian deck:

Wood lifespans:

• Pressure-treated SPF: 10–15 years (20+ with excellent maintenance)
• Cedar: 15–20 years (naturally rot-resistant)
• Ipe (Brazilian hardwood): 25–40+ years (extremely dense and durable)

Composite lifespans:

• Entry-level (Trex Enhance): 25+ years with 25-year warranty
• Mid-range (TimberTech PRO): 30+ years with 30-year warranty
• Premium (TimberTech AZEK): 50+ years with lifetime limited warranty

In Canadian conditions with freeze-thaw cycles, composite holds a significant advantage. Wood absorbs moisture, which freezes and expands, accelerating cracking and warping. Composite's polymer matrix resists moisture absorption.

Wood maintenance (annual):

• Spring: Power wash, inspect for rot and damage
• Every 1–2 years: Sand and re-stain/seal (2–3 days of work)
• As needed: Replace warped, cracked, or rotting boards
• Annual cost: $200–$600 in products + your time

Composite maintenance (annual):

• Spring & fall: Wash with soap and water or a composite deck cleaner
• As needed: Remove organic debris to prevent mould in shaded areas
• That's it. No staining, sealing, or sanding. Ever.
• Annual cost: $20–$50 in cleaning products

This is where personal preference matters most. Wood offers a natural warmth and grain pattern that many homeowners love. You can stain it any colour and sand it smooth. Cedar has a beautiful reddish tone that weathers to silver-grey.

Composite has come a long way — premium brands like TimberTech AZEK and Trex Transcend feature realistic wood grain patterns and multi-tonal colouring. However, purists can still tell the difference. Composite also doesn't have wood's natural scent.

This is where composite really shines for Canadian homeowners:

• Freeze-thaw: Composite resists moisture absorption, so it doesn't crack from freeze-thaw. Wood absorbs water and expands/contracts constantly.
• Snow load: Both handle snow equally well structurally. But composite doesn't stain from snow melt and debris.
• UV exposure: Premium composites have UV inhibitors. Wood fades and greys without annual UV-blocking stain.
• Ice removal: You can use calcium chloride on composite (never rock salt). Wood is more sensitive to de-icing chemicals.
• Splinters: Composite never splinters — a big plus for barefoot Canadian summers. Aged wood is notorious for splinters.

Choose wood if:

• Budget is your top priority (pressure-treated is cheapest upfront)
• You enjoy deck maintenance as a weekend project
• You want a specific natural look and plan to stain a custom colour
• You're building a cottage or seasonal property

Choose composite if:

• You want minimal maintenance for decades
• You're building your "forever home" deck
• Canadian winters are harsh in your area
• You value long-term cost savings over upfront price
• You want a 25–50 year warranty