Decking Materials
Compared
Every material rated for Canadian climates. Compare prices, durability, and maintenance side by side.
Quick Comparison
All materials at a glance
| Material | Price/sqft | Lifespan | Maintenance | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2 – $5 per sq ft | 15–20 years | High | Budget-conscious homeowners who don't mind regular maintenance | ||
| $5 – $10 per sq ft | 20–25 years | Medium | Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated | ||
| $8 – $15 per sq ft | 20–30 years | Medium | Premium natural wood decks with rich colour | ||
| $8 – $18 per sq ft | 25–50 years | Low | Homeowners wanting low-maintenance with a natural wood look | ||
| $10 – $22 per sq ft | 25–30 years | Low | Homeowners seeking premium composite with industry-leading warranties | ||
| $10 – $24 per sq ft | 25–30 years | Low | Premium composite with the most realistic wood grain patterns | ||
| $10 – $22 per sq ft | 30–50+ years | None | Waterfront properties, pool decks, or anyone wanting maximum durability | ||
| $14 – $28 per sq ft | 30–50 years | None | Premium waterproof decking with the best aesthetics in PVC | ||
| $12 – $25 per sq ft | 40–75 years | Low | Luxury homes and commercial projects wanting the absolute best | ||
| $8 – $16 per sq ft | 30–40 years | Low | Homeowners who want exotic hardwood looks at a lower price than Ipê | ||
| $15 – $30 per sq ft | 30–50 years | None | Commercial, waterfront, or fire-prone areas needing maximum durability |
Explore Each Material
Click any material for the complete guide including pricing, pros & cons, and climate recommendations.
Pressure-Treated Wood
$2 – $5 per sq ftPressure-treated wood is Canada's most popular and affordable decking material. Lumber is infused with preservatives under high pressure, protecting it from rot, decay, and insects...
Western Red Cedar
$5 – $10 per sq ftWestern Red Cedar is Canada's premium natural decking choice, primarily harvested from British Columbia. Its natural oils make it resistant to moisture, decay, and insects without ...
Redwood
$8 – $15 per sq ftRedwood offers a premium natural wood look with better natural decay resistance than most softwoods. Less commonly used in Canada than cedar, but prized for its rich colour and sta...
Composite Decking
$8 – $18 per sq ftComposite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic. It's the fastest-growing decking category in Canada, offering the look of wood without the maintenance. ...
Trex Composite
$10 – $22 per sq ftTrex is the world's largest manufacturer of composite decking, made from 95% recycled materials. Their high-performance shell technology resists fading, staining, and mold for deca...
TimberTech
$10 – $24 per sq ftTimberTech, owned by AZEK Building Products, offers premium composite decking with industry-leading wood-look aesthetics. Multiple product tiers allow homeowners to choose the righ...
PVC Decking
$10 – $22 per sq ftPVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is 100% synthetic — no wood fibers at all. This makes it completely impervious to moisture, making it the ultimate choice for Canadian waterfront p...
AZEK PVC
$14 – $28 per sq ftAZEK is the premium PVC decking brand, offering the best combination of aesthetics and waterproof performance. Their polymer technology creates boards that resist fading, staining,...
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
$12 – $25 per sq ftIpê is the Rolls Royce of decking. This Brazilian hardwood is so dense it barely floats. With a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 (vs 350 for cedar), it's virtually indestructible. Us...
Cumaru
$8 – $16 per sq ftCumaru (Brazilian Teak) is a South American hardwood often used as a more affordable alternative to Ipê. With similar density and durability, Cumaru offers exotic hardwood performa...
Aluminum Decking
$15 – $30 per sq ftAluminum decking is the most durable and maintenance-free option available. It's fireproof, waterproof, and 100% recyclable. Popular for commercial applications and gaining tractio...