VS
wood
Western Red Cedar
Price$5 – $10 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
composite
Trex Composite
Price$10 – $22 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
→
Trex Composite (9/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
=
Trex Composite (9/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
Trex Composite (8/10)
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
←
Trex Composite (6/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
Trex Composite
$9,000
to $17,100
Western Red Cedar
Pros
- Naturally beautiful warm tones
- Naturally resistant to rot and insects
- No chemical treatment needed
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Aromatic — pleasant cedar scent
- Grown in BC — Canadian product
Cons
- More expensive than pressure-treated
- Still requires periodic sealing
- Can grey over time if left untreated
- Softer wood — dents more easily
- Supply fluctuations affect pricing
Trex Composite
Pros
- Industry-leading 25-year warranty
- Made from 95% recycled materials
- Fade & stain resistant shell
- Consistent colour and finish
- Most popular composite brand in Canada
Cons
- Premium pricing over generic composites
- Can get warm in direct sun
- Heavy boards require sturdy framing
- Limited to Trex colour options
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
Choose Trex Composite if:
Homeowners seeking premium composite with industry-leading warranties.
