Decking Materials Compared

Composite, cedar, PVC, pressure‑treated and ipê — with real prices, lifespan data and climate ratings rated for Canadian winters.

Side by side

Every material, every number, one page.

Installed cost, in-climate lifespan, maintenance burden, freeze-thaw resistance. Rated for Canadian winters, not marketing brochures.

Material

Installed

Lifespan

Maintenance

Freeze-thaw

Best for

Pressure-Treated Wood

High — re-stain every 1–2 years

Tightest budget, DIY finishing, shorter-horizon builds

Western Red Cedar

Natural, warm, aromatic

$18–$28

/sq ft

15–25

Medium — seal every 2–3 years

Natural beauty purists, BC coast, covered builds

Composite Decking

Modern wood-grain, uniform

$25–$45

/sq ft

25–50

None — soap and water

Low-maintenance lifestyles, rental cottages, busy homes

PVC Decking

Clean, contemporary, cool-touch

$30–$55

/sq ft

30–50

None — 100% moisture-immune

Poolside, waterfront, full-sun rooftops

Aluminum Decking

Industrial, minimal, clean lines

$35–$60

/sq ft

30–50

None — rust-proof, fireproof

Rooftop decks, fire-zone builds, modern architecture

Ipê & Exotic Hardwood

Premium, dense, rich chocolate-brown

$35–$60

/sq ft

40–75

Low — oil annually to keep colour

Heritage homes, luxury builds, multi-generation decks

● = heavy upkeep ●●●●● = none● = marginal ●●●●● = climate-immune

Pressure-Treated Wood

Traditional, rustic

Installed: $12–$20/sq ft
Lifespan: 15–20yr
Maintenance
Freeze-thaw

Tightest budget, DIY finishing, shorter-horizon builds

Western Red Cedar

Natural, warm, aromatic

Installed: $18–$28/sq ft
Lifespan: 15–25yr
Maintenance
Freeze-thaw

Natural beauty purists, BC coast, covered builds

Composite Decking

Modern wood-grain, uniform

Installed: $25–$45/sq ft
Lifespan: 25–50yr
Maintenance
Freeze-thaw

Low-maintenance lifestyles, rental cottages, busy homes

PVC Decking

Clean, contemporary, cool-touch

Installed: $30–$55/sq ft
Lifespan: 30–50yr
Maintenance
Freeze-thaw

Poolside, waterfront, full-sun rooftops

Aluminum Decking

Industrial, minimal, clean lines

Installed: $35–$60/sq ft
Lifespan: 30–50yr
Maintenance
Freeze-thaw

Rooftop decks, fire-zone builds, modern architecture

Ipê & Exotic Hardwood

Premium, dense, rich chocolate-brown

Installed: $35–$60/sq ft
Lifespan: 40–75yr
Maintenance
Freeze-thaw

Heritage homes, luxury builds, multi-generation decks

MATERIAL LIBRARY

Every Canadian deck material, side by side.

Fifteen boards rated for price, lifespan and how they hold up to Canadian winters.

01MATERIAL

Composite Decking

Composite decking costs $6–$18 per sq ft for materials in Canada Requires zero staining or sealing — just soap and water cleaning Lasts 25–50 years…

Pressure-Treated Wood Decking

Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable decking material at $2–$5 per sq ft for materials Total installed cost for a 300 sq ft deck…

Cedar Decking

Western Red Cedar costs $5–$12 per sq ft for materials — the mid-range option Naturally rot and insect resistant without chemical treatment Grown in…

PVC Decking

PVC decking costs $12–$22 per sq ft for materials — premium pricing for premium performance 100% synthetic — contains zero wood fibre, making it…

Deck Railings

Deck railings are legally required in Canada when the deck surface is 24" (600mm) or more above grade Minimum railing height: 42" (1070mm) — set by…

Deck Screws & Fasteners

Standard deck screws cost $0.05–$0.15 each — budget $150–$450 for a 300 sq ft deck Never use drywall screws or interior nails on a deck — they…

Deck Footings & Foundations

Deck footings must extend below the frost line — 4 to 6 feet deep in most of Canada Three main options: concrete sono tubes ($20–$50 each), helical…

Deck Skirting & Fascia

Deck skirting hides the underside of your deck — joists, posts, and stored items Material costs: $2–$15 per sq ft depending on material (lattice…

Deck Stairs & Stringers

Every raised deck needs stairs — required by building code for decks with a single exit point Ontario Building Code: maximum rise 7.75" (200mm)…

Deck Lighting

Deck lighting extends usable evening hours and improves safety on stairs and pathways Low-voltage LED systems (12V) are CSA-approved for DIY…

Ipê & Exotic Hardwood Decking

Ipê is the hardest and most durable decking wood — Janka rating of 3,680 (7x harder than cedar) Costs $15–$35 per sq ft for materials — the most…

Aluminum Decking

Aluminum decking costs $20–$45 per sq ft — the most expensive option but lasts 50+ years Completely fireproof (Class A) — the only decking material…

Deck Stain & Sealers

Wood decks in Canada need staining every 1–3 years depending on climate and product Oil-based stains penetrate deeper and last longer in harsh…

Post Caps & Accessories

Post caps protect railing posts from water infiltration and add decorative appeal Solar LED post caps cost $15–$60 each — provide free evening…

Pergolas & Shade Structures

Pergola costs range from $3,000 to $25,000 installed depending on size and material Available in wood, vinyl, aluminum, and steel — each with…

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