Natural wood
Pressure-treated wood
- Advantages: budget-friendly, widely available, and easy to work with
- Tradeoffs: needs regular cleaning, oiling, staining, or similar upkeep to help prevent cracking and moisture damage
- Best fit: more budget-conscious builds and more traditional deck styles
Larch
- Advantages: naturally more resistant to rot and pests than many basic softwood options
- Tradeoffs: can still crack and gray out over time if left untreated
- Best fit: cleaner, more natural-looking projects where somewhat lower maintenance is a goal
Composite decking
- Advantages: lower maintenance, good resistance to rot and insect damage, and available in many looks and colors
- Tradeoffs: usually costs more than many wood options and can feel hotter in direct sun
- Best fit: projects where low maintenance matters more than a traditional wood feel
Which one makes the most sense?
- If you want a classic wood look and do not mind ongoing upkeep, pressure-treated wood or larch may be a good fit.
- If you want less maintenance, composite decking is often the better choice.
Start with a material estimate
No matter what material you choose, the project is easier when the quantity estimate is realistic. Use the deck calculator to estimate decking and screw quantities before you buy materials.