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Composite vs. Wood vs. PVC Decking: Which Is Best?
Choosing your decking material is the most important decision in any deck project. It sets the look, the price, how much weekend maintenance you'll sign up for, and how long the deck will last. The three main options are wood, composite, and PVC — and within composite and PVC, brands like Trex, TimberTech, AZEK, and Fiberon. This guide compares them honestly so you can pick the right one. We stock all of these in our White Marsh showroom, so we see what holds up in Maryland's climate every day.
At-a-glance comparison
| Wood (PT/Cedar) | Composite | PVC / Polymer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Maintenance | High (stain/seal yearly) | Low (wash occasionally) | Lowest |
| Lifespan | 10–25 yrs | 25–30+ yrs | 30+ yrs |
| Moisture/rot resistance | Fair | Very good | Excellent |
| Heat underfoot | Coolest | Warmer | Warmer (lighter colors help) |
| Look & feel | Real wood | Wood-like, consistent | Uniform, modern |
| Warranty | None typical | 25–30 yrs common | 30–50 yrs common |
Wood decking: the traditional choice
Pressure-treated pine is the budget standard, and cedar offers a step up in natural beauty. Wood feels authentic, stays cooler underfoot, and costs the least to install. The catch is upkeep: in Maryland's humidity and sun, wood needs cleaning and re-staining or sealing every one to three years to prevent rot, splintering, warping, and graying. Wood is a good fit if you love the look, want the lowest entry price, and don't mind the ongoing care.
Composite decking: the popular all-rounder
Composite boards are made of wood fibers and recycled plastic, usually with a protective "cap." They resist rot, insects, fading, and staining, and never need sealing — just an occasional wash. They come in a wide range of wood-look colors and most carry 25–30 year warranties. The trade-off versus wood is a higher upfront cost and a slightly warmer surface in direct sun (lighter colors stay cooler). For the majority of Maryland homeowners, composite hits the sweet spot of looks, longevity, and low maintenance. Browse our composite decking selection.
PVC / polymer decking: maximum durability
PVC (and capped-polymer boards like AZEK) contain no wood at all, making them the most resistant to moisture, rot, and mold — ideal for poolside or ground-level decks. They're the lightest, longest-lasting, and lowest-maintenance option, often with 30–50 year warranties. They cost the most upfront and have a slightly more uniform look than premium composites, though modern PVC mimics real wood remarkably well. If you want the longest-lasting, most worry-free deck and the budget allows, PVC is the top tier.
Brand guide: Trex, TimberTech, AZEK & Fiberon
- Trex — the best-known composite brand, with a wide color range and strong value across good/better/best lines.
- TimberTech — premium capped composite and PVC lines known for realistic wood looks and excellent fade/stain resistance.
- AZEK — a leader in capped-polymer (PVC) decking; extremely durable, moisture-proof, and lightweight, with long warranties.
- Fiberon — well-regarded composite and PVC at competitive prices, with attractive multi-tonal colors.
The best way to choose is to see and feel the boards side by side. Visit our White Marsh showroom and our team will help you match a brand and line to your budget and look.
Not sure which decking is right for you?
See Trex, TimberTech, AZEK & Fiberon in person, or get a free estimate with material recommendations for your project.
Get My Free Estimate Request a Material QuoteHow to decide
Work backward from what matters most. If the lowest upfront price drives the decision and you'll keep up with staining, choose wood. If you want a beautiful deck you barely have to think about for decades, choose composite — the choice most of our customers make. If you want the best in durability and moisture resistance and the budget allows, choose PVC. And remember the lifetime math: a low upfront price on wood can be eaten up by years of stain and labor. For how these choices affect your total, see our Maryland deck cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is composite or PVC decking better?
PVC is more moisture-resistant, lighter, and slightly longer-lasting, while quality composite looks a touch more natural and costs less. Both are excellent, low-maintenance choices; PVC edges ahead for damp or poolside locations.
Does composite decking get too hot in summer?
Composite and PVC run warmer than wood in direct sun, but choosing lighter colors and allowing airflow keeps them comfortable. It's rarely an issue for shaded or partly shaded decks.
Which lasts longer, Trex or AZEK?
AZEK (PVC) typically carries a longer warranty and slightly better moisture resistance, while Trex offers strong value and a wide range of composite lines. Both last decades.
Is wood decking cheaper than composite?
Yes, upfront — but wood requires regular staining and sealing, so over 20+ years its total cost can match or exceed composite.
Creative Deck & Vinyl Products — Maryland's deck, fence & pergola experts since 1986. Showroom: 11101 Pulaski Highway, White Marsh, MD · 410-335-4095. Planning your project? Start with our complete guide to building a deck in Maryland.