We’re starting to feel some spring-like weather in the St. Louis area and our phones are starting to ring as homeowners begin thinking about building or replacing a deck in 2026. Easter has been building decks in this region since your only two options were pressure-treated or cedar lumber.
But over the past three decades, composite decking has carved out a considerable share of the market. Still, some consumers have hesitation about composite decks that is built upon a foundation of outdated information. In this article, we will look at the five biggest myths surrounding composite decking today, and separate fact from fiction to help you make an informed decision.
Myth #1: Composite decks are much more expensive than wood.
This one is used to be true. But the advances in composite decking technology have dramatically driven down cost. Meanwhile, lumber costs have continued to climb. Today, you can build an entry level composite deck for roughly the same price as a wood deck.
Wood decks are also much more expensive to own over time. Cedar and pressure-treated decks need to be stained and sealed every two or three years to maintain their appearance and protect against the elements. Composite decks require no staining and no sealing for the lifetime of the deck. Wood will eventually always warp, split, and rot. These issues require ongoing monitoring and occasional repairs. By comparison, composite decks very rarely require that type of attention.
Finally, a pressure-treated wood deck has an average lifespan of 10-15 years, depending on care and maintenance. You can expect a composite deck to last 25-50 years, depending on the type of material you select. In fact, many manufacturers offer warranties that cover their decks for that same lifespan. It’s considerably more expensive to build a wood deck twice or three times than it is to build a composite deck once.
Myth #2: Maintaining a wood deck isn’t that big of a time commitment.
Talk to anyone you know who has owned a wood deck for a decade or longer. Pressure-treated wood decks require annual cleaning, regular sealing and staining, sanding down splinters, and constant condition monitoring. Composite decks? A little soap and water a couple of times per season, and you’re done.
Composite decks help ensure you spend more weekends enjoying your deck and less weekends working on it.
Myth #3: Wood is stronger than composite decking materials.
While traditional wood boards are thicker and heavier than composite decking, they’re also far more susceptible to all the environmental conditions that cause deterioration. Even perfectly maintained wood decks are going to absorb moisture. They expand and contract. They warp, crack, and split. And eventually, they rot.
Composite decking resists moisture and insects. It maintains its shape and color, and it doesn’t splinter. Here in the Midwest, where we endure cold and snow on one end of the seasonal spectrum and heat, UV exposure, and humidity on the other, the durability of a composite deck is the clear winner.
Myth #4: Wood decks look better than composite decks.
We can’t argue that a relatively new wood deck with a fresh layer of stain and sealant looks amazing. But within a year, wood decks (whether pressure-treated or cedar) start fading to a dull, gray color. Your wood deck may start to cup or crack, and stain almost always peels and wears unevenly.
Meanwhile, the appearance of composite decking has come a long way. Modern composite decking offers much more realistic grain patterns than it used to. There’s multi-tone color variation that mimics the appearance of real wood. Heat resistance has also improved over time, and manufacturers often offer fade and stain warranties.
The aesthetic gap that used to exist is between wood and composite decks has largely disappeared.
Myth #5: Homebuyers don’t care about what a deck is made of.
Buyers absolutely do care about maintenance. With the housing market becoming more competitive for sellers, buyers have more time and attention to pay to the details. Composite decks present as modern upgrades that require less maintenance and fewer future expenses. Wood decks signal additional costs and work in the future. And if your wood deck is showing any signs of aging, you may receive offers that are contingent on covering costs associated with a future replacement. The money you save now could come back to cost you more at closing.
The Bottom Line: Composite vs. Wood Deck Decision
There’s not a right or wrong choice to be made. Some homeowners simply prefer wood decks, and we still build some of the most beautiful and durable ones you’ll find in the St. Louis region. But composite decking has come a long way and has outgrown most of the stigmas that are sometimes still associated with it. If your hesitation is based on any of the misconceptions in this article, we want to make sure you’re fully informed on your options.
No matter what materials you choose, we’d love the opportunity to improve your outdoor environment this year. Reach out to schedule a free estimate and talk through your options fully with a member of the Easter team.
