Deck Guide
Composite vs Pressure-Treated Decking: Cost and Upkeep
By Dioclecio Gomes, Founder & Owner3 min readUpdated October 2, 2026
In This Guide
Pressure-treated wood costs less up front, and composite costs less to maintain. In Massachusetts, a 300 square foot deck runs $11,000 to $17,000 in pressure-treated wood and $18,000 to $26,000 in composite. Decks.com, which is owned by Trex, estimates wood upkeep at about $115 a year against $10 for composite.
Composite vs pressure-treated decking is a choice between a lower price now and lower upkeep later. The figures below come from Decks.com, which is owned by composite maker Trex, Trex itself and Bob Vila, plus our own pricing. Because two of those sources sell composite, read their upkeep and lifespan claims as the maker's view.
Which Costs More Up Front?
Composite. Our installed pricing for a 300 square foot deck is $11,000 to $17,000 in pressure-treated wood against $18,000 to $26,000 in composite, or $35 to $55 per square foot against $60 to $85. Decks.com compares decking boards alone for a 16 by 20 foot deck at $1,280 to $1,600 for pressure-treated and $2,900 to $3,100 for Trex Enhance Basics.
| Pressure-treated | Composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, 300 sq ft (ours) | $11,000 to $17,000 | $18,000 to $26,000 |
| Installed, per sq ft (ours) | $35 to $55 | $60 to $85 |
| Upkeep per year (Decks.com) | About $115 | About $10 |
| Sanding, staining, sealing | Every few years | Not needed |
| Lifespan (Decks.com) | 15 years and beyond if well cared for | 25 to 50 year warranty |
Which Needs Less Upkeep?
Composite. Decks.com says it needs only a semi-annual light pressure wash and no sanding, sealing or staining, while wood needs some form of sanding, cleaning, staining and sealing every few years. Trex says its boards do not need seasonal painting, sealing or staining. Our pressure-treated option is the most affordable, but it needs periodic staining.
Which Lasts Longer?
Composite, according to the manufacturers. Decks.com cites a 25 to 50 year warranty on composite and says a well-cared-for wood deck could last 15 years and beyond. Trex says its boards will not rot, splinter or crack, and Decks.com notes wood can grow mold, rot, crack and warp. Warranty length is not the same as expected life, so ask what the warranty covers.
Choosing a decking material?
We bring samples, measure your site and give you a written price for each option.
Get a Free Deck EstimateWhich Costs Less Over 25 Years?
It depends on how you value upkeep. Decks.com puts wood upkeep at $115 a year, or $2,875 over 25 years, against $10 a year for composite. On our pricing, a 300 square foot composite deck costs about $7,000 to $9,000 more up front, so the upkeep savings narrow the gap but may not close it, and that is before counting your own time and the annual cost of stain.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose pressure-treated if you want the lowest price and do not mind staining. Choose composite if you want a deck you rarely have to work on. For a cost breakdown including permits and railings, see our deck cost guide.
The Bottom Line
Pressure-treated costs less now and needs staining, and composite costs about $7,000 to $9,000 more on a 300 square foot deck but needs almost no upkeep. We build both. Get a Free Deck Estimate
FAQ
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
It can be if you value low upkeep. Decks.com estimates $10 a year for composite against about $115 for wood, but as a Trex company it sells composite, so weigh that. On our prices composite costs about $7,000 to $9,000 more for a 300 square foot deck.
How long does a pressure-treated deck last?
Decks.com says a well-cared-for wood deck could last 15 years and beyond. Regular cleaning and staining are what get it there.
Does composite decking fade?
Trex says its decking will not fade or stain. Decks.com notes the product warranty limits fade to no more than 5 Delta E units. Treat both as manufacturer claims.