The Price Tag You See vs the Price You Actually Pay
Every decking conversation starts the same way: "Composite is too expensive." And on day one, that's technically true. Pressure-treated (PT) lumber costs a fraction of composite at the register. But decking isn't a one-day purchase — it's a 10-, 15-, or 20-year commitment. When you factor in maintenance, repairs, and your own time, the math shifts dramatically.
This guide uses real 2026 pricing from major lumber suppliers and home centers to give you an honest total-cost-of-ownership comparison.
Upfront Material Costs (2026 Market Pricing)
Pressure-Treated Lumber
- •5/4x6 decking boards: $1.80–$3.50 per linear foot depending on grade and region
- •Per square foot installed: $2.00–$4.00 (materials only)
- •Framing lumber (2x8, 2x10): $0.55–$0.85 per linear foot
PT lumber pricing has stabilized since the post-pandemic spikes, but prices still vary significantly by region. Southern states with nearby treatment plants tend to run 15–20% cheaper than the Northeast or West Coast.
Composite Decking
- •Entry-level (uncapped): $3.50–$5.00 per square foot
- •Mid-range (capped): $5.50–$8.00 per square foot
- •Premium (capped, enhanced grain): $8.00–$12.00 per square foot
- •Hidden fastener systems: Add $0.75–$1.50 per square foot
Note that composite decking still requires pressure-treated lumber for the substructure — joists, beams, and posts must be real wood or steel. So your framing costs are identical regardless of decking material.
The Hidden Costs of Pressure-Treated Decking
Here's where the sticker-price comparison falls apart.
Staining and Sealing
PT lumber needs staining or sealing every 1–2 years to prevent graying, splintering, and moisture damage. Here's what that costs:
- •DIY stain + supplies: $1.00–$1.50 per square foot per application
- •Professional staining: $2.00–$3.50 per square foot per application
- •Time investment (DIY): A 300 sq ft deck takes 8–12 hours including prep, cleaning, and two coats
Over 10 years with biennial staining, that's 5 applications. For a 300 sq ft deck done DIY, you're looking at $1,500–$2,250 in materials alone, plus 40–60 hours of your weekends.
Board Replacement
PT boards split, warp, and cup over time — especially in climates with freeze-thaw cycles or high humidity. Budget for replacing 10–15% of your deck boards over a 10-year span:
- •Replacement boards + fasteners: $150–$400 for a 300 sq ft deck
- •Labor or time: 4–8 hours for a partial board swap
Power Washing
Annual power washing keeps PT decks safe and presentable. Rental or ownership of a pressure washer plus cleaning solution runs $50–$100 per year, or $150–$300 per session if you hire it out.
The Hidden Costs of Composite Decking
Composite isn't cost-free after installation, but it comes close.
Maintenance
Capped composite decking needs periodic cleaning with soap and water or a composite deck cleaner. No staining, no sealing. Cost per year: $20–$40 in cleaning supplies, plus an hour or two of time.
Potential Issues
- •Scratching: Heavy furniture can scratch composite surfaces. Furniture pads ($10–$20) prevent this.
- •Color fading: Modern capped composites resist fading well, but some lightening over 10+ years is normal. This is cosmetic, not structural.
- •Mold on surface: In shady, humid areas, surface mold can appear. It washes off easily — it doesn't penetrate capped boards the way it infiltrates wood grain.
10-Year Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
Here's the math for a typical 300 sq ft deck:
Pressure-Treated Pine
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials (decking + framing) | $1,200–$2,400 |
| Initial stain/seal | $300–$450 |
| Biennial staining (5 cycles) | $1,500–$2,250 |
| Board replacements | $150–$400 |
| Annual cleaning | $500–$1,000 |
| 10-Year Total | $3,650–$6,500 |
Mid-Range Capped Composite
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials (decking + framing) | $3,000–$5,400 |
| Hidden fasteners | $225–$450 |
| Annual cleaning | $200–$400 |
| 10-Year Total | $3,425–$6,250 |
The crossover point typically hits around year 5–7. After that, composite pulls ahead and the gap widens every year.
What About the Value of Your Time?
This is the factor most comparisons ignore. If you earn $30/hour and spend 12 hours per year maintaining a PT deck, that's $360 in opportunity cost — or $3,600 over 10 years. Composite maintenance takes maybe 2 hours per year. The time savings alone can justify the upfront premium for many homeowners.
When Pressure-Treated Makes More Sense
- •Tight upfront budget: If you can't float the higher initial cost, PT gets you a functional deck now.
- •Temporary or short-term use: Planning to sell within 3–5 years? PT's lower upfront cost may be the smarter play.
- •You enjoy the maintenance ritual: Some homeowners genuinely like the annual staining process. No judgment.
- •Ground-level decks: Low-to-grade decks are easier to maintain, and board replacement is simpler.
When Composite Makes More Sense
- •Long-term ownership: Staying 7+ years? Composite almost always wins on total cost.
- •Elevated or hard-to-access decks: Staining a second-story deck is miserable and potentially dangerous. Composite eliminates the need.
- •Rental properties: Tenants won't maintain a wood deck. Composite survives neglect.
- •Hot climates: Modern composites handle heat better than early generations, and you'll never deal with splintering on bare feet.
The Bottom Line
Don't let the sticker price make the decision for you. Run the 10-year numbers for your specific situation — your deck size, your climate, your maintenance tolerance, and how long you plan to stay in your home. For many homeowners, composite decking is the cheaper choice over the life of the deck. You just pay more of it upfront.