Deck · updated 2026
Composite vs Wood Deck Cost — 15-Year Comparison
The composite-vs-wood question isn't about upfront price — wood always wins that — it's about what 15 years of staining, sealing, and board replacements actually cost. This calculator prices both options installed, then adds wood's real maintenance cycle (restain every 2 years at $2.50/sq ft) over a 15-year horizon so you can compare lifetime totals honestly. Spoiler from the defaults: the totals land close, which means you're buying freedom from maintenance weekends, not necessarily saving money.
Pressure-treated, installed: typically $15–$25/sq ft
Installed: typically $30–$45/sq ft
Clean + stain every 2 years; pro job on 300 sq ft runs ~$750
Show the math
Wood installed = 300.0 × $20/sq ft = $6000.0
Maintenance cycles = ⌊15 ÷ 2⌋ = 7
Wood maintenance = 7 × $2.50/sq ft × 300.0 = $5250.0
Wood total = $6000.0 + $5250.0 = $11250.0
Composite installed = 300.0 × $38/sq ft = $11400.0
Composite upkeep (soap-and-water) ≈ $500 over 15 years → Composite total = $11900.0
What the numbers mean
The calculator converts your measurements into a practical purchase quantity using a documented coverage or spacing assumption.
Any whole-unit quantity is rounded up so the result does not leave you short during the project.
Use the cost range as a planning baseline and confirm the final quantity, availability, and delivery charge with your local supplier.
2026 material prices
| Material | 2026 average price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated deck, installed | $15.00 – $25.00 / sq ft | Materials + labor |
| Composite deck, installed | $30.00 – $45.00 / sq ft | Materials + labor |
| Pro deck staining, per cycle | $1.50 – $3.00 / sq ft per cycle | Every 2–3 years for wood |
Material prices: Wave 1 Batch 2 2026 national-average guide, Sep 2026. Local prices vary. 2026 U.S. national averages. Prices vary by region and retailer — confirm locally before buying.
Pro tips
- The honest 15-year math: wood's maintenance nearly erases its upfront advantage — the decision is about weekends, not just dollars.
- Past year 15, composite pulls ahead clearly: a wood deck often needs redecking (~$6,000 on 300 sq ft) while composite runs 25–30 years.
- If you'll DIY the staining, cut the maintenance figure in half — your labor is free, but be honest about whether you'll actually do it.
- Composite runs hotter underfoot; light colors and shaded layouts matter if the deck faces south or west.
- Don't compare builder-grade composite to premium cedar — compare mid-grade to mid-grade, or the numbers lie.
- On a 300 sq ft deck the 15-year totals land within about $650 of each other — you're buying freedom from staining, not a bargain.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Composite vs wood deck cost over 15 years (300 sq ft)?
Wood: $6,000 installed + 7 stain cycles × $2.50 × 300 = $11,250. Composite: $11,400 installed + ~$500 upkeep = $11,900.
When does composite break even?
Around year 15 at default prices — and sooner if wood maintenance runs high or the deck needs redecking.
What's the upfront difference?
$6,000 (wood) vs $11,400 (composite) on 300 sq ft — composite costs nearly double on day one.
How often does a wood deck need staining?
Every 2–3 years; skip it and you get graying, splinters, and eventually rot.
How long does each last?
Pressure-treated 10–15 years, composite 25–30 — the lifespan gap is composite’s real financial edge.
Does composite get hot?
Yes — darker boards can be uncomfortable barefoot in full sun; choose light colors for sunny exposures.
Related calculators
Planning estimates only. Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages and vary by region — confirm with your local supplier before buying.