Decking Materials · WA & OR
Both wood and composite decking look great and last long in Washington and Oregon. The right one depends on your budget, style, and how much upkeep you want to do. Wood is warm, natural, and less expensive upfront. Composite is low-maintenance, holds color, and lasts longer with almost no work. Northwest weather affects both. Cedar and redwood handle wet climates well but need sealing. Composite handles rain and sun without care. The choice comes down to what you value most. If you're weighing decking materials for Washington or Oregon, this guide breaks down the key differences. David LP Construction LLC has built decks across the Pacific Northwest for 15 years. We've installed both and know how they hold up here. Some clients love wood's look and don't mind maintenance. Others want a deck they can forget about. Below we compare cost, upkeep, look, and lifespan so you can pick with confidence.
Wood decks are cheaper upfront. Pressure-treated pine runs about $15 to $25 per square foot installed. Cedar and redwood cost $20 to $40. Composite starts higher at $30 to $60 per square foot installed. Premium brands push $70+. On a 300 sq ft deck, that's a difference of a few thousand dollars. But upkeep matters. Wood needs stain or seal every 2 to 3 years, adding $500 to $1,000 each time. Over 25 years, that's real money. Composite has almost no ongoing cost. Add cleaning once a year. Over the deck's life, composite can end up cheaper. If you're planning to stay in your home, do the long-term math. If you might sell in a few years, wood may be the smarter budget play.
This is the biggest split between the two. Wood needs regular care in the Northwest wet climate. Sealing or staining every 2 to 3 years keeps it looking good and prevents rot. Sanding and refinishing may be needed every 5 to 8 years for heavy-use decks. Loose boards and popped nails get more frequent with age. Composite needs almost nothing. Rinse it with a hose. Scrub stains with soap and water if they show up. No sanding, no sealing, no staining. Once a year, check the fasteners and clear debris from between boards. Both types benefit from good drainage under the deck. If maintenance isn't your thing, composite wins clearly here.
Wood costs less upfront but more over 25 years — do the long-term math.
Wood has a warmth and character composite can imitate but not match. Cedar and redwood age to silver-gray gracefully if you let them. Freshly stained wood looks rich and inviting. Every board has grain, knots, and personality. Composite has come a long way. Modern boards have wood-grain texture and multi-tone color that looks convincing from a few feet. Up close, you can still tell. Under bare feet, wood feels natural and cool. Composite gets warmer in sun — a real thing on hot Northwest summer days. Wood tends to feel slightly rougher, composite smoother. Both come in many colors and profiles now. If natural is your must-have, wood wins. If clean and consistent looks fit your style, composite delivers.
With maintenance, cedar and redwood decks last 20 to 30 years here. Pressure-treated pine runs about 15 to 25. Without care, wood decks last 10 to 15. Composite is rated for 25 to 30 years, and many brands offer 25-year warranties. Fasteners and framing under both types can outlast the boards. The freeze-thaw and constant rain of Washington and Oregon age wood faster than in dry climates. Composite doesn't care about the weather. UV fading is minor with modern composites. Wood needs sun and moisture protection to hit the top of its range. If you want a set-and-forget deck for a long time, composite is the safer bet in the wet Northwest.
Common questions about decking materials for Washington and Oregon homes.
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