From cost to maintenance and durability to look, selecting decking material is a delicate balancing act. Choosing what works for you depends on how you plan to use your outdoor space, the climate where you live and what you envision for your dream deck.

Wood

If you’re looking for a traditional wood deck, choose cedar or redwood over pressure-treated pine. These species are naturally rot-resistant and come in a wide range of colors and grain patterns. However, they require regular staining to preserve their color and prevent splinters. Even with proper maintenance, solid wood decks have a lifespan of about 15 years and are on the more expensive side.

Composite

A good choice if you’re looking for durable, low-maintenance decking material, capped composite is made from wood fibers that are coated with tough materials to resist scratches, stains and sun damage. This decking also has the advantage of being less likely to splinter and is a good choice if you have children or pets. Uncapped composites are also available and offer a natural wood appearance.

Hardwoods

If you’re looking for a long-lasting, gorgeous-looking deck, consider an exotic hardwood like ipe or garapa. These dense, beautiful species have a natural resistance to rot and insects but do need some upkeep to maintain their beauty. With a Janka hardness score of 3,680, ipe is one of the strongest and most durable natural woods for decking. Other options include tigerwood and cumaru, both of which have striking striped patterns.