Pressure-treated wood, composite, and PVC are the three common deck board materials, and they trade off upfront cost against upkeep. A deck that is cheap to build but needs staining every few years can cost more over time than a deck that costs more at the start and needs little more than cleaning.
Summary: key takeaways
- Pressure-treated wood is the lowest-cost option on the calculator’s illustrative figures, but needs staining or sealing.
- Composite costs more upfront, is low maintenance, and is made to resist rot and insects without staining.
- PVC costs the most on those figures, is low maintenance, and resists moisture, rot, and staining.
- Board quantity depends on deck size, board width, gap, and a waste allowance, not on the material alone.
- Structure, footings, and local rules matter for every material; the board choice does not replace them.
Comparison table
Costs below are illustrative only, using the totals shown on the Deck Cost Calculator for a 10-foot by 10-foot deck. Lifespan descriptions are qualitative, because actual life depends on climate, installation, and maintenance.
| Material | Illustrative total for a 10 ft × 10 ft deck | Maintenance | Lifespan in general terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $4,000 | Regular staining or sealing, checks for rot and splinters | Moderate, shorter without maintenance |
| Composite | $6,000 | Low, mainly cleaning | Long, with little routine upkeep |
| PVC | $6,900 | Low, mainly cleaning | Long, with little routine upkeep |
Worked example: cost and boards
First, cost, using the Deck Cost Calculator’s figures for a 10-foot by 10-foot deck, an area of 100 square feet. The pressure-treated total is $4,000, made up of $1,400 of material at $14 per square foot plus $2,600 of labour, which is 1,400 + 2,600 = 4,000. The same deck is shown at $6,000 for composite and $6,900 for PVC on the calculator’s illustrative basis. Staining a wood deck can be planned with the Deck Stain Calculator.
Second, boards, using the Deck Board Calculator for a 12-foot by 16-foot deck with 5.5-inch boards and a 0.25-inch gap:
- Deck width across the boards: 12 feet = 144 inches.
- Board plus gap: 5.5 + 0.25 = 5.75 inches, so 144 ÷ 5.75 = 25.04, rounded up to 26 rows.
- Total board length: 26 × 16 feet = 416 feet.
- With a 10% waste allowance: 416 × 1.10 = 457.6 feet.
- Boards needed, in 16-foot lengths: 457.6 ÷ 16 = 28.6, rounded up to 29 boards.
Frequently asked questions
Does composite never need maintenance? No. Composite needs less routine work than wood and does not need staining, but it still needs cleaning and checks, and it can stain or fade depending on the product and conditions.
Is PVC the same as composite? No. Composite boards combine wood fibre and plastic, while PVC boards are plastic only. They differ in feel, weight, and how they handle heat, so check the manufacturer’s guidance for each.
Can I use the same framing for any board? Not automatically. Board type, span, and joist spacing must suit the product, so confirm the framing specification before ordering boards.
How do I estimate stain for a wood deck? Enter the deck area and coats in the Deck Stain Calculator, and follow the stain product’s coverage and preparation instructions.
Planning-only disclaimer: This guide is for planning only, and all costs are illustrative only. Confirm board, framing, footing, and local requirements, and get a written quote for your site, before building or ordering a deck.