Composite vs. Wood Decking in the Pacific Northwest: Which Is Right for Your Home?
If you live anywhere between Marysville and Tacoma, your deck spends most of the year wet. Long rainy seasons, shady yards and mild temperatures are perfect conditions for moss, mildew and rot. That's why the decking material you choose matters more here than it does in drier parts of the country.
Here's how composite and wood compare for Puget Sound homes, so you can choose the right one for your budget and how much upkeep you want.
How our climate affects a deck
Most deck problems in Western Washington come from moisture that never fully dries out:
Rot in boards, stair treads and framing, especially where water sits
Moss and mildew on shaded boards, which also makes them slippery
Splintering and cupping as wood swells and dries over and over
Faded or peeling stain that needs regular attention
Any deck can last here if it's built and maintained well. The question is how much maintenance you're signing up for.
Wood decking
Cedar and pressure-treated lumber are the most common wood choices in our area.
Pros
Lower upfront cost than composite
A real wood look and feel that many homeowners love
Boards can be sanded and refinished
Cedar naturally resists rot and insects better than many other woods
Cons
Needs regular cleaning, plus re-staining or sealing every few years to stay protected
Can splinter, check and cup over time
Shaded areas are prone to moss and mildew
Skipping maintenance shortens the life of the boards
Wood is a good fit if you like the natural look, don't mind seasonal upkeep, or want to keep upfront costs down.
Composite decking
Composite boards are made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic. Most modern composite boards have a protective outer "cap" that resists moisture, stains and fading.
Pros
No sanding, staining or sealing
Resists rot and won't splinter
Holds its color well
Usually just needs occasional cleaning with soap and water
Cons
Higher upfront cost than most wood
Surface mildew can still form in shady, damp spots and needs washing off
Can't be sanded or refinished like wood
On a recent project in central Tacoma, we built a deck with Fiberon composite decking in Forest Brown. It runs from the house all the way to the family's outdoor pavilion and gives their kids a safe place to play. The warm brown color gives the look of wood without yearly staining. You can see another Fiberon deck in our Bellevue deck build.
Don't forget what's underneath
Composite boards don't protect the framing underneath. Joists, beams and posts are usually still wood, and in our climate they need to be built right:
Proper joist spacing for the decking you choose
Good drainage and airflow under the deck so moisture can escape
Correct flashing where the deck meets the house
Hardware and fasteners rated for outdoor use
If you're replacing an old deck, it's worth checking the framing before installing new boards. Putting new decking on tired framing is one of the most common mistakes we see. Our deck repair team can check it for you.
Quick comparison
Upfront cost: wood is lower; composite is higher
Ongoing upkeep: wood needs cleaning plus stain or sealer every few years; composite needs occasional cleaning
Rot and splinters: possible with wood if it isn't maintained; composite resists both
Look: wood is natural; composite is wood-look in many colors
Refinishing: wood can be sanded and re-stained; composite can't
Which should you choose?
Choose wood if you want the lowest upfront cost and don't mind regular maintenance.
Choose composite if you'd rather spend weekends using your deck instead of maintaining it, and you plan to stay in your home for years.
Still deciding? We're happy to walk through both options at your home and give you a clear, written quote for each. See more of our custom deck work.
Request your free deck estimate or call us at +1 (425) 754-3355. Elevated Renovations Inc is based in Kirkland and builds and repairs decks from Marysville to Tacoma. WA Lic. #ELEVARI750M3.
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