Composite vs. Wood Decks: Which Is Better for Maryland Homes?

This is the most common question we get from homeowners planning a new deck in Anne Arundel County: "Should I go with composite or wood?"

The honest answer is that both are excellent choices — but they serve different priorities. Here's a straightforward comparison based on what we've seen after building hundreds of decks in the Maryland area.

Cost Comparison

Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable option. Materials typically run $2–$5 per square foot for decking boards. For a 300-square-foot deck, you're looking at total installed costs of $9,000–$15,000 depending on height, railings, and complexity.

Composite decking (brands like Trex, TimberTech, or Azek) costs more upfront. Materials run $6–$12+ per square foot. That same 300-square-foot deck might cost $15,000–$25,000+ installed.

The important thing to remember: while wood costs less to build, it costs more to maintain over its lifetime.

Maintenance

This is where the two materials diverge dramatically.

Wood requires staining or sealing every 1–2 years to prevent graying, splintering, warping, and moisture damage. In Maryland's humid climate, skipping maintenance even one season can accelerate deterioration. You'll also need to periodically replace boards that split or warp.

Composite requires almost zero maintenance. An occasional wash with soap and water is all it needs. No staining, no sealing, no sanding, no replacing splintered boards. Over 20 years, the maintenance savings typically exceed the higher upfront cost.

Durability in Maryland's Climate

Maryland is tough on decks. We get:

• Hot, humid summers that promote mold and mildew
• Freeze-thaw cycles that stress fasteners and joints
• Heavy rain and occasional coastal storms
• Intense UV exposure in summer

Wood handles all of this fine when properly maintained, but it's a constant battle. Neglect leads to rot, especially in shaded areas where moisture lingers.

Composite is engineered to resist moisture, mold, UV fading, and insect damage. Modern composites come with 25-year or even lifetime warranties against structural failure and significant fading.

Appearance

This is subjective, but here's what we hear from homeowners:

Wood wins on natural warmth and character. A freshly stained cedar or redwood deck is hard to beat aesthetically. The trade-off is that it changes over time and requires effort to maintain that look.

Composite has come a long way. Premium composites feature realistic wood grain patterns and multi-tonal color variation that's genuinely attractive. They stay consistent-looking for decades, which some homeowners prefer and others find too uniform.

Lifespan

• Pressure-treated pine: 15–20 years with consistent maintenance
• Cedar: 20–25 years with maintenance
• Composite: 25–50 years with minimal care

Environmental Considerations

Most composite decking is made from recycled materials — wood fibers and recycled plastics. If sustainability matters to you, composite gets a nod here.

On the other hand, wood is a renewable natural material. Pressure-treated wood does contain chemical preservatives, but modern formulations are much safer than the old arsenic-based treatments.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Our Recommendation

Choose wood if: You're on a tighter budget, you love the natural look, and you're committed to regular maintenance. Pressure-treated pine is the value play. Cedar is the premium wood option.

Choose composite if: You want a build-it-and-forget-it deck, plan to stay in your home long-term, or simply don't want the hassle of annual staining. The higher upfront cost pays for itself in lower maintenance.

Either way, the most important factor is the structural build underneath. Joists, posts, ledger boards, and fasteners are what determine whether your deck is safe and level 20 years from now. We use the same quality framing methods regardless of the surface material you choose.