How to Choose the Best Decking Material?

Thinking about adding a deck to your home? Great choice! A deck is more than just an outdoor platform—it’s a space for family barbecues, relaxing evenings, and making memories. But before you start building, there’s one big decision to make: what decking material should you use?

If you’re exploring decking options in Southwestern Ontario, you’ve probably come across a variety of materials. Maybe you love the classic charm of wood, or perhaps you’re drawn to the low-maintenance appeal of composite or PVC. Each option has its own advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your budget, climate, and personal preferences.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most popular decking materials—wood, composite, PVC, and aluminum—so you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. Let’s dive in!

Decking Material Option

Here’s a breakdown of the most common decking materials, their benefits, and what to consider before making your choice:

Wood Decking

Wood has been the go-to decking material for years. It’s natural, traditional, and has a timeless beauty that many homeowners love. However, it does require regular maintenance, such as sealing and staining, to keep it in top shape. Let’s look at the most popular types of wood decking:

Cedar Decking

Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, which makes it a solid choice for outdoor decks. However, it does require regular upkeep to maintain its rich colour and prevent weathering.

✅ Pros: Durable, naturally attractive, eco-friendly, and resistant to rot and insects.
❌ Cons: Prone to scratches, requires regular maintenance, and fades over time without proper care.

Pressure-Treated Wood

This is one of the most affordable decking options. Pressure-treated wood is chemically treated to resist insects and decay, making it a durable choice. However, it does require ongoing maintenance, and some people have concerns about the chemicals used in the treatment process.

✅ Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to work with, readily available, and insect-resistant.
❌ Cons: Requires staining/sealing, may warp or crack over time, and chemicals can be harmful if burned or cut without proper care.

Ipe Decking

Ipe is a tropical hardwood that’s incredibly dense and durable. It’s resistant to insects, water, fire, and rot—making it one of the toughest wood options. However, it comes with a high price tag and requires special tools for installation.

✅ Pros: Extremely strong, long-lasting (can last 40 to 75 years!), and resistant to damage.
❌ Cons: Expensive, difficult to install, and requires oil treatment to maintain colour.

You Might Be Interested In: How Long Does Wood Decking Last?

Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. It’s designed to mimic the look of wood but with much less maintenance. There are two types: capped (with a protective coating) and uncapped (without extra protection). Capped composite is more durable and resistant to the elements.

✅ Pros: Low maintenance, resistant to rot and insects, available in various colours and styles, eco-friendly, and long-lasting.
❌ Cons: Higher upfront cost, can fade over time, and may feel artificial compared to real wood.

PVC Decking

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is 100% plastic, making it incredibly resistant to water, mould, and insects. It’s a great choice for homeowners looking for a durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance option.

✅ Pros: Highly durable, resistant to moisture and pests, available in multiple colours, and lightweight.
❌ Cons: Expensive, can get hot in direct sunlight, and lacks the natural look of wood.

Aluminum Decking

Aluminum decking is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. While not as common as wood or composite, it’s an excellent option for those who want a durable, maintenance-free deck.

✅ Pros: Long lifespan, resistant to fire, water, and insects, and requires almost no maintenance.
❌ Cons: Expensive, limited style options, and can feel cold underfoot.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Decking Material

Now that we’ve covered the main decking options, here are a few things to consider when making your choice:

1. Climate & Weather Conditions
If you live in an area with heavy rain or humidity (like we do in Southwestern Ontario), composite, PVC, or aluminum might be the best choice since they resist moisture. If your area has harsh winters or extreme heat, these materials are also better suited for long-term durability.

2. Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, pressure-treated wood is the most cost-effective option upfront. However, if you’re thinking long-term, composite, PVC, or aluminum may be worth the investment since they require less maintenance and last longer.

3. Maintenance Preferences
Do you love DIY projects and don’t mind maintaining your deck? Wood might be a great option! But if you want a deck that requires little to no maintenance, composite, PVC, or aluminum are your best bets.

4. Aesthetic Appeal
Some people love the natural beauty of wood, while others prefer the variety of colours and styles available with composite and PVC. Think about what look best complements your home.

5. Longevity & Durability
If you want a deck that will last for decades with minimal maintenance, composite, PVC, or aluminum will outlast most wood options. However, Ipe wood decking is also an incredibly long-lasting choice.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best decking material for you depends on your needs, budget, and lifestyle. If you love the warmth and beauty of natural wood and don’t mind maintenance, wood is a great choice. If you’re looking for something durable and low-maintenance, composite, PVC, or aluminum are fantastic alternatives.

Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your long-term goals so you can enjoy your deck for years to come. If you have any questions or need help selecting the right decking material, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help!
Happy decking!