What material should I use?

Composite

Pros:

-Longest lasting deck surface on the market.

-Lowest maintenance deck surface on the market.

-Multiple color options to choose from.

Cons:

-Labor intensive/expensive to install

-Highest cost material (although cedar is rapidly approaching this price point).

-although more scratch/damage resistant than wood, there is no fixing/sanding blemishes and the

plank would need to be replaced.

- Prone to getting too hot for bare feet, usually on south or west facing decks in direct sunlight.

Natural Cedar

Pros:

-Beautiful appearance from day one.

-Can be stained to a wide variety of colors.

-Naturally insect and rot resistant.

-Easy to repair

-less likely to twist, bow, or shrink than treated lumber.

- Easy/low-cost installation

Cons:

-Material is nearly as expensive as composite

-high maintenance: must be washed and stained after one year, then periodically washed and re-stained as needed thereafter.

-Not as long lasting as other materials, especially in north-facing, east-facing or shaded areas.

AC2 CedarTone Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pros:

-Attractive appearance from the start.

-Lower price than composite or cedar.

-No staining and sealing required for 3-4 years. Minimal maintenance thereafter.

-Easy/low-cost installation.

Cons:

-Material is installed wet, prone to shrinking, twisting, and bowing.

-Factory stain is IN the material, cannot be stained a lighter color.

Standard Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pros:

-Lower price than composite, cedar or CedarTone.

-No staining and sealing required for 3-4 years. Minimal maintenance thereafter.

-Can be stained any color after 1 year.

-Easy/low-cost installation.

Cons:

-Material is installed wet, prone to shrinking, twisting, and bowing.

- Not as attractive as composite, cedar,  or CedarTone.