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.