Composite vs Wood Deck: Which Is Right for Your Montreal Home?
Choosing between composite and wood decking is the biggest decision you’ll make for your deck project. In Montreal’s climate — with freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and humid summers — the right material choice can mean the difference between a deck that lasts 15 years and one that lasts 30. Here’s the complete comparison to help you decide.
Cost Comparison: Composite vs Wood
- Pressure-treated wood: $25–$45/sqft installed. 200 sqft deck: $5,000–$9,000. 400 sqft deck: $10,000–$18,000.
- Cedar: $40–$65/sqft installed. 200 sqft deck: $8,000–$13,000. 400 sqft deck: $16,000–$26,000.
- Composite (basic): $45–$65/sqft installed. 200 sqft deck: $9,000–$13,000. 400 sqft deck: $18,000–$26,000.
- Composite (premium, Trex): $60–$85/sqft installed. 200 sqft deck: $12,000–$17,000. 400 sqft deck: $24,000–$34,000.
Composite costs 2–3x more upfront than pressure-treated wood. But the total cost of ownership tells a different story.
10-Year Cost of Ownership: Wood vs Composite
- Pressure-treated wood (200 sqft): $7,000 initial + $3,000 maintenance (staining × 10 years) + $500 repairs = $10,500 total
- Composite (200 sqft): $11,000 initial + $200 maintenance (occasional washing) + $0 repairs = $11,200 total
After 10 years, the cost difference nearly disappears. After 15 years, composite is cheaper.
Durability in Montreal’s Climate
- Pressure-treated wood: 15–20 years in Montreal. Freeze-thaw cycles cause warping and cracking. Requires annual staining to prevent rot. Splinters over time.
- Cedar: 20–25 years. Naturally rot-resistant but softer — dents and scratches easily. Needs sealing every 1–2 years.
- Composite: 25–30 years. Engineered for freeze-thaw resistance. Won’t warp, crack, or splinter. UV-resistant capstock prevents fading. No sealing or staining ever.
Maintenance Requirements
- Wood (annual): Power wash, sand rough spots, apply stain/sealer. Time: 1–2 weekends per year. Cost: $200–$500/year in materials.
- Composite (minimal): Soap and water wash once or twice a year. That’s it. No sanding, staining, or sealing. Time: 2–3 hours per year.
Appearance Over Time
- Wood — Year 1: Beautiful, natural grain. Year 5: Fading, grey patches if staining was missed. Year 10: Splinters, cracks, visible wear.
- Composite — Year 1: Clean, uniform look. Year 5: Same as year 1. Year 10: Same as year 1. Year 20: Slight fading on older generations; modern capped composite holds colour.
Environmental Impact
- Wood: Renewable resource. Pressure-treated wood uses chemical preservatives. Cedar is more eco-friendly but slower-growing.
- Composite: Made from recycled wood fibres and plastic (milk jugs, shopping bags). Keeps materials out of landfills. Not biodegradable at end of life, but many brands have take-back programs.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose pressure-treated wood if: You’re on a tight budget, you don’t mind annual maintenance, you’re planning to sell within 5 years, or you prefer the natural wood look and feel.
- Choose cedar if: You want natural wood beauty with less maintenance than pressure-treated, you’re willing to pay a premium for aesthetics, and you’re okay with a softer surface.
- Choose composite if: This is your forever home, you want zero maintenance, you have kids or pets (no splinters), you want consistent appearance for decades, or you’re building a large deck where maintenance would be a major chore.
FAQ: Composite vs Wood Decks
Does composite decking get hot in the sun?
Yes, composite can get hotter than wood in direct sun. Darker colours absorb more heat. If your deck gets full afternoon sun, choose a lighter colour or consider a pergola for shade.
Can composite decking be painted or stained?
No. Composite is colour-through and cannot be painted or stained. Choose your colour carefully — it’s permanent. This is actually an advantage: you never need to paint or stain it.
Is composite decking slippery in winter?
Composite can be slightly more slippery than wood when wet or icy. Many brands offer textured finishes for better grip. Using a plastic shovel (not metal) prevents scratching.
Get a Free Deck Consultation
Nael Construction installs both wood and composite decks across Montreal. We’ll help you choose the right material for your budget, lifestyle, and home. Contact us for a free estimate.
Related: Deck Cost Guide | Deck Builder Guide | Patio Construction