You’re ready to install a new deck on your home. But which material is right for your project? Today’s deck builders use both wood and composite materials. Each of these offers a unique set of pros and cons surrounding cost, appearance, longevity, sustainability, and required maintenance. Below, you can learn more about each of these areas to make an educated decision on materials for your latest home project. The Costs of Composite vs. Wood Decks Cost is often the first factor that you’ll notice when you start to look into deck materials. In general, composite decks have a higher up-front price tag. However, it isn’t always as extreme as you might think. The cost of composite materials is fairly stable, while wood prices fluctuate often (especially in recent years). Hard or exotic woods are also priced higher than woods like pine, and may fall near or over the cost of composite boards. The longevity, which we’ll dive into in more detail below, is also important to keep in mind. Composite decks typically outlast wood decks