Wood vs. composite
“Should I go wood or composite?”
It's the first real decision on almost every deck project — and there's no single right answer, only the right answer for your budget and how much upkeep you want to sign up for. Here's the honest trade-off, the same one Sean walks through with you on site.
The short version
Wood costs less to build. Composite costs less to own. The right pick is about you, not the boards.
As a Trex Pro certified installer, Alexander & Sons builds beautiful decks in both — and we'll never push you toward the more expensive option just because it's there. The four things worth weighing are below.
Up-front cost
Pressure-treated wood is the friendlier price to build — it is why a lot of great-looking decks start there. Composite costs more per board up front, but rolls a lot of the maintenance and future replacement cost into the first invoice. We give you both numbers honestly so you can decide with the whole picture in front of you.
Maintenance
This is where the two really part ways. Natural wood wants cleaning and re-staining or sealing every year or two to hold its color and keep it protected against Carolina sun and rain. Composite asks for little more than an occasional rinse — no annual staining, no sealing.
Look & feel
Wood gives you that warm, traditional grain and can be stained to almost any tone — and it weathers to a silvery gray if you let it. Composite comes in consistent, engineered colors and grain patterns that stay put, and pairs cleanly with black metal or composite railings for a more modern line.
Longevity
A well-built and well-maintained wood deck lasts many years; the trade is the upkeep. Trex and other composite boards resist fading, staining, scratching and rot and carry long manufacturer warranties, so they hold their day-one look for decades with far less work.
How Sean helps you choose
At the free on-site estimate, Sean looks at your yard, how you'll use the deck and what you want to spend, then gives you a straight recommendation and a price for each way. Some backyards are made for the warmth of wood; others are worth the composite upgrade for the low maintenance. Either way, three generations of carpentry go into building it right.
General guidance only — the best choice depends on your yard, budget and how you plan to use the space.
Still on the fence?
Tell us your backyard and roughly what you're picturing — we'll give you an honest read on wood versus composite, with a price for each, before you commit to anything.