Materials
Decking materials compared
What each material costs installed, how long it lasts in the Lower Mainland's wet climate, and what it costs to keep up. Click any material for the full picture.
| Material | Installed | Lifespan here | Upkeep | 10-year cost, 300 sq ft* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $35–65 per sq ft installed | About 15–20 years | Wash yearly, stain every 2–3 years About $300–800 a year | $13,500 – $27,500 |
| Western red cedar | $50–85 per sq ft installed | About 12–20 years | Oil or stain every 1–3 years About $300–700 a year | $18,000 – $32,500 |
| Composite decking | $60–100 per sq ft installed | About 25–30+ years | Wash once or twice a year About $0–200 a year | $18,000 – $32,000 |
| PVC decking | $75–120 per sq ft installed | About 30–50 years | Wash now and then About $0–150 a year | $22,500 – $37,500 |
| Vinyl membrane | $45–85 per sq ft new, $15–35 to re-cover | About 15–20 years | Wash, check seams and drains yearly About $0–200 a year | $13,500 – $27,500 |
*Rough budget: a 300 sq ft low deck at the installed price, plus 10 years of typical upkeep. Before railings, stairs, permits and GST. Vinyl is usually only chosen for decks over living space.
Pressure-treated wood
The budget choice and the frame under almost every deck. Needs staining every few years in our climate.
Pressure-treated wood details →Western red cedar
Warm colour and grain from a BC-grown wood. Looks great, but only lasts with regular oiling.
Western red cedar details →Composite decking
Capped composite boards that never need staining. The most popular upgrade on new Lower Mainland decks.
Composite decking details →PVC decking
Capped cellular PVC with no wood content. The most moisture-proof board, at the top of the price range.
PVC decking details →Vinyl membrane
A waterproof sheet over sloped plywood. The go-to for decks over living space and balconies.
Vinyl membrane details →Questions
Decking material questions
What is the best decking material for a wet climate?
For low upkeep in the rain, capped composite or PVC boards on a well-protected frame are the most popular choices. Pressure-treated and cedar work well too, but need cleaning and staining every few years. Decks over living space need a waterproof membrane such as vinyl.
How long do decks last in the Lower Mainland?
Roughly 15–20 years for pressure-treated decking, 12–20 for cedar, 25–30+ for composite, 30–50 for PVC and 15–20 for a vinyl membrane, depending on upkeep, shade and how well the frame was built.
Is composite cheaper than wood over time?
Often over 10 to 20 years. Composite costs more upfront but skips the staining wood needs every two or three years here. Our 10-year cost table shows the rough numbers for a 300 sq ft deck.
Not sure which material suits your deck?
Builders can recommend the right one for your exposure, budget and style. Compare up to 3 quotes.