​We hear about all of the different types of surfacing available to us but it becomes confusing when deciding on which one.  But it's very similar to deciding on furniture or clothing.  It comes down to what you want versus the cost, PT at $10 psf installed, to up to $40 psf.

1. Pressure-Treated (PT) Wood
The most widely used decking material for valid reasons, approximately 75% of new decks will feature PT wood. There are not many variations in appearance and quality so selection and availability are of little worry.   

• Pros: PT will not stress the pocketbook nearly as much as the many other options available, it is durable against rot/insects, and the natural wood look is desirable.
• Cons: Unfortunately, PT requires moderately high maintenance with yearly cleaning, bi-yearly staining/sealing and even some sanding periodically, cracking, warping, splinters, and eventual deterioration after 25 to 30 years if looked after. 

2. Cedar and Redwood
These woods are valued higher than pressure treated and may be viewed as premium decking. Cedar is not treated and may be more desirable for that reason but its natural resistance to wood deterioration will happen, especially without protective care. 

• Pros: Natural beauty, rich color, and natural resistance to rot and insects.  ​
• Cons: High maintenance in that it needs regular staining and sealing to maintain lifespan and colour, softer and more susceptible to scratches than hardwoods. 

Let's start with one of the most important factors to consider: durability and maintenance. You want your deck to be able to withstand the elements and the wear and tear of regular use without requiring constant upkeep. Some materials, like wood, require regular sealing and staining to protect against rot and decay. Others, like composite decking, are virtually maintenance-free and only need occasional cleaning to look their best.

​Building a deck with a composite surface is the perfect way to create an outdoor living space that looks amazing and requires little to no maintenance. With traditional wood decks, be it cedar or pressure treated timber, the wood weathers, and ages fairly rapidly. To prevent this, you must apply oils and stains which help to keep the wood healthy and fresh looking. The process to apply stain to a weathered deck can be costly as there are many steps including cleaning, brightening, and sanding before any stain can even be applied. Over the lifespan of your deck, say 25-35 years, you would do this at least 5 or 6 times so you can imagine how the maintenance costs can start to add up.
 
Now if we consider using composite or pvc, yes there is a higher upfront cost, but over the course of 50 years (which is the warranty of many of the products that we, at King City Decks install!) those higher costs turn into long term savings.