We get asked this more than any other question: “Is composite actually worth it, or is wood still the better choice?” The honest answer: in BC, the math almost always favours composite. But “almost always” isn’t the same as “always.” Here’s the real comparison — not the version that tries to sell you the most expensive product, but the version that helps you make the right call for your situation.
What Wood Are We Actually Comparing?
“Wood deck” usually means one of two things in Metro Vancouver: Cedar — the traditional BC deck material. Naturally rot-resistant, beautiful when new, genuinely warm underfoot. Read our full post on cedar decking in Vancouver.
Pressure-treated lumber — treated pine or fir, rated for ground contact and moisture exposure. We covered both options in detail in our cedar vs. pressure-treated decking post.
Year 1: Wood Wins on Upfront Cost
There’s no argument here. Cedar decking costs less per board than mid-tier composite. If budget is the only factor, wood wins Year 1.
Years 3–5: The Maintenance Gap Starts
Cedar maintenance: clean and apply oil or stain before end of each season. By year 5, a more aggressive sand and inspection. Each stain application costs money and a full day’s work. Or you hire someone — which adds up fast on a 300 sq ft deck.
Composite maintenance: sweep. Hose down. That’s it. The time cost is real. A homeowner who stains their own cedar deck every two years isn’t “saving money” — they’re trading their weekend for a cost avoidance that composite eliminates entirely.
Years 10–15: The Replacement Question
Cedar decks in BC, properly maintained, last 15–20 years before needing full re-decking. Cedar that’s been neglected — even briefly — can show serious rot in the joists and posts by year 10. We pull up cedar decks every week and find rot that wasn’t visible from above.
Read our post on 7 signs your deck needs replacement — most of those signs apply specifically to wood decks.
TimberTech composite comes with a 25-year warranty on the board itself. A composite deck built today should be your last surface. A cedar deck almost certainly won’t be.
For a detailed cost breakdown of new deck builds, see our deck cost guide and our deck renovation ROI guide.
When Wood Still Makes Sense
- Heritage homes or specific architectural styles where composite looks out of place
- Short-term ownership — if you’re selling in 3–5 years, a fresh cedar deck can be just as appealing to buyers at lower cost
- Budget constraints — a cedar deck is infinitely better than no deck
We install wood decks when it’s the right call for the project. This isn’t a composite sales pitch — it’s an honest assessment.
Our Honest Recommendation for Most BC Homeowners
If you’re building a deck in Delta, Tsawwassen, or Ladner and plan to stay in your home for more than 5 years: composite. The upfront premium pays for itself within a decade in maintenance savings alone, and you end up with a better-looking, longer-lasting deck with no annual maintenance obligation.
TimberTech is the brand we install most — see why here.
We build in Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner, and across Metro Vancouver.
Follow our builds on Instagram and Facebook — every post includes material callouts.
