You’ve decided it’s time to build a deck for your Michigan home, but now you’re faced with a big decision: what decking material should you choose? With so many options, like wood, composite, PVC, and stone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Pick the wrong one, and you could end up with costly maintenance, a surface that doesn’t hold up to Michigan weather, or a deck that simply doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we’ve helped Michigan homeowners choose decking materials for decades, guiding them through the trade-offs in cost, maintenance, appearance, and durability. We know that your deck isn’t just an outdoor floor; it’s a space where your family will gather for years, so the right choice matters.
In this guide, we’ll compare six decking materials, break down their pros and cons, and give you the tools to decide which option fits your home, your budget, and the way you live, so you can enjoy your outdoor space without regrets:
- Pressure-Treated Wood
- Cedar
- Composite Decking (e.g., Trex, TimberTech)
- PVC Decking
- Tanzite Stone Decking
- Exotic Hardwoods (e.g., Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru)
Header PC: Trex
1. Pressure-Treated Wood
PC: The Home Depot
Most pressure-treated lumber is southern yellow pine, but Douglas fir and spruce are also common. The wood is placed in a large sealed vat, where chemicals are forced deep into the fibers under high pressure to help resist rot and water absorption.
Remember: Not all pressure-treated lumber is created equal. Big-box store boards are often lower-grade than what you’ll find at a reputable lumber yard. Do your research and choose quality if you want the deck to last.
Pros:
- Real wood with an authentic look and feel
- Renewable resource
- Affordable upfront cost
Cons:
- Changes color, rots, and weathers over time
- Requires regular sealing and maintenance
- Susceptible to splinters
Best for:
Homeowners who want a traditional, natural wood deck with an authentic look at an affordable price, and don’t mind regular maintenance.
2. Cedar
PC: Russin
Cedar decking comes from naturally oil-rich softwood trees. Its higher oil content provides natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Because of the oils, it requires oil-based sealers for proper maintenance rather than acrylics.
Pros:
- Naturally insect- and rot-resistant
- Renewable resource
- Warm, natural appearance
Cons:
- Fades from golden-red to gray within a year
- Higher cost than pressure-treated wood
- Still requires regular upkeep to maintain color
Best for:
Those who want a beautiful, naturally rot-resistant wood with a warm appearance are willing to invest in upkeep to maintain its color and longevity.
3. Composite Decking (e.g., Trex, TimberTech)
PC: Trex
Composite decking is made by blending recycled wood fibers with recycled plastics (usually polyethylene or polypropylene). The wood-plastic composite is molded into planks that resist rot, splintering, and fading. It usually contains 90-95% recycled material.
Pros:
- Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
- Wide variety of colors and textures
- Resistant to splinters and warping
Cons:
- Heavier than PVC decking
- Can retain more heat in direct sunlight
- Higher upfront cost than wood
Best for:
Homeowners seeking low-maintenance decking that mimics wood grain and holds up well to Michigan’s weather without frequent sealing or staining.
4. PVC Decking
PC: TimberTech
PVC decking is made from polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic. Unlike composites, PVC decking is often 100% virgin (new) material, though some brands include recycled content. It’s lighter than composite, resists moisture and stains, and stays cooler in the sun.
Pros:
- Lightweight and cooler in the sun
- Excellent longevity
- High-quality wood grain textures are available
Cons:
- More expensive than composite
- Less recycled content
- More complex manufacturing process
Best for:
Those wanting a premium, lightweight decking option with a long lifespan and low heat retention, who are willing to pay more upfront.
5. Tanzite Stone Decking
This decking uses manufactured stone or paver systems installed over a deck frame to mimic an elevated stone patio. The material is dense and weather-resistant but heavy.
Pros:
- Unique, upscale aesthetic
- Excellent weather resistance
Cons:
- Heavy and requires careful structural planning
- Higher installation cost
Best for:
Those wanting a unique, upscale look with the durability of stone, and are willing to invest in the required structural support and higher cost.
6. Exotic Hardwoods (e.g., Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru)
PC: Archadeck
Exotic hardwoods like Ipe, Tigerwood, and Cumaru are dense tropical woods with tight grain structures that naturally resist water, insects, and decay. Their hardness makes them durable but challenging to work with, requiring pre-drilling and special saw blades.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability and natural beauty
- Resistant to bugs and rot
Cons:
- Expensive and often double the cost of Trex
- Requires pre-drilling and frequent blade changes to cut
- Fades without regular oiling
Best for:
Homeowners who want a premium, natural hardwood deck with unmatched durability and beauty, and are prepared for higher costs and some maintenance, like annual oiling.
How to Choose the Right Decking Material for Your Home
The “right” decking material isn’t the same for everyone. It comes down to how you use your space, your budget, and how much time you’re willing to spend on upkeep. Before you decide, think through these key questions:
1. How much maintenance are you willing to do?
If you enjoy seasonal staining and sealing, real wood like cedar or hardwoods can be rewarding. If you’d rather hose it off and be done, composites or PVC might be your best bet.
2. What are your investment goals, not just now, but long term?
Pressure-treated wood is cheaper up front, but you’ll spend more over time on upkeep and repairs. Higher-cost options like composite, PVC, or stone may cost more initially, but often save money in the long run.
3. What style fits your home and neighborhood?
Your deck should look like it belongs with your house. A modern home may suit sleek composites or PVC, while a rustic property might call for cedar or hardwoods.
4. How will the space be used?
A family deck that sees heavy traffic from kids, pets, and furniture will benefit from durable, scratch-resistant materials. For a quiet, low-use retreat, aesthetics might matter more than extreme durability.
5. What’s the climate impact?
In Michigan, snow, ice, and summer heat can test decking materials. Choose one that performs well in all seasons and won’t become dangerously hot or slippery.
Next Steps to Building or Remodeling Your Deck
Choosing the right decking material shapes not just how your deck looks, but how it performs, how long it lasts, and how much upkeep it needs.
You’ve learned the pros and cons of each option, from budget-friendly pressure-treated wood to low-maintenance composites, premium PVC, and specialty materials, so you can match your choice to your priorities.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we help Michigan homeowners navigate these decisions every day, ensuring your deck is beautiful, durable, and built for the way your family lives.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact us to see samples, compare options, and design a deck that will serve your home for years to come.
Now that you know more about decking materials for your Michigan outdoor living space, let’s explore how much composite decks cost, the top differences between Trex and wood decking, and Trex’s high-quality composite lines:
- How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
- Top 10 Differences Between Trex Composite and Wood Decking Material - Learn more about the basic yet essential differences between Trex composite and wood decking when choosing your deck’s materials.
- Comparing Trex Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance Composite Decking Lines - Explore our thorough comparison of Trex’s most common composite decking options, including cost, colors, and benefits.
