Material decision card
Composite Decking
Capped polymer boards over a treated frame. No sanding or sealing ever, but dark boards get uncomfortably hot in direct sun and the frame underneath is still wood.
Verified August 2026
Is composite decking worth it?
25–35 year service life
Best for: Humid and coastal decks you do not want to refinish. Maintenance is very low and durability rates 4/5.
Decision card
| Service life | 25–35 years |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Very low |
| Durability | 4 / 5 |
| DIY difficulty | 3 / 5 (5 = hardest) |
| Warranty | 25-50 year limited, fade and stain warranty separate |
| Relative installed cost | 145% of the typical job |
Climate suitability
Only the exposures that actually change this material's performance.
Handles well: Humidity
Handles well: Annual rainfall
Handles well: Coastal / salt-air exposure
Shortens its life: Cooling load / heat exposure
Shortens its life: Solar irradiance