Material decision card
Pressure-Treated Decking
Treated softwood boards. Half the material cost of composite, offset by sealing every 2-3 years and board replacement well before the frame gives out.
Verified August 2026
Is pressure-treated decking worth it?
10–20 year service life
Best for: Lowest-cost deck build. Maintenance is high and durability rates 2/5.
Decision card
| Service life | 10–20 years |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | High |
| Durability | 2 / 5 |
| DIY difficulty | 3 / 5 (5 = hardest) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime against rot on lumber only |
| Relative installed cost | 75% of the typical job |
Climate suitability
Only the exposures that actually change this material's performance.
Shortens its life: Humidity
Shortens its life: Annual rainfall
Shortens its life: Coastal / salt-air exposure
Shortens its life: Solar irradiance