Natural Wood
Advantages: Beautiful; age gracefully if well maintained; lower cost than other materials; may be refinished as needed; easy to paint or stain
Disadvantages: Requires annual maintenance & sealing every year or so; lower on initial cost; higher than composites long term; softer woods deteriorate relatively quickly; may split, crack, splinter or warp; depending on wood, may not be pest resistant; may use old growth wood or not be sustainably harvested
Composites
Advantages: Durable; low maintenance; some are paintable/stainable; doesn’t splinter, split or warp; moisture, pest & rot resistant; may use environmentally safe technology to produce green product; works up pretty much like real wood; recycled material doesn’t end up in landfills
Disadvantage: More expensive than wood; not as strong as wood and will require closer joist spacing; often specifies pressure-treated wood for structural support; deck will only last as long as wood supports will hold up, regardless of warranty; cannot be refinished; environmental claims not confirmed
Plastics & Vinyl
Advantages: Similar to other composites in terms of maintenance
Disadvantages: Lacks structural strength, so horizontal members may sag; UVV radiation may cause brittleness that can lead to breakage; tends to expand at higher temperatures
Aluminum
Advantages: Attractive; easy to clean
Disadvantages: Attracts dirt; expensive; may dent
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