The material you choose for your deck or outdoor project will determine how it looks, how long it lasts, and how much time and money you spend maintaining it.
Outdoor projects are a significant investment—and in the Pacific Northwest, they’re put to the test every single year. Rain, moisture, UV exposure, and temperature swings separate quality materials from ones that look great on day one and deteriorate within a few seasons. Before you commit to a direction, it’s worth understanding what your options actually are, what each one demands of you as a homeowner, and which one makes the most sense for your project, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is the most common and most affordable decking material on the market. It’s widely available, easy to work with, and when properly maintained, can last 15 to 20 years. The tradeoff is that it requires consistent upkeep—sealing or staining every one to two years to prevent moisture absorption, cracking, and graying. In Seattle’s climate, a pressure-treated deck that isn’t maintained will show its age quickly.
It’s worth noting that pressure-treated lumber is almost always the right choice for the subframe beneath your deck—regardless of what surface material you choose. Its resistance to ground contact, moisture, and insects makes it the standard for structural framing, even on composite or hardwood deck builds.
Cedar and Redwood
Cedar and redwood are the premium end of natural wood decking. Both species contain natural oils that provide inherent resistance to moisture, insects, and decay—making them better suited for wet climates than pressure-treated pine. They’re also beautiful, with warm tones and natural grain patterns that are difficult to replicate with engineered materials.
The catch is cost and maintenance. Cedar and redwood are significantly more expensive than pressure-treated lumber, and they still require regular sealing and staining to preserve their appearance and longevity. Left unfinished in a wet climate, even cedar will gray, crack, and deteriorate over time. For homeowners who love the look of natural wood and are committed to maintaining it, cedar or redwood is a worthy investment. For those who want low maintenance above all else, there are better options.
Composite Decking
Composite decking has become the most popular choice for Pacific Northwest homeowners—and for good reason. Engineered from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics, composite boards resist moisture, fading, staining, and insect damage without the ongoing maintenance that natural wood demands. There’s no sealing, no staining, and no annual treatment—an occasional rinse is typically all it takes to keep a composite deck looking sharp.
Quality composite decking carries lifespans of 25 to 30 years, and most leading manufacturers back their products with long-term warranties. The upfront cost is higher than wood, but when you factor in the elimination of ongoing maintenance costs and the extended lifespan, composite frequently comes out ahead over the life of the deck. For a climate like Seattle’s, it’s hard to make a case against it.
PVC Decking
PVC decking takes the moisture resistance of composite a step further. Made entirely from cellular PVC with no wood content, it is completely impervious to moisture, rot, and insects. It won’t absorb water under any circumstances, making it particularly well-suited for covered decks, rooftop applications, or any structure where standing water is a concern.
PVC is among the most expensive decking options available, and some homeowners find it feels less natural underfoot than composite or wood. However, for the right application—particularly where moisture exposure is extreme—it offers performance that nothing else can match.
Hardwood Decking
Exotic hardwoods like Ipe, Tigerwood, and Cumaru are among the most durable and visually striking decking materials available. Naturally dense and resistant to moisture, insects, and fire, quality hardwood decks can last 40 years or more when properly maintained. The finished look is exceptional—rich, deep tones and tight grain patterns that age beautifully.
The tradeoffs are significant. Hardwood decking is expensive, difficult to work with, and requires specific fastening systems due to its density. Maintenance, while less frequent than softer woods, still involves periodic oiling to preserve color and prevent surface checking. Sourcing matters too—look for FSC-certified hardwoods to ensure the material is responsibly harvested. For homeowners who want the absolute best and are willing to invest accordingly, hardwood is hard to beat.
Concrete and Pavers
For ground-level patios and outdoor entertaining areas, concrete and pavers offer durability and design flexibility that wood and composite can’t match. Concrete can be poured, stamped, stained, and finished in countless ways to complement the home’s exterior. Pavers offer a modular, customizable look with the added benefit of being repairable—individual units can be replaced without disturbing the surrounding surface.
Neither concrete nor pavers require the same level of ongoing maintenance as wood decking, though concrete can crack over time and pavers may shift or settle if the base isn’t properly prepared. Both are excellent long-term choices for patios, walkways, and outdoor living spaces when installed correctly.
How to Choose the Right Material for Your Project
There’s no single right answer—the best material depends on your specific project, your climate exposure, your maintenance tolerance, and your budget. A few questions worth working through before you decide:
- How much direct rain and moisture exposure will the surface see?
- Are you willing to commit to annual or biannual maintenance?
- What is the intended lifespan of the project?
- Does the material need to match or complement existing exterior finishes?
- What is your total budget, including long-term maintenance costs?
Get It Right From the Start
Material selection is one of the most consequential decisions in any outdoor project—and it’s one worth making carefully. At Washington Construction, we help homeowners think through the full picture before any material is ordered or any work begins. The right choice depends on your specific site conditions, your goals, and how you plan to use the space. We bring that perspective to every project we build—so the finished result not only looks the way you imagined, but holds up the way it should for years to come.