Comparing Cost, Maintenance, and Long-Term Value
Choosing decking material is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when building a deck. The surface of your deck determines not only how it looks on day one—but how much maintenance you’ll perform, how long it lasts, and how it looks years from now.
In Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota, decking materials must withstand:
- Freeze–thaw cycles
- Snow and ice
- Moisture exposure
- Strong sun and UV exposure
- Large temperature swings
At Babb Custom Deck & Fence, our philosophy is simple:
We don’t focus on building the cheapest deck possible. We focus on building quality.
Let’s break down the major decking options and the real-world pros and cons of each.
1. Pressure-Treated Lumber (“Green Treat”)
Lowest Initial Cost — Highest Long-Term Trade-Off
Pressure-treated pine—commonly called Green Treat—is typically the least expensive decking material available.
Because the wood is chemically treated to resist insects and decay, it performs well structurally.
In fact:
We absolutely use pressure-treated lumber in deck framing.
You simply won’t see us use it as a finished product.
Pros
✔ Lowest upfront cost
✔ Readily available
✔ Works well for hidden structural framing
Cons
✘ Tendency to warp
✘ Twisting and movement over time
✘ Surface checking and cracking
✘ Splintering potential
✘ Requires ongoing staining and sealing
✘ Typically shorter appearance lifespan
Why We Won’t Use It for Decking
Anything looks good the day the builder packs up and leaves.
The question is:
How does it look in 5 years?
Pressure-treated decking frequently develops:
- Uneven boards
- Warping
- Twisting
- Cracking
- Rough surfaces
Think of it this way:
Pressure-treated decking is the McDonald’s cheeseburger of decking materials.
There are a lot of them sold.
But our goal isn’t as cheap as possible.
Our goal is quality.
2. Cedar Decking
Beautiful Natural Appearance with Moderate Maintenance
Cedar remains one of the most attractive natural wood decking options available.
We especially prefer Western Red Cedar due to its stability and natural characteristics.
Pros
✔ Beautiful natural appearance
✔ Rich grain and color variation
✔ Naturally resistant to insects and decay
✔ More stable than pressure-treated pine
✔ Cooler underfoot than many composites
Cons
✘ Requires maintenance and periodic staining
✘ Can weather to gray if left untreated
✘ Higher initial cost than pressure-treated lumber
✘ Still susceptible to natural movement over time
Long-Term Reality
Cedar ages much better than pressure-treated decking, but maintenance still matters.
Homeowners should expect:
- Periodic cleaning
- Re-staining or sealing
- Ongoing upkeep to preserve appearance
3. Composite Decking
Lower Maintenance with Excellent Long-Term Value
Composite decking combines wood fibers and recycled materials to create a low-maintenance alternative.
Products like Trex and other premium composites have become extremely popular—and for good reason.
Pros
✔ Minimal maintenance
✔ No staining or sealing required
✔ Resistant to rot and insects
✔ Consistent appearance
✔ Excellent color options
✔ Long lifespan
Cons
✘ Higher upfront investment
✘ Can become warmer in direct sunlight
✘ Lower-quality products may fade over time
Long-Term Reality
Composite usually costs more initially but often saves homeowners money over time through:
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Fewer repairs
- Longer life expectancy
4. PVC Decking
Premium Performance with the Highest Initial Investment
PVC decking is considered by many homeowners to be the premium end of low-maintenance decking.
Unlike composite, PVC contains no wood fibers.
Pros
✔ Extremely moisture resistant
✔ Very low maintenance
✔ Excellent resistance to staining and fading
✔ Lightweight material
✔ Performs exceptionally well around water and snow exposure
Cons
✘ Highest initial cost
✘ Appearance can feel slightly less natural to some homeowners
✘ Premium investment upfront
Long-Term Reality
PVC generally requires the least maintenance of all decking options.
For homeowners prioritizing long-term durability and convenience, it often becomes one of the strongest lifetime-value choices.
Cost vs Lifetime Cost
| Material | Initial Cost | Maintenance | Long-Term Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Treated | Low | High | Moderate to High |
| Cedar | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Composite | Higher | Low | Low |
| PVC | Highest | Very Low | Low |
The Mistake Many Homeowners Make
Many people compare materials using only the initial price.
But a better question is:
“What will this cost me over 10–20 years?”
Lower upfront costs can eventually mean:
- More maintenance
- More repairs
- Earlier replacement
Meanwhile, higher-quality materials often deliver:
- Better appearance
- Less work
- Better durability
Why Go with the Cheap When in the Long Run the Good Costs Less?
This is one of the ideas we come back to often.
The cheapest material is rarely the least expensive over the life of the project.
Sometimes spending more upfront means:
- Less frustration
- Less maintenance
- Better aesthetics
- Better long-term value
Our Approach at Babb Custom Deck & Fence
We use pressure-treated lumber where it belongs:
In the structure.
For the visible parts of your deck, we focus on materials designed for:
- Long-term appearance
- Durability
- Stability
- Performance in South Dakota weather
Because we’re not trying to build the cheapest deck.
We’re trying to build one you’ll still love years from now.
Ready to Explore Your Decking Options?
If you’re considering a new deck in Sioux Falls or the surrounding area, we’d be happy to walk through material options and help you decide what best fits your goals and budget.
Contact Babb Custom Deck & Fence today to start designing a deck built for long-term value and enjoyment.