The Three Main Options
When clients come to me about a new deck, the first real decision is always material. The structure, the railing style, the lighting — all of that follows. But the decking surface itself sets the budget, the maintenance schedule, and what the space will feel and look like for the next twenty years.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable option and the workhorse of residential deck building. Treated with preservatives to resist rot and insects, it's rated for ground contact and performs well in Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles. The trade-off is maintenance. Pressure-treated decks should be cleaned and sealed every one to two years to prevent cracking, warping, and graying.
Cedar
Cedar is a premium natural wood option. It contains natural oils that resist rot and insects without chemical treatment, and it's significantly lighter and easier to work with than pressure-treated pine. Cedar has a warmth and character that composite materials struggle to replicate. It holds a stain or oil finish beautifully.
Composite Decking
Composite decking — made from wood fibre and recycled plastic — offers the lowest maintenance profile of the three. It won't rot, splinter, or need annual sealing. The colour holds reasonably well over time. The downsides are cost (roughly double pressure-treated at installation) and heat retention on sunny days.
The Bottom Line
Budget-conscious builds: pressure-treated. Premium natural aesthetic with some maintenance: cedar. Lowest long-term upkeep: composite. There's no universally right answer — only the right answer for your situation.