Quick Comparison
| Feature | Pressure‑Treated Pine | Redwood/Cedar | Composite (Trex, TimberTech, AZEK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up‑Front Cost* | $25–$35 / sq ft installed | $35–$45 / sq ft installed | $50–$70 / sq ft installed |
| Lifespan | 10–15 yrs | 15–20 yrs | 25–30 yrs |
| Annual Maintenance | Stain/seal every 1–2 yrs | Stain/seal every 2–3 yrs | Soap‑and‑water wash |
| Fade & Stain Resistance | Moderate | Good | Excellent (25‑yr fade warranty) |
| Colorado UV Durability | Fair (may crack) | Good | Excellent |
| Hail & Impact | Dents; easy board swap | Light dents | Rare dents; harder to replace board |
| Sustainability | Southern yellow pine, chemical treatment | Renewable but old‑growth scarce | 95% recycled plastic & wood flour |
| Resale ROI | Moderate | High if well‑maintained | Highest—buyers love low‑maint. |
*Installed prices include framing, fasteners, and rails; updated May 2025.
Climate Considerations at 6,000 ft Elevation
- High UV Index accelerates fading and micro‑checking in wood. Dark‑stained cedar holds color ~2 years before recoat; composite retains tone 25+ years.
- Freeze–Thaw Cycles cause wood to swell and shrink, loosening fasteners over time. Composite’s capped shell resists moisture ingress.
- Sudden Hailstorms: Wood can splinter; premium composite boards flex then rebound.
Maintenance Time & Cost Over 10 Years (300 sq ft Deck)
| Task | Pressure‑Treated | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power‑wash & Sand | 5× | 4× | 0× |
| Stain / Seal | 5× (@ $400 each) | 3× (@ $500 each) | 0× |
| Board Replacements | 6–10 boards | 3–5 boards | 1–2 boards |
| 10‑Yr Maintenance Cost | ≈ $3,500 | ≈ $2,500 | ≈ $500 |
Composite’s higher up‑front price is often offset by lower maintenance within 7–8 years.
Design & Aesthetic Options
- Wood offers natural grain and can be stained any color, but color shifts 6–12 months after install.
- Composite now mimics wood grain convincingly; multi‑tonal colors and hidden fasteners create a sleek, barefoot‑friendly surface.
“We chose composite for zero upkeep—the cable rail keeps our view, and hail hasn’t left a dent.” — Nicole F., Manitou Springs (see full build in our Decks & Porches gallery).
Cost‑Benefit Calculator (Rule of Thumb)
Break‑even years ≈ (Composite Cost – Wood Cost) ÷ Annual Wood Maintenance
Example: ($60 – $30) ÷ $3.50/sq ft maintenance ≈ 8.6 years
If you plan to stay in the home ≥9 years, composite usually wins financially.