Best Decking Materials for Your Home | Composite, PVC and Wood Explained
Admit it—you’ve spent most of the fall and winter dreaming about a deck.
A place to grill in the evening.
To laugh with your favorite people.
Or to sneak in a quiet morning coffee before the world wakes up.
But when it comes time to actually build, that dream starts to unravel.
Composite or wood?
What’s PVC?
Why are there so many brands—and which ones are worth it?
What questions should I be asking that I haven’t even thought of yet?
And of course… how much is this going to cost me?
We hear these questions from most deck customers walking into Angeles Millwork or Hartnagels.
The good news? We’ve got answers.
This guide comes straight from our decking specialists—employee-owners who know what works (and what doesn’t) in our coastal climate. We’ll help you skip the guesswork and build a deck you’ll love for years.
Want to talk in person? Visit our upcoming Deck & Brats sale and event to meet the decking reps themselves—or fill out our Decking Project form and we’ll reach out to you.
Understanding Decking: Composite, PVC & Wood
You don’t need 50 options—you need the right one. That’s why we stock TimberTech PVC, radius-edge cedar, and outdoor-treated decking in-store—plus Fiberon, Trex, Wolf available through quick special order.
Each material has its strengths—and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, environment, and long-term goals. Let’s break it down so you can move forward with confidence.
Wood Decking (Radius Edge Cedar and Treated Decking)
There’s something timeless about a real wood deck. It looks the way a deck should look—warm, natural, and inviting. For some, nothing else feels quite right.
Pros:
Naturally beautiful with warm tones and rich grain
Lowest upfront cost
Excellent traction, especially in wet weather
Cons:
Requires staining or sealing every 2–4 years
Prone to rot, insect damage, and surface splintering
Shorter lifespan without consistent maintenance
Best For: Homeowners who value natural aesthetics and are committed to regular upkeep.
Composite Decking (TimberTech, Fiberon, Trex)
Composite decking gives you the best of both worlds—the look of real wood without the high maintenance. Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, it’s built to last through rain, sun, and everything in between. Composite boards resist fading, splintering, and warping—and maintenance is as easy as a hose and a broom.
Pros:
Low maintenance—just occasional cleaning
No splinters, warping, or insect damage
Protected caps resist fading, stains, and moisture
Lower cost than PVC decking, with 25-year warranties on most products
Cons:
Higher upfront cost than wood
Can retain heat in direct sunlight
Shorter warranties than most PVC options
Best For: Busy homeowners who want the look of wood without the hassle.
PVC Decking (TimberTech, Fiberon, and Wolf)
If you want the most durable, low-maintenance deck out there—PVC might be your best bet. Unlike composite, it’s made from 100% plastic, so there’s no wood to absorb moisture, swell, or rot. That makes it nearly bulletproof in wet coastal environments like ours.
It’s lightweight, mold-resistant, and the colors hold strong, year after year—even under UV and heavy rain. For homeowners who want peace of mind and minimal upkeep, PVC earns its higher price tag.
Pros:
Total water resistance—no wood means no swelling, splintering, or rot
Lightweight and easy to clean
Top-tier color retention and fade resistance
Cons:
Most expensive option upfront
Can feel less wood-like in appearance and underfoot
Best For: Homeowners who want the toughest, most worry-free decking—especially in rainy, coastal, or high-moisture settings.
Installation & Accessory Tips That Matter
You’ve spent time choosing the right boards—but what holds them together matters just as much. These details might not be flashy, but they’re the quiet heroes of a deck that lasts.
Stainless Steel Fasteners: The Right Choice
Composite and PVC decks can last 25–50 years. Standard fasteners won’t. Stainless steel resists corrosion—especially in coastal environments—and helps your deck stay solid and safe season after season. If your deck outlasts your hardware, you’re setting yourself up for a rebuild you didn’t plan for.
Proper Spacing and Certified Installers
Even the best boards can fail if they’re installed incorrectly. Composite and PVC decking expand and contract with changes in temperature—and they need breathing room. When spacing isn’t done right, boards can warp, cup, or crack, and that can void your warranty.
That’s why we always recommend certified installers who know the specs inside and out. They don’t just lay boards—they protect your investment. And when you’ve waited all winter for your dream deck, that kind of peace of mind is worth every penny.
Trust Your Local, Employee-Owned Experts
At Angeles Millwork & Hartnagels, we know your deck is more than lumber and fasteners—it’s the place where your family will gather, laugh, and make memories for years to come.
As an employee-owned business, we take your vision seriously. If you’re dreaming of a new deck, come talk to the team that lives here, works here, and knows what truly performs. And every May, you can save up to 15% during our annual decking sale—so it’s always a smart time to start planning.
Join us for Deck & Brats on May 17th!
If you’re thinking about building a deck, this is the event you don’t want to miss.
Join us for Deck & Brats on Saturday, May 17th from 8 AM to 2 PM at Angeles Millwork & Hartnagels—the kickoff to our biggest decking sale of the year!
Meet vendor reps from TimberTech, Fiberon, Trex, Wolf, Sylvanix & more
Get personalized advice from real product experts
Enjoy free bratwursts and refreshments
Enter giveaways and explore live product demos
And the savings? They’re just as impressive:
From May 17–31, take advantage of exclusive discounts:
15% off TimberTech & Fiberon decking
10% off Trex, Wolf, Sylvanix & all wood decking
Whether you’re ready to start your project or just exploring options, Deck & Brats is the perfect place to get inspired, get informed, and get a deal.