How do I choose between wood and composite for my deck in New Brunswick?

Wood is cheaper upfront but requires staining or sealing every two to three years, while composite costs more initially but demands virtually zero maintenance, and over a 10- to 15-year period composite often works out cheaper in total cost of ownership. The right choice for your New Brunswick home depends on your budget timeline, your willingness to maintain the deck, and your aesthetic preferences.

Pressure-treated lumber remains the most common decking material in New Brunswick, and for good reason. The upfront cost is significantly lower, typically $25 to $40 per square foot installed for a standard deck, compared to $45 to $75 per square foot for composite. For homeowners working with a tight budget who need a functional deck this summer, pressure-treated wood delivers a solid structure at an accessible price point. The wood also has a natural warmth and grain pattern that many people prefer, and it can be stained in any colour you choose.

However, New Brunswick's climate is particularly demanding on wood decking. The province experiences a full four-season cycle with heavy snow loads, spring freeze-thaw cycles, significant rainfall, and summer humidity. This combination accelerates the wear on wood surfaces. Pressure-treated lumber will begin to grey, crack, and splinter within two to three years if not maintained with a quality exterior stain or sealant. That maintenance cycle means purchasing stain, renting or buying application equipment, spending a weekend on prep and application, and hoping for a dry weather window. Over 15 years, a homeowner can expect to restain five to seven times, with each application costing $300 to $800 in materials alone for a mid-sized deck, plus the value of your time.

Composite decking eliminates that maintenance cycle almost entirely. Modern composite boards are made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic polymers, wrapped in a protective cap that resists fading, staining, scratching, and moisture absorption. You will never need to stain, seal, or sand a composite deck. Cleaning involves a periodic wash with soap and water or a light pressure wash. The boards will not splinter, which is a meaningful consideration for families with young children who use the deck barefoot.

When you run the numbers over a 10- to 15-year ownership period, the math often favours composite. Assume a 300-square-foot deck. The wood version might cost $10,000 installed, with $500 in maintenance every two to three years, totalling roughly $12,500 to $13,500 over 15 years. The composite version might cost $16,000 installed with essentially no maintenance costs beyond occasional cleaning. The gap narrows considerably, and when you factor in the time spent maintaining wood, composite can be the better overall value.

New Brunswick homeowners should also consider the specific conditions of their deck site. A north-facing deck that stays shaded and damp is a poor candidate for wood because it will develop mould and algae quickly between maintenance cycles. A south-facing deck with full sun exposure will fade wood stain faster, increasing maintenance frequency. Composite handles both scenarios without issue. On the other hand, if your deck is close to a fire pit or barbecue, be aware that composite boards can melt or discolour from concentrated heat, while wood simply chars and can be sanded.

Neither material is universally superior. Wood makes sense for budget-conscious homeowners who enjoy hands-on maintenance and want the lowest possible upfront cost. Composite makes sense for homeowners who want a low-effort, long-lasting surface and are willing to invest more at the outset to avoid years of recurring maintenance work.

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