Few home decisions get argued over as much as deck material. Both choices are good; they just suit different homeowners. Here's how we explain it on our estimates.
Wood — pressure-treated pine, cedar or hardwood — has the lowest upfront cost and a warm, natural look. The tradeoff is upkeep. In Georgia's humidity, wood needs regular washing and a fresh coat of sealer or stain every year or two, or it will gray, check and eventually rot.
Composite decking, such as Trex, costs more to install, but it's made to resist rot, insects, splintering and fading. Its upkeep is an occasional wash. Over ten or fifteen years, much of the price difference comes back in time and maintenance you don't spend.
Whatever the surface, the frame decides how long a deck lasts. Footings below grade, a properly flashed ledger board and the right fasteners matter more than the boards on top. A composite surface on a tired frame is a poor investment, which is why we inspect before we recommend.
If you plan to stay a long time, dislike yearly upkeep, or want a deck that looks the same in ten years, composite is usually the better fit. If budget is the priority, or you love real wood, a well-built wood deck that's maintained will serve you well for years.
Not sure which to choose? Call Sands Construction Group at (470) 470-9162 for a free estimate — we'll price both options so you can compare them side by side.