Composite vs PVC vs Wood: Picking Decking With a Toronto Deck Company
The choice of decking is the one which defines your budget‚ your weekends and how the deck looks in ten years’ time․ A good deck company will talk you through the pros and cons rather than push whatever earns them the most․ As a Toronto deck company who has installed countless pressure treated‚ composite‚ PVC‚ cedar and IPE decks across the GTA‚ Decksforlife put together this plain comparison so you can match the right material to your backyard and your budget․
How much does a deck cost in Toronto in 2026?
Cost depends on material, size and design, but here are realistic 2026 ranges per square foot in the GTA:
| Material | Price per sq. ft. | Lifespan | Maintenance |
| Pressure treated wood | $30 – $50 | 10 – 15 years | Stain or seal every 2 to 3 years |
| Composite | $40 – $70 | 25 – 40 years | Wash once or twice a year |
| PVC | $50 – $80 | 25+ years | Almost none |
| Cedar | Mid-range | 15 – 20 years | Regular sealing |
| IPE (Brazilian hardwood) | $60 – $100+ | 40 – 75 years | Oil yearly to keep color |
Pressure treated wood: who is it right for?
It’s the budget friendly classic․ Pressure treated wood is often the least expensive and gives you that natural grain look that most homeowners want․ It is rot‚ fungus‚ and termite resistant once treated‚ and rot resistant untreated‚ but it may swell‚ warp‚ or shrink‚ and it needs to be stained or sealed every two years‚ so if you’re on a small budget and don’t mind maintaining your deck‚ it’s worth it․
Composite decking: why is it so popular?
Composite is the best choice for most GTA families‚ made of wood fibers and recycled plastic that looks like wood but resists rotting‚ warping‚ splintering and insect feeding․ It only requires washing once or twice a year․ It is a bit pricier than wood at first‚ but maintenance-free‚ which is why it is the most requested deck we build by our homeowners․
PVC decking: is it worth the extra cost?
Absolutely‚ if you want something that is virtually maintenance-free․ PVC is 100 percent plastic․ It’s lightweight and it will last 25 years or more‚ and it won’t rot‚ mold or attract bugs․ It comes in a wide range of wood look colors and finishes․ It is more expensive than composite and gets hot in the sun but for a low maintenance deck it is hard to beat․
What about cedar and IPE hardwood?
Natural beauty selections include cedar‚ which is warm and natural in appearance‚ mid-priced‚ and requires regular sealing; clear or knotty pine; and IPE/Brazilian Walnut‚ which is at the high-end of the price range․ More costly and much more difficult to work with‚ but durable (40-75 years)‚ insect- and fire-resistant‚ it is a heavy‚ dark dense hardwood; few natural materials are more beautiful․
Which decking lasts longest in the GTA?
IPE lasts longest at 40 to 75 years‚ with PVC and composite decks lasting 25 to 40 years while pressure treated wood lasts just 10 to 15 years․ Composite and PVC decking materials last longer than pressure treated lumber‚ and are the best option for homeowners who don’t want to deal with annual refinishing․ A good deck company will help you weigh longevity against budget‚ not just quote you the cheapest board․
Get a free quote and material samples from Decksforlife at https://decksforlife.ca/.
FAQ
What is the cheapest decking material in Toronto?
Pressure treated wood decking is the cheapest type of decking‚ costing $30 to $50 per square foot․ However‚ it must be stained and sealed every few years so the lifetime costs will be higher․
Is composite or PVC better for a pool deck?
Both are fine for wet areas‚ although PVC flooring has the highest moisture resistance‚ while newer cool-touch composites stay cooler underfoot․ Decksforlife can help you decide what board is best for your pool․
Does the deck company handle the permit and design?
Yes․ Decksforlife submits your prints to the city and provides a free 3D design before you begin your build․
Which decking ads the most home value?
Low-maintenance composite decking and high-end hardwoods are likely to appeal to buyers because they won’t need maintenance for years․ At the very least‚ any debris-free‚ well-built deck adds livable space buyers will notice․