Top Decking Material Options for 2025: What’s Trending?

Choosing the Ideal Decking Material for Your Home

If you're planning to build a new deck or upgrade an existing one, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing the right decking material. With so many types of decking material available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one best fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

In 2025, homeowners are looking for durability, low maintenance, and style when it comes to decking. Some prefer the natural warmth of wood, while others opt for long-lasting composite or PVC decking. To help you make an informed decision, we’re breaking down the best decking material options, their pros and cons, and what’s trending this year.

Understanding Your Decking Material Options

Before we talk about materials, let’s talk about what makes a good deck. The best decks balance aesthetics, durability, and ease of care. While traditional wood decking has long been the go-to choice, newer materials like composite and PVC have taken over the market for their ability to withstand the elements with less upkeep.

The top decking material options available today include:

1. Pressure-treated wood is a reliable and budget-friendly choice.
2. Hardwood decking offers natural beauty with long-lasting durability.
3. Composite decking combines durability with easy upkeep.
4. PVC decking works well in all climates and is built to last.

Each of these materials has its own pros and cons, so let’s break them down to help you decide which is best for your deck.

1) Pressure-Treated Wood: The Reliable, Budget-Friendly Classic

When it comes to affordable and versatile decking material options, pressure-treated wood remains a top contender. It’s been a go-to choice for decades, thanks to its ability to withstand outdoor elements while keeping costs low. But not all pressure-treated wood is the same—choosing the right grade and treatment level is essential to ensure your deck lasts.

What Makes Pressure-Treated Wood a Popular Choice?

Pressure-treated wood is infused with preservatives that protect against rot, decay, and insect damage. This treatment makes it far more durable than untreated wood, especially in environments with high moisture, ground contact, or extreme weather exposure. While it requires regular maintenance, many homeowners choose pressure-treated decking for its affordability, workability, and traditional wood aesthetic.

Why Homeowners Choose Pressure-Treated Wood

This decking material is particularly well-suited for:

Deck Framing & Support Beams

If you’re building a composite or PVC deck, chances are your frame is made of pressure-treated wood. Its strength and affordability make it ideal for structural elements.

Ground-Contact Projects

Fence posts, retaining walls, and landscape timbers often need direct contact with soil, making pressure-treated wood a must.

Outdoor Structures

Pergolas, gazebos, picnic tables, and garden beds can benefit from the rot resistance of treated wood.

Moisture-Prone Areas

If your deck is in a humid climate or near water, pressure-treated wood with higher-grade treatments is a budget-conscious solution for stairs, walkways, and even some marine applications.

Coastal & Marine Use

Specialized marine-grade pressure-treated wood is available for docks, piers, and seawalls, offering enhanced resistance to saltwater.

What to Consider with Pressure-Treated Wood

While pressure-treated lumber has plenty of advantages, it does come with trade-offs:

• Maintenance Required: To prevent warping, splintering, and moisture absorption, it needs regular sealing or staining.
• Shorter Lifespan vs. Composite/PVC: While durable, it won’t last as long as synthetic materials without diligent upkeep.
• Not All Pressure Treated Wood is the Same: There are different grades and treatment levels, so choosing the right one for your specific use is crucial.
  
  

Is Pressure-Treated Wood the Best Decking Material for You?

If you’re looking for an affordable decking material that’s easy to work with and great for structural support, ground-contact projects, or general outdoor structures, pressure-treated wood is an excellent choice. Just be sure to pick the right treatment level for your specific project—marine-grade for docks, ground-contact rated for fences and posts, and higher-grade options for longevity.

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners needing an affordable option to build a deck without breaking the bank.

Looking for quality pressure-treated wood for your next project? Check out the selection at our parent company Decks & Docks!

2) Hardwood Decking: Natural Beauty & Exotic

For those who love the rich, natural look of real wood, hardwood decking is a premium option that delivers both aesthetics and strength. Some of the most sought-after hardwoods for decking include Ipe, Garapa, and Tigerwood, all of which are highly resistant to rot, insects, and harsh weather conditions.

Ipe is The Gold Standard of Hardwood Decking

Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is often considered the best natural decking material available. Here’s why:

• Extreme Durability: Ipe is one of the hardest woods in the world, lasting 40+ years with minimal maintenance.
• Naturally Resistant: It repels moisture, insects, and even fire better than most other woods.
• Rich Exotic Aesthetic: With its deep brown tones and smooth grain, Ipe offers a luxurious, high-end look.
• Minimal Maintenance: While it naturally weathers to a silvery-gray patina, occasional oiling helps preserve its original color.

Is Hardwood Decking Right for You?

While Ipe and other hardwoods are incredibly strong, they come with trade-offs:

• Higher Upfront Cost: Premium hardwoods like Ipe are more expensive than pressure-treated wood or composite.
• Heavier & Harder to Work With: Due to its density, Ipe requires specialized tools and professional expertise for installation.
• Requires Some Maintenance: While minimal, occasional sealing or oiling helps maintain its rich color.Best for: Homeowners looking for a high-end, long-lasting wood deck with minimal maintenance and superior durability.

Best for: Homeowners looking for a high-end, long-lasting wood deck with minimal maintenance and superior durability.

3) Composite Decking: The Best of Both Worlds

Composite decking is a blend of wood fibers and recycled materials, offering the look of real wood with less maintenance. Thanks to technological advancements, 2025’s composite decking options are more realistic, fade-resistant, and durable than ever before.

Why Composite Decking Stands Out

Composite decking is ideal for those who want a deck that looks great year after year with little effort. Unlike traditional wood, it doesn’t require staining or sealing, and you won’t have to worry about termites turning your deck into lunch.

• Won’t rot, warp, or splinter
• Available in a wide variety of colors and textures
• Requires minimal maintenance—just occasional cleaning

What to Consider with Composite Decking

• Can be more expensive than pressure-treated wood
• Some lower-quality composites may still fade over time——consult our experts at The Deck Store to find the best option
• Can retain heat in direct sunlight, but some colors and collections offer better heat resistance—look for the barefoot-friendly icon while you shop The Deck Store

Top Composite Decking Brands to Consider

• Trex: One of the most recognized names in composite decking, Trex offers affordable and high-end collections that balance price, durability, and aesthetics.
• TimberTech: Known for its premium composite decking with advanced capping technology, TimberTech provides a high-end wood look with superior fade and stain resistance.
• Fiberon: Another leading brand, Fiberon, offers budget-friendly and luxury composite options with impressive warranties.Best for: Homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, durable deck with a natural wood-like appearance.