Every homeowner who walks into a lumber yard sees the same thing: pressure-treated wood at $2-3 per linear foot, and composite decking at $8-12. The math seems simple. But that's the wrong math.
The real question isn't "what does it cost today?" It's "what will it cost over the next 20 years?" And when you run those numbers honestly, the answer might surprise you.
The True Cost of a Wood Deck Over 20 Years
Let's say you build a 400-square-foot pressure-treated deck. Here's what you're actually signing up for:
- Initial build: ~$12,000 - $15,000 (materials + labour)
- Annual staining/sealing: $400-$800/year × 20 years = $8,000 - $16,000
- Board replacement: Warped, cracked, or rotted boards — budget $500-$1,500 over 20 years
- Full replacement at year 12-15: $12,000 - $15,000 again (wood decks rarely last beyond 15 years in Ontario)
Total 20-year cost: $32,500 - $47,500
That's not including your weekends. Staining a deck takes a full day of prep and a full day of application — every single year. Over 20 years, that's 40 weekends you'll never get back.
The True Cost of TimberTech Over 20 Years
- Initial build: ~$25,000 - $35,000 (higher upfront, premium materials)
- Annual maintenance: Soap and water. $0.
- Board replacement: $0 (TimberTech AZEK carries up to a 50-year warranty)
- Full replacement: Not needed. Period.
Total 20-year cost: $25,000 - $35,000
Why TimberTech AZEK Specifically?
Not all composite decking is created equal. We're certified TimberTech Pros, and we specifically recommend the AZEK line because:
- PVC core, not wood-plastic composite: It doesn't absorb moisture. At all. This is critical in Ontario where boards sit under snow for 4-5 months.
- Mould and mildew resistant: No organic material means nothing for mould to feed on.
- Won't splinter, crack, or warp: Your kids and pets can walk barefoot on it safely for decades.
- Colour holds: UV-resistant capping technology means the colour you chose in year one is the colour you'll have in year twenty.
The ROI Argument
Here's what most people don't consider: a premium deck increases your home's resale value. Real estate agents in Simcoe County consistently report that a well-maintained outdoor living space adds 65-75% of its cost back to the home's value. A rotting wood deck? That's a liability in a home inspection.
"We've never had a client come back and say they wished they'd gone with wood. But we've had dozens of wood deck owners call us to rip theirs out and replace it with TimberTech."
The Bottom Line
Wood decking is cheaper on day one. TimberTech is cheaper on day 7,300. If you're building a deck you plan to actually enjoy — not just maintain — the numbers speak for themselves.
Want to see what TimberTech looks like in person? We keep samples of every colour and texture on hand. Book a free estimate request — if your project is a fit, we'll bring the options to your property so you can see them in your actual lighting, next to your actual home.