Straight Comparison
Composite vs. wood decking in Illinois
We build both, so we don't have a dog in this fight. Here's how the two actually compare on a Central Illinois deck that has to live through 100-degree Julys and ice in January.
| Wood (treated / cedar) | Capped composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $24–$44 / sq. ft. | $38–$62 / sq. ft. |
| Upkeep | Clean and re-seal every 2–3 years | Soap and water twice a year |
| Expected service life | 12–20 years with maintenance | 25–30 years |
| Freeze-thaw behavior | Checks and splits over time | Sheds water, no checking |
| Surface heat in full sun | Cooler, especially cedar | Hotter in dark colors |
| Splinters | Yes, as it ages | No |
| Repairability | Any lumber yard has a match | Board lines get discontinued |
| Resale appeal | Solid | Strong — buyers price in zero upkeep |
Choose wood if…
You want maximum square footage for the budget, you like the look and smell of cedar, you don't mind a weekend of cleaning and sealing every couple of years, or you may move within a decade.
Choose composite if…
You're staying put, you're done maintaining a deck, you have kids or dogs on the surface daily, or your last treated deck splintered and you're not doing that again.
Straight Answers
Composite vs. wood questions
- Which lasts longer in Illinois weather, composite or wood?
- Composite, clearly. Our freeze-thaw cycles are what open checks in treated pine and cedar. A capped composite board doesn't absorb water, so it doesn't cycle. Either way, the framing underneath is treated lumber and its lifespan depends on footings and flashing, not the decking.
- Is composite decking slippery when wet?
- Capped composite with an embossed grain is comparable to wet wood. Smooth, older-generation composite could be slick. We steer customers toward textured boards on any deck with stairs.
- Can I put composite decking on my old wood frame?
- Sometimes. Composite generally needs joists at 16 inches on center for straight layouts and 12 for diagonals. If your frame was built at 24, it needs sistering or new joists first. We check before quoting.
- Does composite fade?
- Modern capped boards hold color well; expect subtle lightening in the first season and very little after. Uncapped composite from the 2000s faded badly, which is where the reputation came from.
Building in your town
Composite decks in MortonComposite decks in PekinComposite decks in WashingtonComposite decks in East PeoriaComposite decks in TremontComposite decks in PeoriaComposite decks in GrovelandComposite decks in MackinawComposite decks in MetamoraComposite decks in Germantown HillsComposite decks in DunlapComposite decks in EurekaComposite decks in ChillicotheComposite decks in BloomingtonComposite decks in Normal