If you’re planning a new deck, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go with pressure-treated wood or composite decking.

Both can be good options, but the cost difference can be significant. Wood usually has the lower upfront price, while composite costs more initially but requires less maintenance over time.

At Cornerstone Fence & Deck, we build both pressure-treated and composite decks throughout Batesville and the surrounding area. Here’s how the pricing compares.

Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost

Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most common deck materials because it offers a good balance of strength and affordability.

Our current starting prices are approximately:

• Low or ground-level pressure-treated deck: around $26 per square foot

• Raised or elevated pressure-treated deck: around $30 per square foot

For example, a 12' × 16' deck is 192 square feet.

At $26 per square foot:

192 sq ft × $26 = about $4,992

For a raised version at $30 per square foot:

192 sq ft × $30 = about $5,760

These prices are starting points before railing, stairs, demolition, or other upgrades.

Example: 12' × 16' Raised Wood Deck With Railing & Stairs

A 12' × 16' deck is 192 sq ft.

• Raised pressure-treated deck: $5,760

• 40 LF wood railing: $1,600

• Standard raised stairs: about $1,000

Estimated total: about $8,360

Composite Deck Cost

Composite decking has a higher upfront cost but is popular with homeowners who want less routine maintenance and a more finished appearance.

Our current starting prices are approximately:

• Low or ground-level composite deck: around $36 per square foot

• Raised or elevated composite deck: around $40 per square foot

Using the same 12' × 16' example:

192 sq ft × $36 = about $6,912

For a raised composite deck:

192 sq ft × $40 = about $7,680

That puts the typical starting difference at about $10 per square foot between pressure-treated and composite decking.

Example: 12' × 16' Raised Composite Deck With Railing & Stairs

• Raised composite deck: $7,680

• 40 LF Trex Enhance railing: $2,800

• Composite stairs: about $1,400

Estimated total: about $11,880

How Much More Does Composite Cost?

On a 200-square-foot deck, a $10-per-square-foot difference works out to roughly:

200 sq ft × $10 = about $2,000 more

On a 300-square-foot deck:

300 sq ft × $10 = about $3,000 more

That’s why the size of the deck matters so much when comparing materials.

Composite can add several thousand dollars to a larger project, but some homeowners prefer paying more upfront for the lower-maintenance material.

Wood vs. Composite Maintenance

This is where the two materials differ the most.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Wood decks may need periodic:

• Cleaning

• Staining or sealing

• Replacement of damaged boards

• Attention to checking, cracking, or warping as the lumber ages

The exact maintenance schedule depends on weather exposure, moisture, and the condition of the wood.

Composite Decking

Composite decking generally requires less maintenance.

Routine care is usually focused on keeping the surface clean rather than staining or sealing it like a traditional wood deck.

That doesn’t mean composite is maintenance-free, but it typically requires less ongoing work than pressure-treated lumber.

Which Material Looks Better?

That mostly comes down to personal preference.

Pressure-treated wood gives you the look and feel of real lumber and can be stained in a wide range of colors.

Composite decking is available in multiple colors and finishes and usually provides a more consistent appearance from board to board.

For homeowners who want a traditional look, wood is still a strong choice.

For homeowners who prefer a cleaner, more uniform appearance with less maintenance, composite may be worth the higher upfront cost.

What About Deck Railing?

Railing can also affect the total cost of either type of deck.

Typical starting prices include:

• Wood railing: around $40 per linear foot

• Trex Enhance composite railing: around $70 per linear foot

• Aluminum railing: around $90 per linear foot

You do not necessarily have to match the railing material to the decking.

For example, a homeowner could choose pressure-treated decking with aluminum railing, or composite decking with a different railing option depending on the look and budget.

Example: 12' × 16' Wood vs. Composite Deck

A 12' × 16' deck is 192 square feet.

Ground-Level Pressure-Treated Deck

About $4,992

Ground-Level Composite Deck

About $6,912

Difference: about $1,920

For a raised deck:

Raised Pressure-Treated Deck

About $5,760

Raised Composite Deck

About $7,680

Difference: about $1,920

Railing, stairs, demolition, and other options would be added separately.

Is Composite Worth the Extra Cost?

That depends on what matters most to you.

Pressure-treated wood may make more sense if:

• Keeping the upfront cost lower is the priority

• You like the appearance of real wood

• You don’t mind periodic staining or maintenance

Composite may make more sense if:

• You want less routine maintenance

• You prefer the look of composite decking

• You plan to keep the deck for a long time

• You’re comfortable spending more upfront

There isn’t one material that is automatically better for every homeowner.

The right choice comes down to your budget, appearance preferences, and how much maintenance you want to deal with over the years.

Get an Instant Wood or Composite Deck Estimate

If you already know roughly how large you want your deck to be, Cornerstone Fence & Deck’s Instant Estimator lets you compare preliminary pricing for pressure-treated and composite decks online.

Enter your deck dimensions, height, railing, stairs, and other options to get a rough project range.

Use the Instant Deck Estimator →

Get a Free Deck Estimate in Batesville, AR

Cornerstone Fence & Deck builds pressure-treated and composite decks in Batesville and surrounding communities.

If you’re trying to decide between wood and composite, we can help you compare the options based on your deck size, budget, and the look you want.

Call or text (870) 376-9893, or request a free on-site estimate.