Find out what is best in your climate.

The obvious benefit of wood is the initial cost savings and the obvious benefit of composites are the low maintenance.

There would be questions to ask your self before deciding. Such as how you will use the deck? (Deep scratches or gouges cannot be removed with composites). How long do you plan to live in your house? (Although having a deck does affect housing prices, materials are not really taken into consideration) Do you plan to maintain your wood deck yourself or hire someone? (Cost analysis: can compare over time the 50% to 100% price increase in composite over wood and the regular maintenance needed over the 20 year lifespan).

It is really a matter of taste. As a deck installer, we see more clients leaning toward wood for the very reason of price. You can get a larger deck, or add that pergola or privacy screen you wanted while maintaining a reasonable budget.

A friend says composite gets really hot in full sun. Yes? Does anyone concur?

Yes they can get really hot in full sun. The best option for full sun would be to select lighter colors and a less dense product. These should help minimize the heat retention.

Composite deck materials do get extremely hot in the full sun, it can make it unbearable for bare feet depending on your geographical location.

We have a couple great articles on our blog about the pros and cons of wood vs. composite decking materials. I have linked to them below for convenience.

What is the Best Material for a Deck?

Wood Vs Composite & Synthetic Decking – The Annual Debate Begins

While I do not have either, not a fan of decks I vote for wood. Yes, it requires maintenance, but it can easily be repaired if an issues arises and trees are a renewable resource. A friend spent a lot of money putting in the best composite deck when we lived in the south it was to hot. In addition she had repair issues was not easily able to change the look, i.e. stain color

Heat is a big issue with southern exposure. Ipe is a great material if you dont mind a little maintenance.

thanks for all the suggestions to the person who started this message. We have to replace the original wood steps from 1994 from out back kitchen door.
I know wood has to be sealed every year, and material like Trex or TimberTech is supposed to be maintenance free.
After doing searches for reviews, even on Youtube, I started to hear all kinds of bad about composite decking. One of the negatives is that it can have mold and decking get hot in full sun.

The whole back of our house is Southern Exposure in Eastern PA? We are in our early 60's, so probably won't be in this house beyond 15 more years.
Saw a lot of complaints of the 3 major brands, some as late as end of 2016. So it's not as if its the older product that was sold.

Maybe I should stick with wood and be able to build not just steps, but a larger deck and even a retractable awning so we can enjoy our back yard.
Possibly your replies have put it all into perspective for me.

One of the major things you want to be careful about with composites is the fact it cannot be refinished. There are horror stories out there about something staining the top of a composite deck and it either has to be replaced or lived with. Concrete dust can wreak havoc on the top of composites. This is one of those questions that can enflame people quickly. Being so we would rather display our strengths than discuss other companies weaknesses.

This is one of those questions that can enflame people quickly. That being so, we would rather display our strengths than discuss other companies weaknesses. Here are 3 big reasons we love wood.

• Natural beauty - The natural grain variations and colors create a gorgeous pattern and the wood stays relatively cool on your feet.
• Ability to be refinished - People happen and thus, decks are going to get scratched, burned, stained, etc. a wood deck can be made to look like new
• Stood the test of time - Exotic woods like Ipe have been around and installed for 75+ years and is still being repurposed.

thank you :) Since I have not checked prices yet, is Ipe that much more expensive?

I'm a wood lover too, been refinishing furniture for 40 years now for the enjoyment and the beauty. The last place we asked for a quote for a job has not replied back yet. I also heard on another website that Ipe is so hard, that it destroys a lot of saw blades and hard to cut. Possibly part of the reason it would be more expensive?

Ipe is a little less expensive than the better known composites. It doesn't really destroy sawblades per se. People who try to cut it with low quality blades will have a hard time because they use a lower grade carbide and a high angle ATB to make up for it. With the high angle more carbide comes in contact with the wood providing more friction surface and dulls them faster but intitially cuts better. A high quality blade (forrest, leitz, tenryu, etc) with a lower ATB (around 5-10 degrees) will provide a longer blade life. Cleaning out the pitch with blade cleaner is important too.

Sorry, that's kind of wood dork stuff but just the quickest explanation I could give. If you wanted a less expensive solution to Ipe, Massaranduba and Cumaru look similar (M is grain structure same, C is close in color) and close to as dense. Massaranduba is one of my personal favorites. There is what's called "b-grade" Ipe that is less expensive as well but has more natural defects. Things like heartwood inclusion, and pin knots. Personally, I like it instead of all the same monotone color. PM me and I could point you in a direction.

This is what we hear about in synthetic materials a lot. So hot you can not even stand on it. If your maintenance is a big concern a very low maintenance wood is Ipe. You do not even need to treat it and it can last over 75 years in the right conditions. It will turn a natural grey color but many people prefer that anyways.

Here is a photo of Ipe starting to go grey. Hope this helps!

IPE every time. Composite decking gets very hot, to the point of risk of injury for pets and barefeet.

I like the bottom photo with what looks like some type of horizontal wire? what do you call it?

That is Feeney brand cable railing

Thank you all. I need more updated information on composites and low maintenance wood. Would you believe that Consumer Reports has nothing?

Remember that PVC like koma or azek is different from composites like trex

Realize this is an old post but for those interested in this question today, look into azek. After years of maintaining wooden decks (EVERY YEAR in the northeast), we installed over 1000 sq ft of azek in our new home. Specifically chose azek over trex due due composition (didn't want the mold issues of a product with wood fibers) and differences in heat retention. Supremely pleased after four years, easy to care for, no hotter than our old wooden decks. No staining issues at all.