Each type of deck material has its own set of pros and cons, including maintenance, cost, and other factors. Also, you might want to use certain types of lumber or decking for structural parts of your deck project, and other decking timber for surfaces and railings—the parts on which you will walk and actually see. It can fill little gaps in your deck, so it’s a great choice if your deck already has a little wear and tear. Compare 2018 Average Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Deck Costs Cedar Deck Pros. Pros and Cons of Wood vs Composite Decks. Maintenance - Cedar decks require significant maintenance. First, the positives. Composite Deck Pros — — Composite and plastic decks don’t need sanding or staining. We’ll look at the pros of each first and then the cons. 01 of 05. Pressure treated pine is an inexpensive option. — Composite lumber resists rot, insects and UV rays — Plastic decking is made of mostly recycled materials. The heartwood of the tree (the deeper colored red part, not the white sap part) is rot resistant. Natural Wooden Planks . There are different types of deck materials, including pressure-treated wood decks, cedar decks, composite decking also known as “plastic lumber,” aluminum decks, and even decks made with tropical woods. Look - Cedar has rich color and a beautiful grain pattern that is unmatched by pressure-treated woods. Below, we list the pros and cons of each choice. Composite Deck Cons — Wood Deck Pros. strathroy/Getty Images. — Synthetic decks are easier to clean and maintain. The pros and cons of cedar decking: If the natural look of wood is tops on your list, use cedar. Traditional Wood Deck Cost, Pros, and Cons. If you prefer the look of natural wood, cedar Cedar Deck Cons. Natural wood is preferred for its genuine wood grain and woodsy aroma; Cost of a treated or cedar deck is less than the mid-rage and expensive composite decking products — Composite decking comes in a wide range of colors. So, now that you are familiar with cedar wood, we are going to share all the yay’s and nay’s of cedar wood that should be considered while building your deck. STK (select tight knot) cedar is most common due to the appearance and price (Starts at $6 per sqft installed). Cedar doesn’t readily absorb moisture— and, since moisture is what creates twisting and splitting, cedar decking tends to lie flat and straight. Ok, then, let’s have a look at its pros and cons. Pros: Lowest initial cost, most common type of decking. ... including the pros and cons of each type. Painting has a few benefits over staining that you’ll want to keep in mind: Paint has a thicker finish than stain. Painting Your Deck: Pros and Cons.