You’ve been thinking about it for a while now. Standing at the back door, imagining a space where you can sip coffee in the morning, grill on weekends, or just put your feet up after a long day. Maybe you’ve even marked off the area in your yard where your new deck will go. But before you can enjoy any of that, there’s a big decision ahead: wood or composite?
As a multi-decade Grimes deck builder, we’ve walked countless homeowners through that exact question. Each material can be an excellent choice in the right circumstance. And ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how much time you want to spend maintaining your deck in the years ahead.
If you're not sure where to start, here’s what you need to know to make the smartest decision for your home.
Wood vs. composite decking. Your material choices, explained by a Grimes, IA deck company.
When people think of a traditional deck, they often picture pressure-treated wood. After all, it’s affordable, classic, and familiar. But composite and PVC decking have come a long way in the last decade. These new materials provide a much broader range of benefits for those looking to minimize upkeep and maximize longevity.
Here’s how the materials compare:
Wood Decks
- Cost: More affordable up front
- Maintenance: Requires regular staining, sealing, and inspection
- Lifespan: Around 10–15 years with good care
- Appearance: Warm, natural look, but prone to fading, warping, and splintering with time
Composite/PVC Decks
- Cost: Higher initial investment
- Maintenance: Virtually none—just seasonal cleaning
- Lifespan: 25+ years, with many products offering extended warranties
- Appearance: Available in a range of colors and textures, including realistic wood grain finishes
As a local Grimes deck company, we often recommend composite materials for homeowners who want a “set-it-and-forget-it” kind of deck. They’re especially appealing in Iowa, where weather can swing from snow to blazing heat in a matter of weeks.
Grimes, IA deck contractor tip: Consider how your deck feels underfoot
Here’s something you might not think about until it’s too late: color can affect comfort. This is especially true on hot, sunny summer days.
Darker composites absorb more heat and can be warmer underfoot than lighter finishes. That’s something to keep in mind if your deck gets full afternoon sun, or if you like to go barefoot. We’ll help you find a finish that balances your style preferences with your comfort needs—because function should never be an afterthought.
As your Grimes deck contractor, we’ll walk you through samples during your consultation and help you visualize how different tones and textures will behave in your actual backyard.
Searching for “Deck Builder Near Me”?
A high-end material only performs well if the deck is built correctly. From proper footings to precise spacing, drainage planning, and fastening systems, the quality of construction matters as much as the material you choose.
At Archadeck, we don’t just build decks—we build them to last. We back our work with a national warranty and follow proven construction standards tailored to Iowa’s unique conditions. Whether you go with pressure-treated pine or TimberTech PVC, we’ll help you make a confident, informed decision you won’t second-guess later.
It would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation.
Call Harold Cross and his team at
(515) 203-8734, or
contact us using our online form.
