What’s the Best Deck Material for Des Moines Homes?

In consultations with Des Moines homeowners about their deck projects, a frequent question we get is: Should I choose wood or composite for my deck?

As experienced Des Moines deck builders, we understand that the answer depends on your outdoor lifestyle at home as well as budget, maintenance preferences, and long-term plans. Additionally, our local weather extremes—from humid summers to harsh winters—make material selection particularly important for product longevity. You want the investment you make in your deck to last and look great, season after season.

The good news for homeowners is that both wood and composite are excellent options, and you can find them at various price points. Understanding the differences between these two types of materials will ultimately help you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.

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Wood vs. Composite: Lifespan Comparison

When you’re choosing a material for your new deck build, longevity matters quite a bit. So here’s a quick reference table you can use in order to set realistic expectations.

Different Materials Have Different Levels of Weather Resistance

A simple chart, helpful as it may be, can’t capture the full nuances of material selection alone. Let’s face it: Iowa can run the gamut from very hot to very cold. Humidity can degrade wood faster, and the freeze-thaw cycles that characterize our winters can crack and wrap wood as well.

That’s why homeowners searching for "deck companies near me” need to make sure they choose contractors who understand these issues and can help provide advice on which materials to choose and how to care for them. Archadeck has operated in the Central Iowa area for over 25 years under local, Iowa-weathered ownership. So we are adeptly qualified to help you navigate these decisions.

Traditional wood decking requires regular maintenance. That means annual cleaning and staining and/or sealing every 2-3 years to protect against moisture damage, UV fading, and temperature extremes. Without consistent maintenance, wood can start to break down sooner, reducing the lifespans noted above.

Composite materials, on the other hand, resist absorbing moisture. That makes them far less likely to break down, warp, or split from freeze-thaw cycles. They’re also likelier to maintain color consistency despite UV exposure.

Maintenance Requirements and Long-Term Costs

When you think in terms of weather resistance and maintenance, composite is the clear winner. But cost is another important part of the equation as well.

Generally speaking, composite decking costs more upfront, and natural wood costs less upfront. The exception being that premium hardwoods can have a higher upfront cost than even composites. However, if you consider the lifetime ownership cost of composite vs. wood, you might be inclined once again to lean toward composite.

Here is a quick visual of costs that you can expect for wood and composite decks.

Wood Decking Options

In general, building a deck from wood requires a smaller upfront investment than building from composite. However, material cost varies widely, as does the lifespan of various types of wood.

• Premium Hardwoods (Highest cost per sq ft): Mahogany and Ipe offer exceptional durability, rich color, and longevity of 25-50+ years. These dense hardwoods resist rot naturally and provide stunning aesthetics, but premium pricing limits their appeal for budget-conscious projects.
• Mid-Range Options (Moderate cost per sq ft): Cedar provide natural rot resistance and beautiful grain patterns at moderate pricing. These traditional choices require regular maintenance but offer classic appeal lasting 15-30 years that many homeowners prefer.
• Budget-Friendly Pine (Lowest cost per sq ft): Pressure-treated pine delivers excellent value for cost-conscious homeowners. With proper maintenance, pine decks provide 15-20 years of service at the most accessible price point.

Composite Decking Options

Much like wood, composite decking also varies in price and longevity. Most composite – or “wood-alternative” as they’re sometimes called – manufacturers offer various product tiers to match different budgets and performance requirements. For purposes here, we’ll focus on TimberTech (Azek) which offers three distinct product performance levels:

Advanced PVC (Premium): The top-tier option uses capped polymer technology for maximum durability and moisture resistance. This line offers three collections (Harvest, Landmark and Vintage) for the widest range of colors and styles, backed by a lifetime structural warranty and a 50-year fade / stain warranty.

Premium Composite (Mid-Range): The PRO line balances performance and value, featuring collections like Terrain, Reserve and Legacy. These products offer excellent weather resistance and aesthetic options with 30-year structural, fade and stain warranty protection.

Value Composite (Budget-Friendly): TimberTech's most affordable composite line includes Prime and Prime+ collections. These products deliver quality composite performance at prices that compete with premium wood options, backed by 25-year structural, fade and stain warranties.

Making Your Decision

When you evaluate different "deck companies near me," look for contractors who help you understand the options available to you without pushing the most expensive materials. The best choice will ultimately depend on your specific situation: your outdoor lifestyle at home, budget (particularly upfront costs), maintenance requirements, and long-term plans.

To see what these decks look like in practice, visit our gallery to see both wood and composite installations. You can also check out our Design Guide to explore options further.

It would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation, either on-site or at our Urbandale design center where you can see these product options first-hand. Call Harold Cross and his Archadeck team at 515-203-8734, or contact us using our online form.