Decking is a central feature of many homes in Wisconsin and Minnesota, providing a cozy outdoor space to enjoy everything from summer barbecues to the crisp beauty of fall. However, choosing the right decking material can feel like a daunting task. Factors like durability, maintenance needs, aesthetics, and budget all play crucial roles in making the right choice.
At Green Oasis, we’ve helped countless homeowners transform their outdoor living spaces into inviting, functional retreats. One of the most common questions we hear is: “What type of decking should I choose?” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the three most popular decking materials—treated wood, cedar, and composite decking—highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. By the end, we’ll share why composite decking stands out as the best choice for homes in the Wisconsin and Minnesota climate.
Treated Wood Decking
What is Treated Wood?
Treated wood, also known as pressure-treated wood, is typically made from softwoods like pine that have been infused with chemical preservatives to resist rot, insects, and decay. It’s a classic choice for decking and has been used for decades.
Pros of Treated Wood Decking
✅ Affordability:
Treated wood is the most budget-friendly decking option upfront. For homeowners who want to build a deck without breaking the bank, treated wood offers an economical starting point.
✅ Readily Available:
It’s widely available at home improvement stores and lumberyards, making it easy to source and replace if needed.
✅ Customizable Appearance:
Treated wood can be stained or painted in virtually any color, providing flexibility in achieving the desired aesthetic for your home.
Cons of Treated Wood Decking
❌ High Maintenance:
Treated wood requires frequent sealing, staining, or painting to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. Without regular maintenance, it’s prone to fading, splintering, and warping.
❌ Shorter Lifespan:
In the harsh Wisconsin and Minnesota climate, with heavy snowfall, freeze-thaw cycles, and high humidity in summer, treated wood can degrade faster than other materials. Expect an average lifespan of 10–15 years if well-maintained.
❌ Environmental Concerns:
The chemicals used in pressure-treated wood—like copper-based compounds—can raise concerns for some homeowners, especially near gardens or water features.
Cedar Decking
What is Cedar Decking?
Cedar is a natural softwood that has been prized for its rich color, pleasant aroma, and natural resistance to decay and insects. It’s a go-to choice for homeowners who want a warm, classic look.
Pros of Cedar Decking
✅ Natural Beauty:
Cedar has a timeless beauty with rich reddish-brown hues and a smooth grain. Over time, it weathers to a charming silver-gray patina if left untreated.
✅ Natural Resistance:
Cedar contains natural oils and tannins that help resist rot and insects, offering a more environmentally friendly option than chemically treated wood.
✅ Lightweight and Easy to Work With:
Cedar’s lightweight properties make it easier to handle and install compared to denser hardwoods or composites.
✅ Moderate Maintenance:
Cedar doesn’t require as much treatment as pressure-treated wood, though it still benefits from annual cleaning and sealing to extend its life and maintain its appearance.
Cons of Cedar Decking
❌ Softer and Prone to Dents:
Cedar is softer than composite or hardwoods, making it more susceptible to dents and scratches from furniture, pets, or heavy foot traffic.
❌ Limited Lifespan in Harsh Climates:
In areas with severe winters like Wisconsin and Minnesota, cedar’s lifespan typically ranges from 15–20 years. Moisture and freezing temperatures can cause splitting, cupping, or warping over time.
❌ Cost:
Cedar costs more than treated wood, often landing in the mid-range for decking material prices.
Composite Decking
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is engineered from a blend of recycled wood fibers, plastic, and bonding agents, creating boards that mimic the look of wood while offering superior durability and performance.
Pros of Composite Decking
✅ Low Maintenance:
One of the biggest advantages of composite decking is its minimal maintenance. Unlike wood, it doesn’t need to be stained, sealed, or painted. Regular cleaning with soap and water is usually enough to keep it looking like new.
✅ Exceptional Durability:
Composite decking is designed to withstand extreme weather, heavy foot traffic, and pests. It won’t splinter, crack, or rot, even during brutal Wisconsin winters or humid Minnesota summers.
✅ Long Lifespan:
Composite decks can last 25–30 years or more, far outpacing wood options. For homeowners looking for a long-term investment, this is a clear win.
✅ Fade and Stain Resistance:
High-quality composite boards are engineered with UV inhibitors and protective caps that resist fading from the sun and staining from spills.
✅ Eco-Friendly:
Many composite decking brands use recycled materials, making them an environmentally responsible choice. For instance, Trex decking is made from 95% recycled materials.
✅ Aesthetic Versatility:
Composite decking comes in a wide range of colors and textures, from rich wood tones to modern grays, offering the beauty of wood without the ongoing upkeep.
Cons of Composite Decking
❌ Higher Upfront Cost:
Composite decking costs more upfront than treated wood or cedar. However, when you factor in the reduced maintenance and extended lifespan, it often becomes the most cost-effective choice over the deck’s lifetime.
❌ Temperature Sensitivity:
Composite decking can become hotter than wood in direct sunlight, which is something to consider for decks with full sun exposure. Adding shade structures or rugs can help mitigate this.
Decking Performance in Wisconsin and Minnesota: What Matters Most?
Climate Challenges
Wisconsin and Minnesota share a climate that can be tough on outdoor structures:
- Harsh Winters: Heavy snow loads, ice accumulation, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause traditional wood decking to crack, warp, or degrade.
- High Humidity: Humid summers and fluctuating temperatures can accelerate rot and mold growth on wood.
- Seasonal Swings: With temperature swings of over 100 degrees between winter lows and summer highs, materials must be flexible and durable.
Maintenance Realities
For busy homeowners, maintenance can be a major factor. Spending weekends sanding, sealing, or replacing warped boards takes time away from family activities.
Why Composite Decking is the Best Choice for Wisconsin and Minnesota Homes
When we weigh the pros and cons of each material in the context of the Upper Midwest climate and lifestyle, composite decking emerges as the clear winner:
Superior Weather Resistance:
Composite’s engineered core and capped surfaces handle snow, ice, humidity, and UV exposure without splitting or warping.
Minimal Upkeep:
For homeowners like you who value your time, composite’s low-maintenance profile means less hassle and more time to spend with family, friends, or relaxing on the deck itself.
Long-Term Value:
While the initial investment in composite decking is higher, it pays off in reduced maintenance costs and replacement expenses over the years. A composite deck can easily outlast two or three treated wood decks.
Eco-Friendly and Stylish:
Composite materials offer sustainable, recycled-content products that are also visually appealing—an ideal match for environmentally conscious homeowners who want a modern, clean look.
Bringing Your Vision to Life with Green Oasis
At Green Oasis, we specialize in creating outdoor spaces that suit your family’s lifestyle and Wisconsin or Minnesota home’s unique character. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy backyard retreat for family gatherings, a spacious deck for entertaining, or a quiet spot to relax with a coffee in the morning, composite decking offers the perfect blend of durability, style, and ease.
Our team of skilled professionals can help you choose the perfect composite decking color and texture, design a layout that enhances your home’s architecture, and ensure every board is installed to the highest standards. We’re here to make the process stress-free—from the first design consultation to the final sweep of sawdust.
Choosing Wisely for Your Home
When considering your decking options—treated wood, cedar, or composite—it’s clear that composite decking outshines the competition in durability, low maintenance, and long-term cost-effectiveness, especially for the demanding climate of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- Treated wood may be the budget-friendly choice initially, but it requires high maintenance and has a shorter lifespan.
- Cedar brings a beautiful natural look but still demands upkeep and struggles to handle the region’s climate long-term.
- Composite decking—while costing more upfront—pays off in decades of beauty and performance without constant upkeep.
At Green Oasis, we’re ready to help you make the most of your outdoor living space with composite decking that’s as hardworking and reliable as you are. Contact us today to explore how composite decking can elevate your home’s comfort and style for years to come.
