The workhorse
Pressure-treated
Treated softwood: the most economical board, and the lumber under most decks whatever the surface.
- Upkeep
- Cost
$35 – 60 / sq ft installed
Samples on the table
Choose the board you'll live with.
Every material here can be built to last. The real differences are upkeep, feel underfoot, how it looks in year ten, and budget.
The natural
Cedar
Warm colour and grain with natural resistance to rot, the classic Canadian backyard look.
- Upkeep
- Cost
$60 – 105 / sq ft installed
The low-upkeep choice
Composite
Wood fibre and plastic under a protective cap: consistent colour, no staining, a long warranty from most makers.
- Upkeep
- Cost
$65 – 95 / sq ft installed
The water-proof one
PVC
Fully synthetic with no wood content: the most moisture-resistant board and the lightest to handle.
- Upkeep
- Cost
$80 – 130 / sq ft installed
Installed prices from HomeStars' 2026 Canadian deck cost guide (cedar range includes thermally modified wood). Always follow your decking maker's care and fastening instructions.
Side by side
Put two samples next to each other.
Pick any two boards to compare cost, upkeep, feel and winter care.
Guards
The look changes. The code doesn't.
Whatever you choose, a guard above 600 mm must meet the same rules: at least 900 mm high (1,070 mm above 1.8 m), openings under 100 mm, and nothing a child can climb.
Wood pickets
Warm and paintable; the most economical guard.
Aluminum pickets
Powder-coated, no painting, slim profile that frames the view.
Glass panels
An uninterrupted view of the yard or the lake, with more cleaning.
Next step
Want to feel them in person?
We bring physical samples to every design consult, including colours that photos never get right.