A deck isn’t just an outdoor extension – it’s a statement. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy backyard retreat or a sprawling entertainment space, choosing the best wood for decks is crucial. With so many deck wood types available, from traditional hardwoods to innovative modified wood decking, the right choice can impact durability, maintenance, aesthetics and even costs. There is a lot to consider. All deck wood types have their pros and cons. Some are more durable, stable, resistant to moisture and sustainable than others. What about modified wood decking? What is Ipe decking? Which wins when it’s composite vs wood deck? How much does a wood deck cost? This guide is designed to give you all the facts about all the different options you need to make the right decision for you.

Deck Wood Types

There are many different deck wood types and some that are not actually wood at all. So, let’s look at some of the most popular ones and see how they line up next to each other. Remember though, when shopping for the best wood for decks, don’t just focus on the aesthetics – durability matters just as much.  A high-quality decking material should last many years and withstand what you and mother nature throw at it. In fact, you’ll discover that in the long run, it really pays not to skimp on quality.

Composite vs Wood Deck

Not all decks are wood, in fact composite vs wood deck is the best place to start when deciding which is the best wood for decks.

Composite decking, made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic or sometimes pure PVC (100% plastic), is heavier and often in the same price range as premium hardwoods but it can have a longer lifespan. Because it is a composite material, it is highly resistant to rotting, insects and mold and needs no sealing, just the odd clean. Yes, it is available in a wide variety of colors but it does not look as natural as real timber decking. In terms of sustainability, whilst most composite decks are made from 95%+ recycled materials, composite decking is not biodegradable and will not break down.

Wood decking, whether it be hardwood or softwood, is undoubtedly more naturally beautiful than composite decking and is perfect for achieving a traditional look. Up-front, its cost is lower than composite decking and it can also be painted or stained in whatever color you like. To the touch, wood is cooler than composite decking which can get very hot in high temperatures. Wood decks, can decay split, warp or swell over time, but higher quality hardwood decking, if maintained well, can last anything up to 50 years. Natural wood decks can be sustainably sourced and are also more eco-friendly than composite as they are fully biodegradable.

Shown: Accoya Decking at the Poolside, Switzerland. Wooden terrace and privacy screen: Formare GmbH. Swimming pool construction: Vivell Schwimmbadtechnik AG. Landscape architect: Guido Syfrig. Outdoor design: Staub Marcel Gartenbau GmbH. Wood supplier: Holzpur AG

Hardwood vs Softwood

There are two key types of wood – hardwood and softwood – and as the name suggests, one is stronger and more durable than the other. So, which is the best wood for decks when it comes to hardwood vs softwood?

Hardwoods, including IPE, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Teak, Mahogany and Garapa wood, are not only beautiful, they are also highly durable and capable of lasting from 40 to 75 years.

Because they have a high natural oil content, they are capable of resisting mold, pests and decay more than softwoods.

As they are harder, they don’t scratch or dent as easily as a softwood deck. In fact, some hardwoods like Ipe are even fire-resistant.

The downsides of hardwoods are that they are expensive, heavy, hard to work with due to their density are more costly to install and can fade over time if not properly treated with UV oil. Stocks of some sustainably harvested FSC-certified hardwoods are limited, too.

Softwood decking is often made from Pressure-Treated Pine, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Redwood or Spruce. Lightweight, affordable and much easier than hardwood to work with, softwoods can be easily stained or painted and can be sustainably sourced, especially cedar and redwood, from fast-growing renewable forests.

It’s not all good news, though, as softwoods have a much shorter lifespan of between 10 and 25 years and only with consistent, proper maintenance. Softwood decks dent, scratch, warp and are more susceptible to damage by moisture, termites and fungi.

They are also high-maintenance compared to hardwoods, requiring sealing or staining at least every 1-2 years to avoid decay.

IPE Decking

If you want one of the hardest woods in the world, you could opt for Ipe decking. This Brazilian walnut timber, pronounced “ee-pay”, this dense and durable wood is naturally resistant to everything from scratches and dents to rot, insect damage and fire. Its resilience makes it suitable for extreme climates and can handle anything from hot and humid tropical climes to freezing cold conditions – plus its naturally textured surface means it is slip resistant when wet.

Ipe decking has an excellent lifespan, can last for between 40 and 75 years. While it doesn’t require sealing, applying oil annually helps maintain its deep, rich brown color and prevents it from aging to a silver-gray patina.

However, there are considerations to keep in mind. Ipe’s exceptional density makes it heavier and more challenging to work with requiring specialized tools, often leading to higher installation costs. It’s also one of the more expensive decking options available in terms of material costs and labor costs.

Additionally, Ipe is a slow-growing hardwood and overharvesting has led to scarcity, making sustainable sourcing crucial. If you choose Ipe decking, ensure it carries official FSC certification to verify responsible harvesting practices.

Bamboo Decking

Bamboo decking has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional hardwoods. However, bamboo is not technically a wood – it is a fast-growing grass. Since it regenerates quickly, bamboo is often marketed as a more sustainable option than slow-growing tropical hardwoods like Ipe.

Engineered bamboo decking is typically made by compressing bamboo fibers with adhesives under high heat and pressure, creating a dense, durable product. High-quality bamboo decking can be strong, resistant to insects and decay, and have a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Bamboo decking relies heavily on adhesives and chemical treatments to achieve its durability. While high-end bamboo decking manufacturers use safe adhesives, the presence of resins and binding agents may raise concerns about emissions and long-term performance.

Moreover, working with such a dense material can make cutting and fastening more difficult, requiring specialized tools and pre-drilling.

Bamboo’s extreme density presents several challenges. Its weight can make transportation and installation more difficult and expensive, requiring a stronger substructure to support the added load. The density also means that bamboo decking retains heat, making it uncomfortably hot underfoot in direct sunlight, much like some composite materials.

Additionally, while bamboo is durable, lower-quality versions can be prone to swelling, cracking, or delamination over time, especially in humid environments.

Durability

Comparing composite vs wood decking, composite decking is the most durable. It requires little to no maintenance and will look the same for years. Worry-free, it can be safely jet-washed, too.

However, while composite decking is marketed as a long-term solution, it can still experience issues such as fading, surface scratching, and warping in extreme temperatures. That said, the gap between composite decking, Ipe and modified woods is closer than you think in terms of durability and longevity.

High-quality natural wood decking, particularly modified woods like Accoya, offers exceptional long-term performance with the added benefit of a natural, authentic appearance.

Accoya stands out as one of the most durable wood decking options available, thanks to its unmatched dimensional stability and resistance to swelling, shrinking, and warping.

Unlike traditional softwoods, which are prone to movement when exposed to moisture, Accoya remains stable in all weather conditions, even in humid or coastal environments. It is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, eliminating the need for harsh chemical treatments. Accoya decking is backed by a 25-year warranty, even when installed in challenging conditions, making it a reliable long-term choice.

Similarly, Ipe decking is renowned for its density and durability. However, its extreme hardness can make installation difficult, requiring specialized tools and pre-drilling, and it still requires regular oiling to maintain its color and prevent checking (surface cracks). Other hardwoods, while durable, are not as dimensionally stable as Accoya, meaning they may be more susceptible to movement and maintenance challenges over time.

Ultimately, if durability is your top priority, Accoya offers a unique combination of longevity, stability, and low maintenance that outperforms many traditional wood options.

With basic cleaning, Accoya can maintain its beauty and structure for decades—offering the warmth and character of natural wood without the typical drawbacks of swelling, warping, or decay.

How much does a wood deck cost?

The cost is often the clincher when deciding on wood or composite decking. Basically, the answer to how much does a wood deck cost is that it tends to increase with how durable they are.

For example, softwoods, like pressure treated pine, are the least durable and consequently the most budget-friendly option. However, as they are the least durable, more frequent maintenance is required as well as possibly replacement over time.

Composite decks, which are hardly affected by the elements and extremes in weather and require almost zero maintenance are amongst the most expensive. While the initial investment is higher, some homeowners find the long-term convenience appealing.

Modified wood decking, like Accoya, sits in the higher end of the price spectrum, but unlike composite, it’s real wood with a natural, timeless appeal.  It offers exceptional durability and dimensional stability, while maintaining the authentic beauty that only real timber provides. And when it comes to long-term value, Accoya stands out thanks to its outstanding 25-year warranty (even in challenging conditions). Combined with lower maintenance and replacement needs over time, it can offer significant cost savings in the long run.

The best wood for decks is…

So, in summary, composite wood aside, if you want the natural beauty of wood and you want it to last, the best wood for decks, when all factors are considered, is modified wood, closely followed by hardwood, then softwood.

If you need any more information about Accoya high-performance decking, please contact us.