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Composite vs. wood decks in Florida
An honest comparison of cost, upkeep, heat and lifespan for Tampa Bay homes.
If you plan to keep your home more than a few years, composite usually wins in Florida. If budget is the main concern, or it's a rental you'll sell soon, pressure-treated pine still makes sense. Here's the honest comparison.
Side by side
| Composite / PVC | Pressure-treated pine | |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Higher | Lower |
| Yearly upkeep | Wash it a couple of times a year | Clean and seal every 1–2 years |
| Rot and insects | Boards don't rot | Can rot and check over time, especially in shade and near the ground |
| Splinters | None | Yes, as it weathers |
| Color | Holds color for years | Turns gray without stain |
| Heat in full sun | Gets warm; dark colors hottest | Warm, but usually cooler than dark composite |
| Lifespan of the surface | Decades with basic care | Often 10–15 years in Florida with good upkeep |
| Framing underneath | Pressure-treated, built tighter (12 inches on center) | Pressure-treated |
The real cost difference
Composite costs more on day one. Wood costs more every year after: sealer, a weekend of work or a pro to apply it, and replacing boards that cup or split. Over 10 to 15 years in Tampa Bay sun and rain, the gap narrows a lot, and the composite deck looks better the whole time. For actual installed prices, see the deck cost guide.
When wood is the right answer
- A rental or a house you'll sell within a few years.
- A large, low deck where cost per square foot matters most.
- You like the look of real wood and don't mind sealing it.
When composite is the right answer
- You want to spend weekends using the deck, not maintaining it.
- The deck is in shade or near sprinklers, where wood stays damp and rots.
- You're near salt water. Pair composite or PVC with stainless hardware.
The middle path
Almost every composite deck is built on pressure-treated framing. You get a low-maintenance surface on an affordable structure. See composite decks and wood decks.
Common questions
Does composite decking get hotter than wood?
Dark composite gets hotter than wood in full sun. Light composite colors and heat-reducing PVC lines run cooler, and shade helps most.
Which lasts longer in Florida, composite or wood?
Composite. Capped composite and PVC boards don't rot, while pine boards need regular sealing and replacement over time in Florida's heat and humidity.