Wood Deck vs. Composite: Which Is Best for You?

If you’re planning to build a new deck in Hamilton or the surrounding area, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go with traditional wood or low-maintenance composite materials. At Square Leaf Landscaping & Design, we’ve built hundreds of custom decks using both options. This guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each so you can make the right decision for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Should You Choose Wood or Composite for Your New Deck?

If you're thinking about adding a new deck to your home in Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington, or one of the nearby communities, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between wood and composite materials. Both options have unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your priorities for budget, maintenance, and style.

At Square Leaf Landscaping & Design, we’ve helped homeowners across the region build beautiful, long-lasting outdoor spaces using both wood and composite decking. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your project.

Why Wood Decking Remains a Classic Choice

Wood continues to be one of the most popular materials for backyard decks—and with good reason. It’s warm, natural, and offers a timeless look that blends seamlessly into both modern and traditional landscapes.

• • Cost-effective option
    Pressure-treated wood is generally less expensive up front than composite, making it a smart choice for homeowners in places like Binbrook or Dundas who want to stretch their landscaping budget.
  • Traditional beauty
    Every wood plank has its own natural grain and texture, giving your deck a rustic charm that feels authentic and welcoming. As the wood weathers, it can develop a soft, aged look that adds character.
  • Endless custom colour options
    Wood can be painted or stained in nearly any shade, giving you full control over the final look. This is helpful if you want to coordinate your deck with your fencing, privacy screens, or interlock walkways.

What to Consider Before Choosing Wood

While wood is beautiful and budget-friendly, there are a few important maintenance factors to consider—especially in Hamilton’s changing seasons.

• • Requires regular upkeep
    To keep it protected from moisture, sun damage, and wear, wood needs to be sealed or stained every few years. In areas like Oakville, Waterdown, or Aldershot, this is essential to avoid early deterioration.
  • Shorter overall lifespan
    Even with routine care, wood is more prone to rot, mildew, and insect damage. Most wood decks will need repair or replacement within 10 to 15 years.
  • Susceptible to warping and splitting
    If the deck isn’t built with proper drainage or structural support, boards can crack, cup, or twist. That’s why choosing a professional contractor like Square Leaf Landscaping is crucial—we build every deck with long-term durability in mind.

Why Composite Decking Is Gaining Popularity

Composite decking is an engineered material that blends recycled wood fibers and plastic. It’s ideal for homeowners who want the look of wood without the ongoing maintenance that natural materials require.

• • Low maintenance and easy to clean
    Composite boards never need staining or sealing. Occasional cleaning with soap and water is all it takes to maintain their appearance.
  • Long-lasting durability
    Composite resists rot, mold, mildew, and insects. It performs well through Southern Ontario’s tough winters and humid summers.
  • Sleek, modern look
    Available in a range of colours and textures, composite decking mimics the look of wood while delivering a clean, uniform appearance that fits beautifully in modern backyard designs.
  • Sustainable material option
    Many composite products are made with recycled plastics and wood by-products, making them an eco-conscious choice for environmentally minded homeowners.

Important Trade-Offs to Keep in Mind with Composite

Composite is a premium material with some clear benefits—but there are a few limitations to be aware of before you make your decision.

• • Higher initial investment
    Composite decking costs more upfront compared to wood. However, that cost is often offset over time by the reduced maintenance and longer lifespan.
  • Limited design flexibility
    Unlike wood, composite boards can’t be stained or painted. You’ll need to choose a colour you’re happy with for the long term.
  • Heat retention in full sun
    Some composite surfaces may get hotter under direct sunlight. If your backyard is south-facing or exposed, consider lighter-coloured boards or adding a pergola for shade—both services we offer as part of our custom deck packages.

Final thoughts: Which decking material is right for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between wood and composite decking. Both materials offer distinct advantages—and the best choice depends on your personal style, your tolerance for maintenance, and your long-term goals.

Let’s break it down.

Choose wood if you love the natural look

If you appreciate the timeless appeal of real wood and want to keep your initial costs lower, wood decking is a great choice.

It works especially well in:

• • Traditional or rustic landscapes
  • Gardens and lush outdoor spaces
  • Homes with natural stone, fencing, or wood structures

But it does require regular maintenance. Sealing, staining, and cleaning are essential to protect your deck from weather-related wear—especially in areas like Hamilton, Waterdown, and Dundas, where temperature and moisture conditions change throughout the year.

Choose composite if you want long-term durability

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution that still looks sharp and modern, composite decking may be the better investment.

Composite is:

• • Resistant to rot, mildew, and insect damage
  • Easy to clean (no sealing or staining required)
  • Designed to withstand Southern Ontario’s seasonal extremes

It’s a great fit for busy homeowners who want more time to relax and less time maintaining their outdoor space. We’ve seen it become especially popular in Burlington, Oakville, and Stoney Creek, where long-term value and durability are top priorities.

A real-world example from Hamilton

One of our recent projects in Stoney Creek involved replacing an aging cedar deck with a modern composite deck system. The homeowners wanted a long-term solution with minimal upkeep. We installed a low-profile composite deck in a weathered grey tone, paired with black aluminum railings. The transformation created a more modern, low-maintenance space that they now use daily—with no more sanding or sealing.

How Square Leaf Landscaping can help

Choosing the right decking material is just the beginning. To truly get the most from your outdoor space, you need a contractor who understands the bigger picture—how your deck will function, how it will blend into your landscape, and how to build it to last in Southern Ontario’s unique climate.

That’s where Square Leaf Landscaping & Design comes in.

Custom decks designed with purpose and built to last

Whether you’re leaning toward the natural beauty of wood or the long-term benefits of composite, our team will work closely with you to design a custom deck that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget. We consider every detail—from material selection to structural layout to finish options—to ensure the final product looks amazing and stands up to daily use and seasonal weather changes.

We use only high-quality materials and proven construction methods to give you a finished product that is:

• • Safe, secure, and code-compliant
  • Visually integrated with your home and landscape
  • Designed for comfort, flow, and long-term value

Whether you want a simple backyard platform or a multi-tiered outdoor living space, we bring experience, craftsmanship, and creativity to every project.

More than decks: complete outdoor transformations

Many of our deck projects are part of larger backyard makeovers—and that’s where our full-service landscaping and hardscaping expertise shines.

We can design and build all the key elements of your outdoor space, including:

• • Paver patios for gathering, dining, or relaxing
  • Retaining walls that manage slopes while adding structure and beauty
  • Raised or in-ground garden beds with curated plantings for colour and texture
  • Privacy screens, fences, and pergolas to define space and add comfort

If you’re looking for one company to handle the entire vision—from layout and design to final build—we’re the trusted local partner you can rely on.

Serving homeowners across the Hamilton region

Square Leaf Landscaping & Design proudly serves clients in:

• • Hamilton
  • Ancaster
  • Burlington
  • Dundas
  • Waterdown
  • Aldershot
  • Grimsby
  • Binbrook
  • Oakville
  • Stoney Creek

Wherever you're located, we bring the same high level of service, attention to detail, and passion for outdoor living to every project.

Ready to build your dream deck?

Whether you already have a vision or need help exploring your options, Square Leaf Landscaping & Design is here to help. From design to final construction, we handle everything—on time, on budget, and with care.

Call today or request a free estimate to get started. We proudly serve Hamilton and surrounding areas with expert deck building, patio installations, retaining walls, and full-service landscaping design and construction.