Is composite decking worth the extra cost in New Brunswick or does pressure-treated wood last just as long here?

Composite decking is worth the premium for most New Brunswick homeowners — but the math depends heavily on how you weigh upfront cost against long-term maintenance.

Here's the honest breakdown: pressure-treated wood in NB typically lasts 15-25 years with proper maintenance, while quality composite decking carries 25-30 year warranties and requires almost no upkeep. The gap in lifespan isn't dramatic, but the gap in effort is enormous.

The cost reality in New Brunswick's market:

Pressure-treated deck (materials + labour, 300 sq ft deck):

• Low: $8,000–$12,000


• Mid: $12,000–$18,000


• High: $18,000–$25,000+

Composite deck (same size, mid-grade composite like Trex or TimberTech):

• Low: $14,000–$20,000


• Mid: $20,000–$30,000


• High: $30,000–$45,000+

The premium runs roughly 40-70% more upfront. However, factor in that pressure-treated wood in NB needs annual cleaning, sealing or staining every 2-3 years ($300-$600 per treatment), and board replacement as it checks and warps. Over 25 years, you'll spend $4,000-$8,000+ in maintenance products and labour — closing that gap considerably.

New Brunswick's climate is actually where composite earns its keep. Our freeze-thaw cycles are brutal — we can hit -30°C in January and +5°C in February, sometimes in the same week. That repeated cycling is what splits and warps pressure-treated boards fastest. Composite handles thermal expansion and contraction far better, and it won't absorb the moisture from our wet springs and coastal fog the way wood does. If your deck faces the Bay of Fundy or you're in Shediac, Bathurst, or along the coast, the salt air accelerates wood degradation noticeably — composite is a clear winner in those environments.

Where pressure-treated still makes sense: If you're building a ground-level or utility deck, a dock platform, or a structure that's likely to be reconfigured in 10-15 years anyway, PT wood is perfectly reasonable. It's also the better choice for the structural framing (joists, beams, posts) regardless of what decking surface you choose — composite manufacturers actually require PT or steel framing under their products.

One thing NB homeowners sometimes overlook: composite gets hot in direct sun. A south-facing deck in Moncton or Fredericton on a July afternoon can reach surface temperatures that are uncomfortable barefoot. Lighter colours and capped composite products (which have a protective shell) handle this better than uncapped options.

A practical next step: Get quotes from two or three deck builders in your area — ask them to price both options side by side for the same design. Most experienced NB deck contractors can show you the 20-year cost comparison. You can find licensed deck builders in your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory.

One permit note: any deck over 24 inches above grade requires a building permit — contact your local municipality or Regional Service Commission before breaking ground. In Moncton, that's Planning & Development at (506) 856-4375; in Fredericton, Development Services at (506) 460-2020; rural areas go through their RSC.