So, you’re thinking about building a deck in Colorado? Smart move – there’s nothing quite like sipping your morning coffee while looking out at the Rockies, or hosting a barbecue under those incredible summer skies. But here’s the thing: Colorado weather doesn’t mess around, and your deck choice better be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
I’ve been in the construction business here in Colorado Springs for over two decades now, and I can’t tell you how many times homeowners have asked me: “Should I go with wood or composite decking?” It’s honestly one of the most common questions we get at Stewart Remodel Design Build, and for good reason. This decision will affect your wallet, your weekends, and your outdoor enjoyment for years to come.
Let me break it down for you, just like I would if we were chatting over a beer on your future deck.
Why Your Decking Choice Matters More in Colorado
Before we get into all the details, let’s chat about why this choice is extra important here in Colorado. Our climate is… well, let’s just say it keeps things interesting. One day it’s 70 degrees and sunny, the next day you’re getting hail the size of golf balls. We’ve got intense UV rays at altitude, temperature swings that’ll make your head spin, and enough snow to test any material’s limits.
I’ve seen beautiful decks turn into expensive disasters because someone didn’t think about how Colorado’s weather would affect their material choice. Don’t be that person.
Wood Decking: The Classic Choice That Built America’s Backyards
Let’s start with wood – the granddaddy of decking materials. There’s something timeless about a wooden deck that just feels right. But not all wood is created equal, especially when you’re dealing with our Colorado conditions.
The Good Stuff About Wood Decking
It Looks Amazing (When It’s New)
There’s no denying that a freshly stained cedar or redwood deck is gorgeous. The natural grain, the warm tones – it’s like having a piece of the forest right outside your door. Wood also gives you design flexibility that’s hard to beat. Want custom curves or intricate patterns? Wood’s your friend.
Your Wallet Will Thank You (Initially)
Here’s where wood really shines – the upfront cost. Pressure-treated lumber runs about $2-4 per square foot, while cedar might set you back $4-8 per square foot. Compare that to composite, and wood looks pretty attractive to your bank account.
Easy to Work With
Any decent contractor can work with wood, and if you’re handy, you might even tackle some repairs yourself. Need to replace a board? No problem. Want to change the stain color? Go for it!
The Not-So-Great Parts of Wood Decking
Colorado Weather Is Wood’s Kryptonite
Here’s where things get real. Our intense UV rays will fade and dry out wood faster than you can say “fourteener.” Those temperature swings? They make wood expand and contract, leading to warping, cracking, and splitting. And don’t get me started on what happens when snow sits on untreated wood all winter.
I’ve seen pressure-treated decks in Colorado Springs start showing serious wear after just 2-3 years. Cedar and redwood last longer, but they’re not immune to our climate’s challenges.
Maintenance Is Your New Weekend Hobby
Hope you like spending your Saturdays with a power washer and stain brush, because wood demands attention. You’ll need to clean it annually, stain or seal it every 2-3 years, and constantly check for loose boards, popped nails, and other issues.
One client told me he spent more time maintaining his deck than enjoying it. That’s not the Colorado outdoor lifestyle we’re going for!
Splinters and Safety Concerns
Nothing ruins a barefoot summer evening like a splinter. As wood ages and weathers, it gets rougher and more prone to splintering. With kids running around, this becomes a real concern.
Best Wood Options for Colorado
If you’re set on wood, here are your best bets:
- Cedar: Naturally resistant to insects and decay, handles our climate better than most. Expect to pay $4-6 per square foot.
- Redwood: Beautiful and naturally weather-resistant, but pricey at $5-8 per square foot.
- Pressure-Treated Pine: The budget option at $2-4 per square foot, but needs the most maintenance in our climate.
- Exotic Hardwoods (like Ipe): Incredibly durable but expensive ($8-15 per square foot) and can be difficult to work with.
Composite Decking: The New Kid That’s All Grown Up
Composite decking has come a long way since those early versions that looked obviously fake. Today’s composite materials are pretty impressive, and they’re designed specifically to handle challenging climates like ours.
Why Composite Might Be Your Best Friend
It Laughs at Colorado Weather
This is composite’s superpower. UV rays? No fading. Temperature swings? No problem. Snow and ice? Bring it on! Quality composite decking is designed to shrug off extreme weather conditions without warping, cracking, or splitting.
I’ve got clients with composite decks that are 10+ years old and still look fantastic. Try saying that about a pressure-treated deck in Colorado!
Your Weekends Are Yours Again
Remember that maintenance schedule I mentioned for wood? Throw it out the window! Composite needs an occasional cleaning with soap and water, and that’s about it. No staining, no sealing, no constant repairs. You can actually use your deck instead of constantly fixing it.
Consistent Good Looks
Composite doesn’t just start out looking good – it stays that way. The color goes all the way through the material, so even if you get a scratch, it’s not obvious. Modern composite also has realistic wood grain textures that look pretty convincing.
Safety First
No splinters, no popped nails, no slippery surfaces when wet. If you’ve got kids or elderly family members using the deck, composite’s consistent surface is a real advantage.
The Downsides of Composite
Sticker Shock
Let’s not sugarcoat it – composite costs more upfront. You’re looking at $8-12 per square foot for quality composite, sometimes more for premium brands. That can add up fast on a large deck.
Heat Retention
In our hot Colorado summers, composite can get pretty toasty underfoot. Dark colors are the worst offenders. If your deck gets full sun all day, this might be uncomfortable for bare feet.
Limited Repair Options
If you damage composite decking, you usually need to replace the entire board. You can’t just sand out a scratch or stain like you can with wood.
Not All Composites Are Equal
There’s a lot of variation in composite quality. Cheap composite can fade, stain, or even develop mold in certain conditions. You get what you pay for.
Types of Composite Decking
- Traditional Composite: Made from recycled wood fibers and plastic. Good performance at a reasonable price point.
- Capped Composite: Has a protective shell around the core. Better stain and fade resistance, but costs more.
- PVC Decking: All plastic, no wood fibers. Best weather resistance but can look less natural.
How They Stack Up in Colorado’s Specific Conditions
Let me get specific about how these materials handle our unique climate challenges:
UV Exposure at Altitude
Colorado’s high altitude means more intense UV rays. Wood will fade and dry out faster here than at sea level. Quality composite with UV protection holds up much better. I’ve seen cedar decks in Colorado Springs lose their rich color in just one summer season.
Temperature Extremes
We can go from 80 degrees to 30 degrees in a matter of hours. Wood expands and contracts with these changes, leading to gaps, warping, and structural issues. Composite is designed to handle these swings without much movement.
Snow Load and Moisture
Both materials can handle snow load structurally, but moisture is where they differ. Wood can absorb moisture, leading to rot and decay over time. Composite doesn’t absorb water, so freeze-thaw cycles don’t cause the same damage.
Hail Damage
Both materials can be damaged by large hail, but composite typically bounces back better. Wood can dent and splinter, while composite might show some marks but usually maintains its structural integrity.
The Real Cost Comparison
Everyone focuses on the upfront cost, but let’s look at the total cost of ownership over 15 years:
Wood Deck Costs (15 years)
- Initial cost: $3,000 (500 sq ft at $6/sq ft for cedar)
- Annual cleaning/maintenance: $200 x 15 = $3,000
- Staining every 3 years: $800 x 5 = $4,000
- Board replacements and repairs: $1,500
- Total: $11,500
Composite Deck Costs (15 years)
- Initial cost: $5,000 (500 sq ft at $10/sq ft)
- Annual cleaning: $50 x 15 = $750
- Repairs: $200
- Total: $5,950
The numbers don’t lie. Composite might cost more upfront, but it saves money in the long run.
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
So which should you choose? It depends on your specific situation:
Choose Wood If:
- You love the natural look and don’t mind maintenance.
- Your budget is tight upfront.
- You enjoy DIY projects and weekend maintenance.
- You’re planning to sell in the next few years.
- You want maximum design flexibility.
Choose Composite If:
- You want low maintenance.
- Long-term cost matters more than upfront expense.
- You have young kids or elderly family members.
- Your deck gets intense sun exposure.
- You’d rather spend weekends enjoying your deck, not maintaining it.
Installation Considerations in Colorado
Whether you choose wood or composite, installation matters – especially in our climate. Here are some Colorado-specific considerations:
Proper Drainage
With our intense summer thunderstorms and snow melt, drainage is super important. Make sure your deck has proper slope and ventilation underneath.
Foundation and Framing
Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles are tough on foundations. Use proper concrete footings below the frost line, and consider galvanized or stainless steel hardware.
Expansion Gaps
Both materials need room to move, but it’s especially important with our temperature swings. Proper gapping prevents buckling and warping.
Local Building Codes
Different Colorado municipalities have different requirements for deck construction. Make sure your contractor knows local codes and gets proper permits.
What I Tell My Clients
After 20+ years of building decks in Colorado, here’s my honest take: if you can afford the upfront cost, composite is usually the better choice for our climate. The maintenance savings alone make it worth it, and you’ll have a deck that looks good and performs well for decades.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with choosing wood if it fits your budget and lifestyle better. Just go in with your eyes open about the maintenance requirements.
Real Client Stories
Let me share a couple of real situations from clients we’ve worked with:
The Johnson Family: Chose pressure-treated lumber for their large deck to save money upfront. Three years later, they called us back because boards were warping, the stain was peeling, and they were tired of constant maintenance. They ended up replacing it with composite and wished they’d done that from the start.
The Martinez Family: Went with premium composite despite the higher cost. Five years later, their deck still looks like new, and they’ve never regretted the investment. They tell me all the time how much they love not having to spend weekends maintaining it.
The Bottom Line
Look, there’s no wrong choice here – just different trade-offs. Wood gives you that classic look and lower upfront cost, but demands regular attention. Composite costs more initially but saves you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
In Colorado’s challenging climate, I lean toward composite for most homeowners. The weather resistance, low maintenance, and long-term value make it a smart investment. But if you love the look of natural wood and don’t mind the upkeep, go for it!
Ready to Build Your Dream Deck?
Whatever you decide, make sure you work with someone who understands Colorado’s unique challenges. At Stewart Remodel Design Build, we’ve been helping Colorado Springs homeowners create amazing outdoor spaces since 1999. We’ve seen every weather challenge our state can throw at a deck, and we know how to build them to last.
Want to discuss your specific situation? Give us a call at (719) 266-0336 or check out our reviews and credentials to see what other Colorado homeowners have to say about working with us. We’re located at 5061 N 30th St #102, Colorado Springs, and we’d love to help you create the perfect outdoor space for your home.
Remember, a deck isn’t just an addition to your house – it’s an investment in your Colorado lifestyle. Choose wisely, build it right, and you’ll be enjoying those mountain views for years to come.
Your future self (and your weekends) will thank you!