Best Deck Materials for New Hampshire Homes: Pros and Cons

By JustinHomeowners Corner

Best Deck Materials for New Hampshire Homes: Pros and Cons

When choosing the right deck material for your New Hampshire home, it’s essential to consider durability, weather resistance, maintenance, and aesthetics. At Kilted Builders, we’ve worked with some of the top brands in the industry and have our favorites. Let’s take a look at the best options available and compare their benefits.

Wood Decking: Classic and Timeless

Wood decking has been the go-to choice for homeowners for generations. While it requires more upkeep, many prefer its natural beauty and authentic feel.

A beautifully crafted wood deck that combines natural beauty with expert craftsmanship, creating the perfect outdoor retreat. The rich tones and texture of the wood enhance the home’s exterior, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining. With durable construction and attention to detail, this custom wood deck provides a long-lasting, timeless addition to any home, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape and offering a space to enjoy the outdoors in style.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pros:

  • Affordable and widely available

  • Treated to resist rot and insects

  • Can be stained or painted

Cons:

  • Requires frequent maintenance (staining, sealing)

  • Can warp, splinter, or crack over time

Average Price: $15–$25 per sq. ft. (installed)

Cedar & Redwood

Pros:

  • Naturally resistant to decay and insects

  • Beautiful, rich color tones

  • Less maintenance than pressure-treated wood

Cons:

  • Higher cost than pressure-treated lumber

  • Requires sealing to maintain color

Average Price: $25–$45 per sq. ft. (installed)

Jatoba, Mahogany, & Other Exotic Hardwoods

Pros:

  • Extremely durable and long-lasting

  • Resistant to insects, rot, and moisture

  • Unique, high-end aesthetic

Cons:

  • Very high cost

  • Harder to work with due to density

Average Price: $40–$75 per sq. ft. (installed)

Learn more about wood decking options

Composite Decking: Low-Maintenance and Durable

Wood decking has been the go-to choice for homeowners for generations. While it requires more upkeep, many prefer its natural beauty and authentic feel.

A stunning custom screen porch, designed with a head net for protection against swarms of mayflies and mosquitoes during construction. Featuring a durable metal roof, this open timber design creates a rustic yet elegant feel, while the aluminum horizontal railing adds a modern touch. The custom composite deck extends the outdoor living space, offering a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution for homeowners. With thoughtful attention to detail and expert craftsmanship, this porch and deck combination provides a beautiful, functional outdoor retreat free from pesky insects.

Trex: The Original Composite Decking

Trex pioneered composite decking, offering a low-maintenance alternative to wood.

Pros:

  • Resists fading, staining, and mold

  • Made from 95% recycled materials

  • 25-year limited residential warranty

Cons:

  • Can get hot in direct sunlight

  • Higher upfront cost than wood

Average Price: $30–$60 per sq. ft. (installed)

Learn more about Trex

Fiberon: Sustainable and Stylish

Fiberon offers high-quality composite decking with a strong focus on sustainability and design variety.

Pros:

  • Made from recycled materials

  • Available in a wide range of colors and textures

  • 25- to 50-year warranties depending on product line

Cons:

  • Some options can be more expensive than Trex

  • Can get warm under direct sunlight

Average Price: $35–$65 per sq. ft. (installed)

Learn more about Fiberon

This custom composite deck is a perfect blend of style and strength, designed to elevate any outdoor space with its timeless elegance. While it may not support the weight of a hot tub, this deck is built to last, offering a solid foundation for gatherings, relaxation, and enjoying the beauty of New Hampshire's changing seasons. The Azek wrap around the posts and beams enhances the natural beauty of the deck, giving it a polished look that’s both modern and durable. Much like the sturdy porches and decks that graced New Hampshire's farmhouses and cottages, this deck is crafted to withstand the elements, offering a space for both peaceful solitude and lively social moments. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying the view of the rolling hills, this deck is a lasting addition to your home, reflecting the strength and resilience that New Hampshire’s historic structures are known for.
A stunning pool oasis deck featuring durable Timbertech decking with a 50-year warranty, offering long-lasting beauty and protection. The French White Oak decking, complemented by a Dark Hickory picture frame, creates a sophisticated and stylish look. Custom aluminum railings add both elegance and strength, while the PVC shower enclosure provides a convenient and functional space for rinsing off from the pool or hot tub. This custom deck is the ultimate outdoor retreat, designed for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the perfect poolside experience.

TimberTech by Azek: High-Performance with Fire Protection

TimberTech is well-known for its long-lasting durability and advanced protection against the elements.

Pros:

  • Industry-leading warranties, including a 50-year fade & stain warranty

  • Fire-resistant options available

  • Realistic wood-look textures

Cons:

  • Premium price point

  • Some options require hidden fasteners

Average Price: $40–$70 per sq. ft. (installed)

Learn more about TimberTech

Deckorators: The Coolest in the Sun

A newer composite decking option that stays cooler in the sun—ideal for barefoot summers.

Pros:

  • Mineral-based composite that resists expansion & contraction

  • Stays cooler than traditional composite decking

  • 25-year structural, stain & fade warranty

Cons:

  • Limited availability compared to Trex and TimberTech

  • Higher price than standard composites

Average Price: $35–$70 per sq. ft. (installed)

Learn more about Deckorators

Apples to Apples: A Quick Comparison

FeaturePressure-TreatedCedar/MahoganyJatoba/ExoticTrexFiberonTimberTechDeckorators
MaintenanceHighModerateLowLowLowLowLow
DurabilityModerateHighVery HighHighHighVery HighVery High
Heat ResistanceModerateHighHighLowModerateModerateHigh
WarrantyNoneNoneNone25 Years25-50 Years50 Years25 Years
Eco-FriendlyNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
Average Price$15-$25/sq. ft.$25-$45/sq. ft.$40-$75/sq. ft.$30-$60/sq. ft.$35-$65/sq. ft.$40-$70/sq. ft.$35-$70/sq. ft.

 

Which One is Best for Your Home?

If you love the natural look of wood and don’t mind a little maintenance, traditional lumber might be perfect for you. If you’re after low-maintenance and long-lasting durability, composite options like Trex, Fiberon, TimberTech, or Deckorators are great choices.

At Kilted Builders, we specialize in designing and building decks that fit your lifestyle. Not sure where to start? Let’s chat! You bring the coffee, and we’ll talk through all the options with you. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help you make the best choice!

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