View raw embed snippet
<a href="https://fsbrcarolinas.com/insights/deck-material-comparison" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://fsbrcarolinas.com/insights/deck-material-comparison.png" alt="Deck Material Comparison — PT vs. Composite vs. Hardwood — Four Seasons Building & Remodeling" style="width:100%;max-width:680px;height:auto;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:4px" /></a><p style="font:12px sans-serif;color:#555;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://fsbrcarolinas.com/insights/deck-material-comparison" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deck Material Comparison — PT vs. Composite vs. Hardwood</a> by <a href="https://fsbrcarolinas.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Four Seasons Building & Remodeling</a>.</p>
<!-- For interactive iframe version: -->
<!-- <iframe src="https://fsbrcarolinas.com/embed/insights/deck-material-comparison" width="100%" height="720" frameborder="0" style="border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:4px;max-width:1200px" title="Deck Material Comparison — PT vs. Composite vs. Hardwood"></iframe> -->Free for editorial and personal use with attribution and a do-follow link back to this page. No alteration of the visual or removal of the source label, please.
What this shows
Material is the single biggest cost lever on a deck quote. Two decks of identical size and railing can land 2–3x apart on price depending solely on the deck-board choice. The comparison above covers the three options we install most often in the Upstate: pressure-treated southern yellow pine, capped composite (Trex- and TimberTech-class), and tropical hardwood (most commonly ipe or cumaru).
Pressure-treated is the value choice and still represents about 40% of our 2026 deck quotes, but its long-term math is the worst of the three. Carolina UV and humidity break down PT boards aggressively, and homeowners who don't re-stain on a strict 18–24 month cadence see board cupping and surface checking inside six years. Capped composite has overtaken PT as the most-installed material in our pipeline, primarily because the 25-year warranty matches what most homeowners actually want from a deck: build it, enjoy it, never sand it again. Hardwood is the smallest slice (under 10% of quotes) but the most beautiful, and a properly detailed ipe deck will outlast the house it's attached to.
Our usual recommendation: if the deck will be visible from the primary living space and you plan to stay 5+ years, composite is the right answer for most Upstate homeowners. If the deck is utilitarian and budget is tight, pressure-treated is honest. Hardwood is for clients who want a furniture-grade outdoor space and are committed to occasional oiling.
Key takeaways
- →Capped composite has overtaken pressure-treated as the most-installed deck material in our 2026 pipeline.
- →Pressure-treated pine is cheapest up front but has the worst 10-year ownership math in the Upstate climate.
- →Tropical hardwood is the premium choice — highest cost, longest life, lowest maintenance frequency.
Need a custom infographic or quote?
We can produce a story-specific cut of this data for journalists and partner sites, usually same business day. Homeowners — get a real estimate for your project.