With the volatility of building material costs top of mind, choosing the right decking is more important than ever. While some decking prices have increased, there are still many high‑value options that can align with your project budget and enhance the long-term value of your home or property. Explore the latest decking cost comparisons and pricing trends here.
Mataverde Jatoba hardwood decking offers beautiful, natural wood with high durability.
Decking Cost Comparisons
According to ConstructConnect, a leading commercial construction industry resource, overall building material costs have risen 6.2% over the past year. On the residential side, decking prices have seen generally moderate increases, with more significant price jumps specifically for Ipe and Cumaru hardwood decking materials.
Comparing decking prices by the linear foot can be challenging when board widths, lengths, carton sizes, and actual coverage all vary. To simplify this, we’ve created a cost comparison chart based on price per square foot of true coverage. Use it as a quick, tool to establish a preliminary budget and evaluate your decking options.
Please Note* Decking costs can change without notice at any time. Prices and availability vary, too, from region to region. Always be sure to contact your local supplier or builder for current decking prices and availability in your area.
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Decking Option Comparisons
Here's a quick overview of the most popular types of decking materials and how the market has affected them.
- Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine decking prices have showed little to no price increase year over year. Pressure treated decking remains the lowest cost and most popular decking material for residential decks.
- Knotty Red Cedar decking pricing increased slightly. It remains a low cost natural wood deck board solution.
- Low end Composite decking prices have remained about the same year over year.
- Thermally modified wood decking is moderately priced and has been gaining a lot of traction, especially with sustainably harvested domestic American species like Southern Yellow Pine, Poplar, White Ash and Hemlock. Great natural looks, excellent value. Low carbon footprint.
- Ipe hardwood decking prices have risen sharply since last year.
- Other high density hardwood decking species like Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry), Machiche (Mayan Mahogany) and Garapa (Brazilian Ash). Prices have remained stable and represent a good value.
- Higher end Composite and Synthetic decking options, like Fiberon, Timbertech, and Azek have risen slightly.
- Fire Retardant Treated Wood decking is gaining popularity, especially in high fire zone areas. It is an ignition resistant real wood material that helps protect your home, beautifully.
- Clear Red Cedar decking prices remain very high, and actually increased year over year.
RELATED: More Decking Cost Comparisons and Info
Best Value Decking Options to Consider
When you’re investing in a new deck or upgrading an existing one, the initial price is only part of the equation. Aesthetics, curb appeal, property value, return on investment, peace of mind, and ongoing maintenance requirements are all equally important considerations..
While we’re well beyond the peak of the pandemic disruptions, many material costs remain high. Depending on your project budget, there are premium decking options that may still be an excellent fit. In fact, several exterior decking materials you may not have considered offer a high-end appearance and outstanding value. Here are a few to keep in mind.
Arbor Wood Thermowood Decking
Arbor Wood is a thermally modified, eco-friendly, real wood decking alternative to composite and synthetic deck materials. Thermally modified wood is durable, highly stable, and less prone to water absorption, expansion, contraction, rot and decay. Choose from native wood species like Poplar and American White Ash.
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Mataverde SaferWood Fire Retardant Treated Wood Decking
Mataverde SaferWood helps protect your home and family in high fire hazard areas with ignition-resistant, real wood decking. It combines natural wood beauty with enhanced fire performance and long-term protection, meeting the most stringent WUI and wildland–urban interface fire code requirements. Specify from several attractive real wood decking options, including 2x6 STK Red Cedar and 5/4x6 Arbor Wood Ash or Arbor Wood Southern Yellow Pine.
Explore SaferWood Decking Options
REQUEST SAFERWOOD DECKING SAMPLES
REQUEST A SAFERWOOD DECKING QUOTE
Hardwood Decking
Ipe and Cumaru hardwood decking costs have risen significantly. The good news is that other premium hardwood choices—like Jatoba, Machiche, and Garapa—are still moderately priced and can be an excellent fit for your project budget. These hardwood decking species deliver outstanding natural performance, exceptional durability, and can provide decades of service with minimal maintenance.
FSC Machiche hardwood decking on rooftop balcony deck
Check out Hardwood Decking Species Options
Key Decking Cost Takeaways for 2026:
- Pressure treated pine decking remains the lowest cost deck material option.
- STK Red cedar decking is an affordable knotty real wood option.
- Thermally modified real wood decking costs are much lower than cedar and are more readily available.
- Hardwood decking species like Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry), Garapa, and FSC Certified Machiche decking are all very affordable - and lower cost than most synthetic decking options.
- Synthetic decking materials like Fiberon, Timbertech and Azek pricing rose and are now more expensive than most hardwood and thermally modified wood decking options.
- Fire retardant treated wood decking material is moderately to higher priced. It is your best option for high fire zone areas.
- Ipe and Cumaru hardwoods, and A Grade Red Cedar decking are among the highest price real wood decking options.
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