Top Deck Material Trends for 2026: Composite vs. Wood

Composite continues to dominate 2026 deck trends, but wood remains popular for homeowners who love traditional aesthetics. Here’s how the trends are evolving—and which material makes sense for your lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• Composite leads in low maintenance and durability.
• Wood remains popular for its natural character.
• Warm browns and driftwood tones are trending.
• Textured finishes and wide boards are increasingly popular.

Composite trend highlights

Homeowners are choosing capped composites with realistic grain and subtle color variation. These boards resist fading and handle PA/NJ weather with minimal upkeep.

Wood trend highlights

High-quality cedar and treated pine are still in demand, especially for historic homes or classic styles. Expect more homeowners to budget for long-term sealing.

Choosing based on lifestyle

If you want low maintenance and long lifespan, composite is usually best. If you love the feel of real wood and don’t mind upkeep, wood can still be a great choice.

Compare materials in real light

Seeing samples outdoors makes color and texture differences obvious. We can bring samples to your home and help you compare. Explore deck construction services to get started.