8 calculators · IRC 2021 · Free forever
Compare materials
Side-by-side material comparisons covering up-front cost, 25-year total cost of ownership, maintenance burden, lifespan, and aesthetic. Honest tradeoffs based on published manufacturer data and field-tested durability.
Which decking material lasts the longest?
PVC and capped composite decking (Trex Transcend, TimberTech AZEK, Fiberon Paramount) carry 25–50 year manufacturer warranties — the longest of any decking option. Ipe hardwood lasts 40–75 years naturally. Pressure-treated lumber lasts 15–25 years; cedar lasts 15–30 years with regular staining.
8 calculators
Trex vs cedar vs PVC — which is best?
Composite vs PVC Decking Comparison Calculator
Capped composite (Trex/TimberTech composite) vs full PVC (AZEK/Zuri/Wolf). Heat retention, lifespan, weight, recyclability, cost per sqft + 25-yr TCO. 2026 pricing.
Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Comparison Calculator
Western Red / Eastern White cedar vs pressure-treated SYP/SPF — 25-yr TCO, lifespan, maintenance, decay-resistance, aesthetic comparison. 2026 lumber-yard pricing.
Trex vs TimberTech Comparison Calculator
Side-by-side: Trex (Enhance/Select/Transcend/Signature) vs TimberTech (EDGE/PRO/AZEK/Advanced PVC). 25-yr TCO, warranty, lifespan, heat, weight, recycled content — 9-dimension scoreboard.
IPE vs Composite Calculator
Tropical hardwood (IPE / Cumaru / Tigerwood) vs capped composite. Janka hardness, density, FSC certification, 50-yr lifespan, 25-yr TCO with re-oiling schedule. Brand examples + sustainability flag.
25-Year Deck Cost Calculator
True lifecycle cost across PT / cedar / composite / PVC / IPE on one chart. Year-by-year cost curve, sealing + restain schedule, replacement reveal, recoup at sale. 25-yr TCO ranking.
Stain vs Sealer Calculator
Decision tool comparing pigmented stain (semi-trans / solid) vs clear sealer (water-based / oil-based). 10-dimension scoreboard, color preference + wood condition aware. 10-yr TCO.
Resurface vs Rebuild Calculator
Head-to-head resurface vs rebuild — keep framing vs full tear-down. 8 board materials × 4 framing conditions. 25-yr lifecycle cost. Framing-condition-driven recommendation. 2026 retail.
DIY vs Contractor Deck Cost Calculator
Real cash + effective-cost comparison: DIY (retail materials + tools + permits + mistake budget) vs contractor (trade discount + class-based labor + warranty). 5-step skill slider, opportunity-cost slider, break-even $/hr.
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All 121 calculators →Frequently asked
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- Is composite or wood decking cheaper long-term?
- Composite has higher up-front cost ($30–$60/sqft installed vs $14–$25 for pressure-treated) but lower 25-year total cost — no annual staining, fewer board replacements. The 25-Year Cost Calculator shows your specific crossover point.
- What's the difference between Trex and TimberTech?
- Trex's premium line (Transcend) uses a polyethylene cap; TimberTech AZEK uses pure PVC for higher heat resistance and stain immunity. TimberTech generally offers longer warranties (50-year vs Trex's 25-year limited). Use the Trex vs TimberTech Calculator for a feature-by-feature breakdown.
- Is cedar or pressure-treated better for a backyard deck?
- Cedar has natural rot and insect resistance with a warmer aesthetic but costs 1.5–2x more than PT lumber and requires sealing every 2–3 years. PT is cheaper, structurally identical, and lasts the same 15–25 years with proper maintenance.
- When is Ipe worth the premium over composite?
- Ipe ($30–$50/sqft material) outlasts composite in extreme climates (75-year natural life) and never has the plastic look. It costs more up-front than mid-range composite but matches premium PVC over 50 years, and it's the only material that ages to a silver patina without staining.