What composite and PVC are
Composite decking is made from wood fibers and plastic, usually with a protective outer layer called a cap. PVC decking is all plastic, with no wood content. Both come in many colors and grain patterns, do not need staining and do not splinter. They are used for the walking surface and railings. The frame underneath is almost always pressure-treated lumber.
Cost now versus cost later
Composite costs more on day one. Over time, a wood deck needs washing, sanding and staining or sealing every few years, which adds up in both money and weekends. Composite mainly needs a wash once or twice a year. Fixr puts staining an entire deck at about $550 to $850 per job, which gives a sense of what wood upkeep costs when you hire it out. HomeBlue's older Westchester figures from 2021 showed a similar gap between materials, with pressure-treated pine at about $25 to $29 per square foot and composite at about $48 to $51.
Things to know before you choose
Composite and PVC boards get hot in direct summer sun, especially darker colors, so lighter shades suit decks with no shade. They expand and contract with temperature, so gap and fastener spacing has to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Joist spacing often needs to be tighter than for wood, which adds framing cost. Hidden fasteners give a clean look without screw heads.
- Lighter colors stay cooler in full sun
- Follow the manufacturer's gap and joist spacing rules
- Hidden fasteners or color-matched screws
- Warranty terms depend on proper installation
Shade, leaves and river air
Many yards in this part of Westchester are shaded by tall trees, and homes near the Hudson get damp river air. Wood decks in shade tend to grow mildew and moss and stay wet longer. Capped composite and PVC hold up better in those conditions, though they still need cleaning to keep leaves and pollen from staining the surface. Ask the builder about a board with a cap on all sides for shaded, damp spots.
Composite on an old frame
Some homeowners want to put new composite boards on an existing wood frame. That can work if the frame is sound, the joists are spaced closely enough for the new boards and the ledger is properly attached. If the frame is old or the joist spacing is wide, the builder may recommend new framing first. See deck replacement.
Request an estimate
Use the estimate form and choose composite decks. Tell us the size, height and any brand or color you like. A local deck builder will reach out to see the yard and price it.
Composite and wood costs compared
Installed costs per square foot in Westchester. Not quotes.
| Material | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood (2026) | about $30 to $45 per sq ft |
| Composite (2026) | about $45 to $65 per sq ft |
| PVC or cellular (2026) | about $55 to $75 per sq ft |
| Composite railing | about $30 to $60 per linear ft |
| Staining an entire wood deck (national) | about $550 to $850 |
Rounded published ranges, not quotes. Westchester figures from Trusted Local Contractors (2026), staining from Fixr. Older HomeBlue Westchester figures (2021) are lower, so use the newer range for budgeting.
Sources: Trusted Local Contractors, Westchester deck costs; HomeBlue, Westchester deck cost; Fixr, deck repair and staining
Questions homeowners ask
How much more does composite cost than wood?
In Trusted Local Contractors' Westchester guide, composite runs about $45 to $65 per square foot installed versus about $30 to $45 for pressure-treated wood. On a 16 by 24 foot deck, that is several thousand dollars more.
Does composite decking get hot?
Yes, in strong sun, especially dark colors. Lighter shades and shade from trees or a pergola help.
Does composite need any maintenance?
Less than wood, but it still needs cleaning once or twice a year to remove dirt, pollen and leaf stains. It does not need staining or sealing.
Other services
Deck building
New wood and composite decks, from small landings to multi-level.
Deck replacement
Tear out an old deck and build a new one.
Deck repair
Boards, joists, railings, stairs and refinishing.
Screened porches
Screen in a deck or porch, or build a new one.
Deck railings and stairs
New or replacement railings and deck stairs.