Guide
Deck materials compared: pressure-treated, cedar, and composite
Jun 24, 2026 · Ottawa Home Services Directory · 6 min read
Pressure-treated, cedar, or composite? Each handles Ottawa's freeze-thaw winters differently. A plain-language comparison of cost, upkeep, and lifespan.
Ottawa decks live through a hard freeze-thaw cycle, so the material you pick changes both the upfront cost and the years of upkeep that follow.
Pressure-treated wood
The lowest upfront cost and the most common choice. It holds up well if you re-stain or seal it every couple of years. Skip that upkeep and it greys, checks, and splinters faster in our climate.
Cedar
Naturally rot- and insect-resistant with a warmer look than treated lumber. It is softer, so it dents more easily, and it still needs periodic sealing to keep its colour.
Composite
Highest upfront cost, lowest maintenance. No staining or sealing, and it resists fading and rot. Good composite is engineered for freeze-thaw; ask the builder which line they use and what the warranty covers.
A builder who knows Ottawa will talk about frost-line footings and drainage, not just the boards on top. That structure is what keeps a deck level after a few winters.
See the full Deck Builders directory in Ottawa, ranked with ratings and service areas.
Browse Deck Builders