As Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, many homeowners are heading outside, but not always to relax. According to a new national survey conducted by Atomik Research, 78 percent of homeowners with wood decks say they regret their choice of material, pointing to ongoing maintenance, durability and appearance as their biggest frustrations. The findings underscore changing homeowner priorities, with performance, longevity and low upkeep increasingly driving material decisions.
“Your deck should be a place to unwind, not another weekend chore,” said Jodi Lee, senior vice president of marketing for Trex Company. “Homeowners are rethinking what they want from their outdoor spaces and gravitating toward high-performance materials that deliver lasting beauty without constant maintenance.”
Backyard Retreat or High-Maintenance Hassle?
Nearly all survey respondents (96 percent) say their deck plays an important role in how they relax, entertain and spend time at home, making material choice more important than ever. For many wood deck owners, the reality doesn’t live up to expectations.
- It’s all about appearances: Weathering (56 percent), staining or painting (45 percent), and fading or discoloration (44 percent) rank among the most common pain points for homeowners with wood decks.
- More than half (55 percent) of wood deck owners say they avoid using their decks due to maintenance needs, repairs or worn appearance.
- Time and money: Wood deck owners are nearly 60 percent more likely than composite owners to report “much more than expected” maintenance after choosing wood.
- 43 percent of wood deck owners spend more than 10 hours per year on maintenance.
- 76 percent spend at least $100 annually to keep their decks in shape.
Composite vs. Wood: Less Maintenance, More Enjoyment
The survey found that homeowners with decks made from composite material report fewer concerns overall compared to their wood deck neighbors. Composite owners are nearly four times more likely to say they experience “no issues at all” (17 percent vs. just 4 percent of wood deck owners) and nearly twice as likely to say they have “no regret” about their material choice than wood deck owners.
When it comes to longevity, 70 percent of composite deck owners say their deck has maintained its appearance over time vs. a significantly lower 50 percent of wood owners. In fact, wood deck owners are twice as likely to say their deck has not maintained its appearance over time compared with composite owners (34 vs. 17 percent).
“Homeowners invest in their decks to enhance how they live at home, not to take on another ongoing project,” noted Lee. “When upkeep starts to outweigh enjoyment, it’s clear why so many are turning to high-performance alternatives that deliver lasting beauty with far less effort.”
Composite decking, like Trex, delivers long-term performance and requires minimal upkeep. Designed for maximum durability, it resists mold, fading and staining* and won’t rot, crack or warp like wood. It’s also insect-resistant and splinter-free, making it safer and more comfortable for families with kids and pets.
With composite decking homeowners never need to worry about sanding, staining or sealing. An occasional soap-and-water cleaning* maintains performance and aesthetics for years to come. Trex composite decking, for example, is backed by up to 50-year limited warranties.
It’s no surprise then that composite decking owners report higher satisfaction and confidence in long-term performance than wood deck owners with 82 percent saying they are confident their deck will last 15-20 years with minimal upkeep. Conversely, about 40 percent of wood owners report having little to no confidence they’ll have a functional/attractive deck down the line.
Desire for Worry-Free Outdoor Living Drives Deck Do-overs
With 86 percent of deck owners reporting they use their decks daily or a few times a week during peak season, material choice that delivers lasting performance is key. Of the survey respondents actively considering adding a deck to their homes, 74 percent cited durability as the most important factor in choosing decking material. And when asked what they would choose if building a new deck today, nearly four in 10 (39 percent) wood deck owners said they would opt for composite, citing performance and aesthetics as top considerations.
“At the end of the day, a deck should give something back to the homeowner – more time, more comfort and more reasons to gather,” added Lee. “As expectations for outdoor living continue to evolve, we see a clear move toward solutions that make it easier to create spaces people truly enjoy without compromise.”
Trex offers the industry’s largest selection of wood-alternative decking and railing designs sold through home centers and specialty retailers nationwide. Through strategic licensing agreements, the company also offers a comprehensive outdoor living portfolio that includes lighting, fencing, outdoor kitchen components, pergolas, spiral stairs, lattice, privacy screens, cornhole and outdoor furniture – all marketed under the Trex brand.
For more information, visit Trex.com or visit Trex.com/Shop to order free decking samples.
