Best Decking Material Options for Your Deck in 2026
If you are planning a deck in 2026, you are likely asking the same question we hear every day at OK Lumber in San Carlos:
What is the best decking material?
The answer depends on what matters most to you. Some homeowners prioritize natural wood character. Others want the lowest maintenance possible. Some are focused on long-term durability, while others are working within a specific budget.
The best decking material is the one that fits your lifestyle, your home, and your long-term plans. Below, we break down the decking options we carry at OK Lumber so you can make a confident decision.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Decking Material in 2026?
Here’s how most projects break down in real life:
● Best classic Bay Area wood look: Heart B Redwood
● Best premium natural wood for long-term durability: Ipe hardwood
● Best lighter hardwood style: Thermory hardwood
● Best low-maintenance wood-look option: TimberTech composite by Azek or Trex
● Best for moisture resistance and easiest ownership: TimberTech PVC by Azek or Trex
There is no universal winner. The best decking material depends on whether you prioritize natural wood character, reduced maintenance, long-term durability, or moisture resistance.
Decking Materials Available at OK Lumber
At O.K. Lumber, we focus on decking materials that hold up in real-world conditions and deliver long-term value. We stock options that work for a wide range of projects, budgets, and maintenance preferences. In the Bay Area, that means choosing materials that can handle strong sun, seasonal rain, and occasional coastal moisture without compromising performance.
We carry:
● Hardwood decking: Ipe and Thermory
● Redwood decking: Heart B redwood
● Composite and PVC decking: TimberTech by Azek and Trex
Each option serves a different type of homeowner and project.
Heart B Redwood Decking Available at OK Lumber
Redwood has long been a staple for decks throughout California. It blends naturally with the landscape and offers a warm, classic appearance.
We stock Heart B redwood, a high-quality grade that is mostly clear with occasional small knots and a rich natural red tone.
Why redwood works well
● Traditional wood appearance
● Strong regional fit for Bay Area homes
● Moderate upfront investment
What to consider
● Requires regular sealing or finishing to maintain color
● Will naturally weather to gray if left untreated
● Softer than hardwood and can show wear in high-traffic areas
Redwood is often the best decking material for homeowners who want authentic wood character and are comfortable maintaining it over time.
Ipe Hardwood Decking Available at OK Lumber
If durability is your top priority, Ipe Decking is one of the strongest natural wood decking materials available.
Ipe is extremely dense and performs well in high-traffic and long-term applications.
Why homeowners choose Ipe
● Excellent resistance to wear
● Long lifespan, often 25 years or more
● Rich, premium appearance
What to plan for
● Higher upfront cost
● Requires proper fastening and installation
● Will naturally change color over time without maintenance
For homeowners building once and planning to stay long term, Ipe is often the best decking material from a durability standpoint.
Thermory Hardwood Decking Available at OK Lumber
Thermory decking offers hardwood durability with a lighter tone, making it a strong option for modern homes and brighter exterior palettes.
Why Thermory stands out
● Hardwood strength
● Stable and durable performance
What to know
● Higher upfront investment than redwood
● Like all natural wood, it will age naturally if not finished
Thermory is a good fit for homeowners who want hardwood performance without the darker look of Ipe.
Trex Decking Available at Ok Lumber
Trex composite decking is one of the most recognized composite decking brands in the country and a popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce maintenance without giving up a wood-inspired look.
Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, Trex decking is engineered to resist fading, staining, splintering, and insect damage.
Why homeowners choose Trex
● No staining or sealing required
● Wood-look colors with consistent finish
● Strong resistance to rot and insects
● Backed by long-term manufacturer warranties
What to consider
● Higher upfront investment than traditional redwood
● Darker colors may retain heat in direct sunlight
● Proper installation and spacing are important for performance
Trex is often a smart choice for homeowners who want the appearance of wood with significantly less maintenance over the life of the deck.
TimberTech Composite Decking by Azek Available at OK Lumber
For homeowners focused on reducing maintenance, composite decking is often the most practical choice.
TimberTech composite decking by Azek is built with capped technology designed to resist fading, staining, splintering, and insect damage.
Why composite is often the best decking material for convenience
● No staining or sealing required
● Consistent color and texture
● Lower maintenance ownership
● Strong long-term performance
What to consider
● Higher upfront investment than redwood
● Darker colors can retain more heat in direct sun
● Proper spacing during installation is important
Composite decking makes sense for homeowners who want a deck that looks good without a regular refinishing schedule.
TimberTech PVC Decking by Azek Available at OK Lumber
PVC decking is designed for maximum moisture resistance and very low maintenance.
Because it contains no wood fibers, it performs especially well in damp or coastal conditions.
Why PVC may be the best decking material for moisture-prone areas
● Strong resistance to moisture and mold
● Easy to clean
● Very low ongoing upkeep
● Consistent appearance over time
What to consider
● Higher upfront cost
● Some homeowners prefer the feel of real wood
For homeowners who want the easiest ownership experience with minimal upkeep, PVC is often the strongest long-term choice
Decking Material Comparison at a Glance
| Material | Upfront Cost | Maintenance | How It Holds Up Over Time | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart B Redwood | Mid-range | Higher | Can look great long-term, but needs regular finishing | Classic Bay Area wood look |
| Ipe Hardwood | Higher | Lower to moderate | Extremely durable and wear-resistant | Premium natural wood longevity |
| Thermory Hardwood | Higher | Lower to moderate | Long-lasting hardwood performance | Modern hardwood style |
| TimberTech Composite | Mid to higher | Low | Strong long-term performance with minimal upkeep | Low-maintenance wood-look |
| TimberTech PVC | Higher | Very low | Excellent moisture resistance and very little upkeep | Damp areas and easiest ownership |
| Trex Composite | Mid to higher | Low | Strong long-term performance with minimal upkeep | Recognizable low-maintenance wood-look brand |
Best Decking Material Options for Bay Area Climate
San Carlos and surrounding areas see strong UV exposure, seasonal rain, and in some neighborhoods, coastal moisture.
Here is what typically performs well:
● For high sun exposure, lighter colors and quality materials matter. Hardwood and composite both perform well when chosen carefully.
● For damp or foggy areas, PVC or dense hardwood such as Ipe often performs best long term.
● For homeowners who want minimal upkeep, composite or PVC typically delivers the smoothest ownership experience.
Choosing the best decking material for your climate can prevent premature wear and reduce future repairs.
Cost vs Long-Term Value
● Redwood may cost less initially but requires regular refinishing.
● Hardwood costs more at installation but can extend lifespan significantly.
● Composite and PVC often cost more upfront but reduce ongoing maintenance time and labor.
If you plan to stay in your home for many years, long-term ownership matters just as much as day-one price.
Visit OK Lumber in San Carlos
The best way to choose decking is to see and compare it in person.
Visit OK Lumber Company in San Carlos to explore Heart B redwood, Ipe, Thermory, Trex, and TimberTech by Azek composite and PVC decking. Bring your measurements or plans and we will help you compare durability, maintenance, and long-term value so you can move forward confidently in 2026.