Best Deck Materials for Washington State Weather (2026)

Choosing the Right Deck Material for the Pacific Northwest

Washington state's wet climate — 37+ inches of annual rainfall in Snohomish County, plus moss, mildew, and freeze-thaw cycles — demands deck materials that can handle moisture. Here's how the most popular options compare.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

Cost: $15-$25 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 15-20 years with maintenance
Pros:

• Lowest upfront cost
• Easy to work with, readily available
• Can be stained any color
• Structurally strong

Cons:

• Requires annual staining/sealing in the PNW
• Can warp, split, and crack over time
• Prone to moss and mildew without treatment
• Chemical treatments raise environmental concerns

Best for: Budget-conscious projects, covered decks, or homeowners who don't mind annual maintenance.

Western Red Cedar

Cost: $25-$35 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 20-25 years with maintenance
Pros:

• Naturally rot and insect resistant
• Beautiful warm grain — Pacific NW classic
• Lightweight and easy to work with
• Can be left to weather to a silver gray

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than pressure-treated
• Needs staining/sealing every 2-3 years
• Softer wood — scratches and dents more easily
• Can develop moss in shaded areas

Best for: Homeowners who love natural wood aesthetics and are willing to maintain it.

Composite Decking (Trex, TimberTech)

Cost: $30-$50 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 25-50 years
Pros:

• Virtually maintenance-free — no staining, sealing, or sanding
• Won't rot, warp, or splinter
• Resists mold, mildew, and insects
• 25-50 year manufacturer warranties
• Made from recycled materials (eco-friendly)
• Consistent color throughout

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Can get hot in direct sun (less of an issue in PNW)
• Can't be refinished — color is permanent
• Heavier than wood — needs proper joist spacing

Best for: Homeowners who want low maintenance and long-term value. Most popular choice in the PNW.

Cost Comparison for a 300 sq ft Deck in Everett

• Pressure-treated: $4,500-$7,500 (materials) + $4,000-$6,000 (labor) = $8,500-$13,500
• Cedar: $7,500-$10,500 + $4,500-$7,000 = $12,000-$17,500
• Composite (mid-range): $9,000-$15,000 + $5,000-$8,000 = $14,000-$23,000
• Composite (premium): $12,000-$18,000 + $5,000-$8,000 = $17,000-$26,000

When you factor in maintenance costs over 20 years, composite often ends up cheaper than wood. Cedar requires $200-$400 in stain every 2-3 years, plus your time.

Our Recommendation for Snohomish County

For most Everett-area homeowners, we recommend composite decking (Trex Enhance or TimberTech PRO). The Pacific Northwest climate is tough on wood decks, and the maintenance savings over the life of the deck more than justify the higher upfront cost. If budget is the primary concern, pressure-treated lumber under a covered structure is a solid choice that minimizes weather exposure. NW General Contractor builds custom decks throughout Snohomish County using all material types. Contact us for a free estimate or call (425) 286-5639.

Frequently Asked Questions