Composite vs. Wood Decking for Omaha’s Weather

Composite vs. Wood Decking for Omaha’s Weather

When planning a new deck, one of the biggest decisions is choosing the right material. In Omaha’s climate—where hot, humid summers meet freezing, snowy winters—the debate often comes down to composite vs. wood decking. Each option offers unique advantages in appearance, cost, and maintenance.

Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you select the best fit for your home and lifestyle.


Omaha’s Climate Challenges

Nebraska weather puts decks to the test:

  • Summer heat & humidity can cause natural wood to expand, crack, and fade.

  • Freezing winters and freeze-thaw cycles put stress on boards and railings.

  • Moisture and snow can lead to rot, warping, and mildew.

Understanding how each material stands up to these conditions is key to long-lasting beauty and safety.


Composite Decking: Durable and Low-Maintenance

Composite decking—made from recycled wood fibers and plastic—is designed to resist the very problems that Omaha homeowners face.

Advantages

  • Weather Resistance: Composite boards don’t rot, splinter, or warp under Nebraska’s changing seasons.

  • Low Maintenance: No sanding, staining, or sealing. A quick soap-and-water wash keeps them looking new.

  • Fade & Stain Protection: Premium brands like TimberTech, Azek, and Trex offer protective coatings and long warranties (often 25 years or more).

  • Design Options: Wide range of colors, wood-grain textures, and modern finishes.

Considerations

  • Higher Upfront Cost: Typically $10–$15 per square foot for materials (before labor).

  • Surface Heat: Darker colors can feel warmer under direct summer sun, though newer cool-tech finishes help reduce heat.

Best For: Homeowners who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck with modern style and strong resale value.


Wood Decking: Natural Beauty with Regular Care

Wood decking remains a classic choice, loved for its warm, organic look.

Advantages

  • Natural Aesthetics: Cedar and redwood provide timeless charm and rich grain.

  • Lower Initial Cost: Pressure-treated lumber starts around $5–$7 per square foot, making it the most budget-friendly option.

  • Customizable Stains & Finishes: Endless color possibilities to match your home.

Considerations

  • Maintenance: Requires staining or sealing every 1–2 years to prevent fading, splinters, and rot.

  • Weather Impact: Omaha’s freeze-thaw cycles and summer humidity can cause warping and cracking.

  • Shorter Lifespan: Even with proper care, most wood decks last 10–15 years, compared to 25+ for composite.

Best For: Homeowners seeking natural beauty and willing to commit to seasonal upkeep.

Blended Designs: The Best of Both Worlds

Some Omaha homeowners choose a hybrid deck, using composite decking for the main surface and natural wood for accents like pergolas, planters, or railings. This combines low maintenance with natural warmth.


Why Work with a Professional Omaha Deck Builder

Whether you prefer the natural look of cedar or the modern performance of composite, a licensed Omaha deck contractor ensures:

  • Proper footings and framing to handle freeze-thaw cycles

  • Code-compliant installation and inspections

  • Access to manufacturer warranties from TimberTech, Azek, and Trex

  • Expert design for drainage, ventilation, and long-term durability


Build Your Perfect Deck with Omaha’s Experts

At Decks, Decks and More Decks, we’ve built thousands of wood and composite decks across Omaha, Bellevue, Elkhorn, La Vista, and Gretna. Family-owned since 1980, we specialize in custom design, low-maintenance materials, and one-on-one planning to create decks that last for decades.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and discover whether composite or wood decking is right for your backyard retreat.

2025 Deck Design Trends Omaha Homeowners Love

2025 Deck Design Trends Omaha Homeowners Love

A new year brings new inspiration for outdoor living. If you’re planning to build or upgrade a deck, Omaha’s premier deck builders are seeing exciting design and material trends that combine style, comfort, and low-maintenance living. From composite materials to multi-level layouts, these 2025 deck design ideas will help you create a backyard oasis that stands out and adds value to your home.


1. Sleek Low-Maintenance Composite Decking

Homeowners are choosing composite decking more than ever. Brands like TimberTech, Azek, and Trex offer durable, fade-resistant boards that handle Nebraska’s hot summers and icy winters with ease. Composite decking comes in a variety of colors and textures that mimic natural wood while requiring minimal upkeep—no annual staining or sealing needed.


2. Two-Tone Color Schemes & Accent Borders

Color is playing a bigger role in Omaha deck design trends. Expect to see two-tone decks, where a main color is paired with a darker border for dramatic contrast. Accent borders around stairs or built-in seating add visual interest and define spaces for dining or lounging.


3. Multi-Level & Split-Level Decks

Homeowners are expanding beyond single flat decks. Multi-level decks create separate zones for outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, and cozy seating areas. This trend is perfect for homes with sloped yards or those wanting a true outdoor entertaining hub.


4. Modern Railings with Mixed Materials

Cable railings, black aluminum balusters, and glass panels are giving decks a contemporary edge. These railing styles provide unobstructed views of Omaha backyards, improve safety, and pair beautifully with both composite and natural wood.


5. Built-In Lighting for Evening Ambiance

Lighting is no longer an afterthought. Deck lighting in Omaha now includes recessed stair lights, under-rail LEDs, and solar accent fixtures that make decks safer while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for nighttime entertaining.


6. Covered Spaces & Pergolas

As Nebraska summers get hotter, shade is a top priority. Expect more pergolas, covered decks, and retractable awnings in 2025 designs. These features extend deck use into spring and fall, provide UV protection, and elevate the overall backyard look.


7. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Materials

Sustainability matters. Many Omaha deck builders are sourcing recycled-content composites, FSC-certified wood, and energy-efficient lighting. These materials reduce environmental impact and meet the demand for greener home upgrades.


Build Your 2025 Deck with Omaha’s Experts

Whether you’re dreaming of a multi-level retreat or a sleek composite deck, Decks, Decks and More Decks is Omaha’s go-to team for custom deck building, low-maintenance materials, and one-on-one design services. Family-owned since 1980, we’ve built thousands of decks across Omaha, Bellevue, Elkhorn, Gretna, La Vista, and surrounding communities—always with craftsmanship that lasts.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and start designing the outdoor space you’ve always wanted.

AZEK Provides Quality Custom Decking Material

AZEK Logo for AZEK Deck Contractor

Decks, Decks, and More Decks prides itself on the quality craftsmanship of our Omaha custom decks. But quality craftsmanship is nothing without quality material. As a platinum-ranked AZEK contractor, we show commitment to providing the best and most beautiful decking material on the market.

With an enhanced real-wood look and strength backed by Alloy Armour Technology™, AZEK’s capped polymer decking materials are top-of-the-line in quality and beauty. AZEK’s decking is proven to stand against harsh weather, stains, fading, and scratching. Its low-maintenance decking material requires no annual sealing and staining, and it is mold, mildew, and moisture damage resistant.

As a platinum-ranked contractor with AZEK, Decks, Decks, and More Decks has shown commitment to integrity and quality. Our custom deck builders are experts in design, material, and construction, and it is our promise that we will continue to seek the education necessary to bring our Omaha customers the best technology for their custom decks.

AZEK decking is backed by a 30-year limited fade and stain and a limited lifetime warranty for cracking, cupping, and more. Call Decks, Decks, and More Decks today for a free Omaha custom deck quote and to learn more about AZEK’s quality materials.