What Is the Best Decking Material for Colorado?

From sunny afternoons in Denver to snowy mornings in Colorado Springs, the Colorado weather tests any outdoor space. Bright sun, thin air, and freezing nights can wear down even the toughest materials.

No single decking material is best for every location and microclimate, but there are a few rules of thumb to help anyone living in Colorado choose the best decking material for their needs. For example, Trex decking is a durable, low-maintenance composite decking material that stays smooth and steady. Whether building a mountain retreat or updating a family home in town, the right decking material isn’t just about style, strength, and longevity.

In this guide, we’ll look at the five most popular deck materials for Colorado homes — and help you decide which one best fits your space, lifestyle, and how you live outdoors.

Benefits of Knowing Different Types of Decking Materials

Most Colorado homeowners — from city condo to mountain cabin owners — know the joy of having an outdoor deck. Who among us doesn’t like to grill, relax, or take in a beautiful sunrise or sunset while getting a little slice of nature? If this describes you, you might fall into one of these categories:

• Homeowners planning a new deck or replacement – You’re comparing materials and
  want something that lasts through Colorado’s wild weather.
• Busy families – You’d rather spend weekends enjoying the view than sanding,
  staining, or sealing.
• Design-minded homeowners – You care about color, texture, and the look of real
  wood without the upkeep.
• Eco-conscious buyers – You want sustainable, low-waste materials that perform well
  in high-altitude conditions.
• DIY remodelers – You like learning about cost, maintenance, and performance before
  committing to a build.

Knowing your choices when it comes to deck materials can mean the difference between enjoying your dream deck for years to come or needing to rebuild it in two or three years.

Five Popular Decking Materials for Colorado Homes

Traditionally, most decks were built from lumber you could pick up at a local hardware store, and they went up quickly. But over time, new materials have entered the picture — some modern, some tried and true like cedar — and each brings advantages. You’ll see all of them across Colorado neighborhoods, from the foothills to the suburbs, and each has its unique benefits depending on your budget, style, and maintenance goals:

1. Composite Decking (Trex, TimberTech) for Modern Wood Decking

There’s a lot to like about composite decking. It won’t splinter, warp, or fade easily, which makes it one of the most climate-resistant options for mountain and Front Range homes. Durable, fade-resistant, low-maintenance composite deck boards stand up to Colorado’s UV exposure, snowmelt, and temperature swings better than natural wood. It is made from recycled wood fibers and plastics, offering a sustainable and long-lasting choice.

Composite decks are beautifully suited to modern or transitional homes that don’t want to compromise on aesthetics. They offer tidy, clean lines and consistent color without the upkeep. With brands like Trex decking, you can match nearly any architectural style, from mountain modern to suburban contemporary.

2. Natural Wood for Redwood or Cedar Decking

A deck made with cedar or redwood has a depth and texture that can only be achieved with natural wood. Warm, traditional, and beautiful, natural wood decks have timeless appeal. However, Colorado’s dry climate requires frequent sealing and staining to prevent cracking and fading.

Cedar and redwood work exceptionally well for rustic or mountain homes where a natural look complements the surrounding landscape. They age gracefully and develop character over time — perfect for homeowners who appreciate a lived-in, organic aesthetic and are willing to undertake some seasonal maintenance.

3. Pressure-Treated Pine for an Easy DIY Project

Pressure-treated wood undergoes a process that makes it last longer when exposed to the elements. A budget-friendly option that’s easy to find, pressure-treated pine resists insects and rot but can warp or split in Colorado’s fluctuating weather. It handles moisture well but expands and contracts more with temperature swings, which can lead to warping in foothill and high-desert regions.

Pressure-treated pine is the meat and potatoes of the deck world. DIY builders choose it because it’s affordable and easy to work with — a small, simple deck can go up in a day. Your inexpensive pine deck can last for years, but it will require annual sealing and other maintenance. Still, it’s an excellent option for anyone willing to do the upkeep in exchange for cost savings.

4. Performance-Engineered PVC Decking

PVC decking appeals to homeowners who, unlike those with pressure-treated pine decks, don’t want to do any special upkeep aside from brushing off the snow. Because it’s made from 100% hard plastic, it resists moisture and mold. It’s ideal for snow-prone or high-moisture areas. The downside is that it costs more upfront and lacks the natural look of wood.

PVC decks appeal to long-time homeowners or retirees who are ready to trade sanding and staining for nearly zero maintenance. PVC decking shrugs off snowmelt and moisture, making it perfect for areas like Estes Park or Winter Park, where freeze–thaw cycles are constant. They’re sleek, smooth, and easy to clean — ideal for an outdoor space that looks fresh year-round with minimal effort.

5. Aluminum or Steel Decking

Aluminum or steel decking isn’t for everyone; it could be the best choice, but it’s expensive if you live in a fire-prone area. Extremely durable and fire-resistant, metal decking is well-suited for mountain regions and wildfire-prone zones. It offers a sleek, modern look, but can feel industrial, and comes with a higher price tag. Metal decking is also fire-resistant, doesn’t absorb moisture, and remains stable with temperature fluctuations.

These decks are a smart match for high-elevation properties, cabins near forested areas, or design-forward homes where long-term durability and safety outweigh the need for a traditional wood feel.

​​Premier Deck Design Services in Denver

Designing a deck in Colorado requires careful planning to accommodate high elevation, intense sunlight, and shifting weather conditions. The team at C&H Landscaping helps homeowners choose the right layout, materials, and colors to complement their home and landscape. We often recommend Trex and other durable composites for their long-lasting beauty, low maintenance, and ability to stand up to Colorado’s extreme conditions.

If you’re ready to design your dream deck, please contact us online or call us at (303) 988-1873. Let us show you how to create an outdoor deck you’ll use for a lifetime.