If you’re pricing a new deck in Metro Detroit, you’ve probably asked the big question: Trex or cedar?
Here’s the twist, straight from a recent Hire It Done episode with Chris Quackenbush of Coy Construction: cedar can cost more than some Trex options, and it definitely asks more of you year after year.
Adam Helfman said it plainly on the show: cedar “lasts an extremely long time,” but “the cost of cedar today is exhaustively expensive.”
Chris backed it up: if you compare a cedar deck to a Trex Enhanced Basics deck, “you’re gonna spend more money for a cedar deck” than that entry composite option.
So don’t compare materials by reputation. Compare them by real homeowner math:
- What you pay up front
- What you maintain every season
- What you’ll still like five to ten years from now
Let’s break it down in plain homeowner terms.
What Are You Actually Choosing: Pressure-Treated Wood, Cedar, or Composite?
Most decks in Southeast Michigan fall into three buckets:
Pressure-treated wood is the classic “starter” deck. Adam described it as regular wood treated in a factory with chemicals that “prevents it from rotting or slows down the rot.” It usually wins the up-front budget.
Cedar is the natural wood upgrade. It looks great, it can last a long time, and it feels premium. It also costs more right now.
Composite is the engineered option. Adam said it clearly: “Composite decking is the generic term. Trex is the brand.” Composite tends to win when you want predictable performance and less seasonal upkeep.
Is Trex Really More Expensive Than Cedar?
Not always. And that’s where homeowners get blindsided.
You see premium composite boards online, you assume composite always costs more than wood, and you plan your budget around that. But Chris said it clearly: “If you’re looking at a cedar deck versus a Trex Enhanced Basics deck, you’re gonna spend more money for a cedar deck” than that Trex tier.
Why can that happen?
- Cedar pricing can spike
- Cedar waste can add up, depending on your layout
- Trex has multiple lines, and entry options can sit closer to wood than you expect
The key is to price full systems, not just boards. Your total cost includes tear-out, framing repairs, railings, stairs, permits, and disposal.
How to Compare Quotes Without Getting Fooled
When you ask for pricing, don’t accept a quick “price per square foot” answer and call it done. Two decks with the same size can have totally different totals depending on layout, stairs, railing style, and tear-out.
Instead, ask every contractor to quote the same scope:
- Demo and disposal (if you’re replacing an old deck)
- Framing repairs or full framing replacement
- Decking line and colour (be specific)
- Railing type and stair details
- Permits and inspections
This makes your Trex vs cedar decision cleaner because you’re comparing full projects, not marketing.
What Does “Maintenance” Actually Mean in Michigan Weather?
In Southeast Michigan, maintenance is not a vibe. It’s weekends and weather windows.
Cedar maintenance
Adam summed it up: with cedar, “every year or even every two years… you still have to power wash your deck… clean it… and restain it.”
That’s the cedar deal. The deck rewards you when you maintain it. It punishes you when you don’t.
Pressure-treated wood maintenance
Pressure-treated decks also ask for sealing or staining and routine checks for boards that split, cup, or soften over time. If you ignore it, the surface usually tells on you.
Composite maintenance
Composite doesn’t mean zero work, but it often means far less. Adam said it best: “The maintenance on a Trex deck is not maintenance free but it’s what I would call extremely low maintenance.”
Chris gave the real-life routine: “Hose, stiff brush, bucket, Dawn dish soap, and you’re good.”
That’s the expectation you want: quick cleaning, not annual refinishing.
How Long Do Trex, Cedar, and Treated Wood Last?
This depends on build quality and care, but the general difference is simple:
- Wood can last, but it relies more on maintenance and how well it sheds water.
- Cedar can last a long time and looks best when you keep up with washing and restaining.
- Composite is built to live outdoors full-time, and that’s why warranties can stretch decades.
Chris talked about the engineering side and how impressive it is to back a board for a long period when it sits outside “100 percent of the time.”
If you want the easiest ownership experience, composite usually wins. If you love natural wood and you’re willing to care for it, cedar can still be your favourite.
What Does “Value” Look Like for Southeast Michigan Homeowners?
Value is not just resale. It’s how you feel using the space.
If you want a deck you can clean fast and enjoy all summer, composite tends to make life easier. You don’t plan stain weekends. You plan cookouts.
If you love the natural vibe of wood, cedar can feel unbeatable. Just be honest about whether you’ll actually maintain it. A high-maintenance deck becomes stressful when life gets busy.
How to Decide Fast: Your 60-Second Checklist
If you want a quick decision, use this:
Choose pressure-treated wood if you need the lowest up-front cost and you accept ongoing upkeep.
Choose cedar if the natural wood look matters most and you’re willing to wash and restain regularly (and you accept cedar pricing can be high right now).
Choose composite like Trex if you want “extremely low maintenance,” consistent looks, and long-term durability.
What Should You Ask Your Metro Detroit Deck Contractor Before You Choose?
Even when you focus on materials, a good contractor saves you money by matching the right product to your home and goals. Ask:
- Which option gives me the best value when you include stairs, railings, and tear-out?
- What maintenance will I realistically do in Michigan weather?
- Which Trex line or wood option fits my budget without cutting corners?
- Can you show me local projects in Southeast Michigan that match what I want?
If a contractor answers clearly, you feel confident. If they dodge, you should keep looking.
The Bottom Line
Trex vs cedar is not a status choice. It’s a lifestyle choice.
On this recent Hire It Done episode, Adam and Chris made it clear:
- Cedar can last a long time, but it costs more right now and demands regular maintenance
- Trex can come in cheaper than cedar in certain tiers and stays “extremely low maintenance”
- Pressure-treated wood can be the budget path, but it still needs upkeep
Pick the deck that matches your time, your budget, and how you actually live in your backyard.
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