Wood vs. TimberTech: Choosing the Right Decking for the Midwest Climate

If you live in the St. Louis region, you know the Midwest climate can vary wildly during the year — hot, humid summers, freezing winters, and plenty of sun and rain in between. If you’re a homeowner, you also know those extremes can be tough on your home’s exterior.

That’s why it’s important to take our unique climate into consideration when choosing a new deck. The material you choose will determine how well it stands up to the weather, how much maintenance it requires, and how long it lasts.

At Fence & Deck Depot, we’ve been building decks in the St. Louis region since 2001, so we understand how weather shapes performance. That’s why we offer wood, composite, and vinyl — each designed to handle the climate in its own way.

Which one is right for your home? Let’s look at how each option holds up in the Midwest.

Wood Decking: Traditional Meets Tough

Wood still holds appeal among Missouri and Illinois homeowners, thanks to its natural charm and real wood grain. But not all species are able to stand up to our punishing variety of weather extremes (and occasional visits from backyard insects). That’s why top choices for our climate are cedar and pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine.

Why people love it:

Wood offers the freedom to keep the rich cedar tones or choose or change your stain or paint color, making it easy to match your deck to your home or refresh the look over time. It’s also more budget-friendly upfront, and for some the seasonal care feels like a rewarding way to protect and personalize their deck.

Why it lasts:

Cedar naturally resists insects and decay, while pressure-treated pine is fortified against moisture and rot. With regular sealing (an easy weekend project for budget-conscious do-it-yourself folks), both can handle Midwest humidity and freeze/thaw cycles, aging into a rich, weathered patina that adds long-term character.

Ready to explore your deck options?

TimberTech Composite Decking: Engineered Strength, Natural Beauty

Composite decking, like TimberTech, is made by combining recycled plastic with reclaimed wood fibers. That makes it both durable and sustainable — giving homeowners the look of real wood without the waste or heavy upkeep. It’s no surprise composite has become one of the most popular decking choices in the Midwest.

Why people love it:

Composite gives you the warm look of wood, but without the yearly upkeep and sealing natural wood requires. You can choose anything from grain patterns to stains to the wood look. It always stays smooth and splinter-free, so you don’t have to worry about kids padding around barefoot or the occasional soda spill. Because it’s built with recycled materials, many homeowners also appreciate knowing their deck is an eco-friendly choice that lasts for decades.

Why it lasts:

Composite resists mold in humid summers and won’t crack or splinter during freeze/thaw cycles in winter. It holds its shape and color through the Midwest’s extremes, giving you a deck that looks great and performs year-round with almost no effort. Because it isn’t a food source for termites or carpenter ants, you don’t have to worry about insects cutting its lifespan short like wood decks.

TimberTech Vinyl: Maximum Durability, Effortlessly Stylish

Made from up to 60% recycled materials and polymers, vinyl decking is the ultimate low-maintenance option for the Midwest. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a deck that looks great year after year — with almost no effort.

Why people love it:

Vinyl gives you color choices that fit your style, from sleek modern tones to wood-like finishes. That means you can match your deck to your home’s exterior, your outdoor furniture, or the mood you want for your space — without ever worrying about fading or repainting. Got a pool? It’s water-ready and engineered to be slip resistant. And because it won’t absorb moisture or stain, you can host everything from a kids’ birthday bash to a sunset cocktail party without stressing over spills, paw prints, or muddy shoes.

Why it lasts:

Vinyl is virtually immune to the Midwest’s weather extremes. It shrugs off heavy spring rains, doesn’t fade in blazing summer sun, and won’t crack or warp in winter freeze/thaw cycles. For homeowners who want to spend their time kicking back and relaxing on their deck rather than working on it, vinyl is the most hassle-free choice.

Need a little guidance? We can help. 

Since 2001, Fence & Deck Depot has built decks across the Greater St. Louis area, so we know what lasts for our region. We use quality materials backed by warranties and install them with Platinum-Certified TimberTech expertise — giving you a deck that’s built right, from start to finish.