Rating scale
Good / Low / Excellent
Moderate / Mixed
Poor / High / Hot
Install cost
$ = Lowest $$$$ = Highest
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Expand for full detail & brand examples
Pressure-Treated Wood
Not installed by Harmonia
Install cost
$
Maintenance
High
Fire rating
Poor
Heat in sun
Moderate
Lifespan
10–20 yrs
30-yr cost
Highest
Maintenance
Requires annual sealing or staining to resist moisture, gray, and split. Board replacement begins within 5–10 years. Ongoing labor and material cost compounds significantly over 30 years.
Fire & heat
Rated Class C or unrated — not appropriate for WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) fire zones. Surface temperature in direct sun is moderate compared to synthetic materials but the combustibility risk is disqualifying for most Bay Area hillside properties.
Why we don't install it
The true 30-year cost of a wood deck — accounting for maintenance, board replacement, and likely full replacement — consistently exceeds the install cost of a durable alternative. We don't build what we'd have to rebuild.
Composite Decking
Installed by Harmonia
Install cost
$$
Maintenance
Low
Fire rating
Moderate
Heat in sun
Hot
Lifespan
25–30 yrs
30-yr cost
Moderate
Maintenance
Occasional cleaning with soap and water. No sealing, staining, or board replacement under normal conditions. Significant improvement over wood with minimal ongoing cost.
Fire & heat
Class A or B rating depending on product line — verify before specifying in WUI zones. Surface temperature can run 20–50°F above air temperature in direct sun. Lighter board colors help; full-sun south-facing decks should consider aluminum or porcelain instead.
Brand examples
Trex
TimberTech
One replacement cycle likely at 25–30 year mark. Still a strong value over wood.
PVC / Cellular PVC
Installed by Harmonia
Install cost
$$$
Maintenance
Very low
Fire rating
Mixed
Heat in sun
Hot
Lifespan
25–30 yrs
30-yr cost
Moderate
Maintenance
Non-porous surface cleans easily. No sealing or staining required. Slight edge over composite in day-to-day maintenance; similar long-term profile.
Fire & heat
Fire rating varies significantly by manufacturer and product line — Class B to C in most cases. Do not assume all PVC is fire-safe. Always verify the specific product rating before specifying in a WUI zone. Surface heat is similar to composite; lighter colors reduce temperature slightly.
Brand examples
AZEK
Versatex
Higher install cost than composite with a similar lifespan. Best suited where moisture resistance is a primary concern.
Aluminum Decking
Installed by Harmonia · Recommended
Install cost
$$$
Maintenance
None
Fire rating
Excellent
Heat in sun
Cool
Lifespan
50+ yrs
30-yr cost
Low
Maintenance
Non-porous, non-combustible surface requires nothing beyond occasional rinsing. No sealing, staining, or replacement under normal use. Essentially zero maintenance cost over its lifetime.
Fire & heat
Non-combustible — Class A rated. The only decking material in this category that is also cool underfoot in direct sun. Aluminum dissipates heat quickly; light-colored profiles stay comfortable barefoot even in full California sun. Ideal for WUI zones and hillside properties.
Brand examples
Knotwood
Wahoo Decks
Alumadeck
No replacement cycle expected within the life of the structure. Best long-term value of any decking category.
Porcelain Tile
Installed by Harmonia · Recommended
Install cost
$$$$
Maintenance
None
Fire rating
Excellent
Heat in sun
Very hot
Lifespan
50+ yrs
30-yr cost
Low
Maintenance
Impervious surface — hose off or mop. No sealing, no staining, no replacement. Highest install cost of any category with the lowest ongoing cost. True zero-maintenance over 50+ years.
Fire & heat
Non-combustible, Class A rated. Excellent fire resistance. Important caveat: porcelain retains heat significantly in direct sun — dark colors especially. Light-colored, textured profiles are essential for full-sun installations. Best suited for shaded or partially shaded applications, or where barefoot use is not a primary concern.
Brand examples
Mbrico
Tanzite
Florim
Highest install cost in any decking category. Zero ongoing cost makes it the best total-cost option for shaded, long-hold properties.