Wood vs. Composite Decking: What Kansas's Humidity and Freeze-Thaw Cycles Mean for Your Choice

Pressure-treated wood costs less upfront, typically $25 to $45 per square foot installed versus $45 to $85 for composite, but Topeka's climate is harder on wood finishes than a lot of regions: overnight humidity regularly hits 75 to 85 percent from June through September, and the area's 80 to 110 annual freeze-thaw cycles work against both the structure and the surface finish. Most wood decks here need restaining every 2 to 3 years to stay protected, which adds up over a deck's lifespan. Composite decking costs more initially but never needs staining or sealing, which is worth weighing against the upfront price difference rather than looking at sticker price alone.