Best Decking Materials for North Carolina Climate

Best decking materials for North Carolina’s unique climate.

Building a deck in North Carolina means designing for humidity, heat, rain, and occasional snow all while maintaining beauty and durability year-round. Choosing the right decking material is key to a long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor space.

At JCS, we’ve worked with tons of materials the decking industry has to offer. Here’s our guide to the best decking materials for North Carolina.

1. Composite Decking (Trex & TimberTech)

Best for: Low maintenance, long-term durability

Composite decking is a popular choice across NC for good reason. Trex and TimberTech offer boards made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, which means:

• Resistant to rot, mold, and mildew

• No staining or sealing required

• Fade-resistant and splinter-free

  
  

With North Carolina's high humidity and frequent summer storms, composites offer peace of mind with minimal upkeep.

Curious to see what a new deck would cost with these brands? Give our pricing tool a shot!

Pro Tip: Choose lighter colors to reflect heat in sunny areas like Raleigh or Wilmington NC.

2. Moso Bamboo (Sustainable & Eco-Friendly)

Bamboo decking on a mountain side home

Best for: Environmentally conscious homeowners

Moso Bamboo is one of the top eco-friendly decking options available. It’s thermally treated to handle NC’s fluctuating temps and is:

• Naturally resistant to insects and moisture

• Extremely hard and durable

• Sustainable and fast-growing

  
  

Perfect for mountain retreats or lakefront homes where homeowners want a natural look without the maintenance of traditional wood.

3. Pressure-Treated Pine

Best for: Budget-conscious builds

A classic option in the South, pressure-treated pine is treated with preservatives to resist rot and insects.

• Readily available and affordable

• Easy to cut and customize

• Paintable and stainable

  
  

However, NC’s heat and humidity can cause it to warp or crack over time if not properly sealed and maintained. So although it's budget friendly in the short term, you've got yearly maintenance that is required, or it'll cost you another build.

4. Hardwoods (Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood)

Best for: High-end natural look with superior performance

Hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru thrive in NC’s climate:

• Exceptional resistance to moisture, decay, and insects

• Dense, durable surfaces ideal for high-traffic areas

• Rich, luxurious appearance

  
  

They’re pricier and more labor-intensive to install but can last 25+ years with proper care.

5. PVC Decking

Best for: Extreme weather resistance and minimal maintenance

PVC decking is made entirely from plastic and offers:

• Unmatched resistance to moisture, rot, and insects

• Lightweight, easy-to-clean surfaces

• Cool-to-the-touch options for hot NC summers

  
  

Great for coastal homes where salty air and heavy rains are common.

6. Aluminum Decking

Best for: Fire-prone or elevated decks

Though less common, aluminum decking is a smart choice for:

• Waterproof rooftop decks or balconies

• Fire-resistant construction

• Minimal maintenance and extreme durability

  
  

It doesn’t warp, splinter, or fade—perfect for high-elevation mountain homes or where fire safety is a concern.

Choose What Fits Your Home and Lifestyle

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to decking in North Carolina. Your best choice depends on:

• Your budget

• Your home’s location (coastal, mountain, city)

• How much maintenance you want to do

• Your style preferences (natural vs. modern look)

  
  

At JCS Custom Decks and Patios we help you choose the right materials. We also offer pet-safe materials, so your furry family members can enjoy your deck just as much as you do.

Ready to build a deck that stands up to North Carolina’s climate?

Let’s make it beautiful, functional, and built to last!

Call us at 984-238-7878

or book a consultation call on our website.