Composite vs. Wood Dock Decking — What's Best for South Florida?

If you're planning a new dock or deck replacement in South Florida, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between composite and wood decking. Both have their place — but in South Florida's saltwater environment, the answer is almost always the same. Here is the full breakdown from the team at JKT Marine Construction.

Quick Comparison — Composite vs. Wood Dock Decking

Composite and PVC decking — Higher upfront cost of $18 to $35 per square foot, lasts 25 to 50 plus years, virtually no maintenance, no splinters, excellent slip resistance, excellent UV resistance, excellent salt and moisture resistance, superior long-term value. Recommended for South Florida.

Pressure-treated wood — Lower upfront cost of $10 to $20 per square foot, lasts 10 to 20 years, requires regular sealing and staining, splinters as it ages, good slip resistance when new but poor when wet or old, poor UV resistance, grays and cracks, higher ongoing costs over time.

Composite and PVC Decking — Recommended for South Florida

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fiber and recycled plastic. PVC decking is made entirely from plastic with no wood content. Both are engineered specifically to resist the conditions that destroy traditional wood in marine environments.

Why composite and PVC win in South Florida. Unlike wood, composite and PVC don't absorb water, swell, rot, or delaminate in South Florida's marine environment. South Florida's intense sun grays and cracks wood within years — quality composite holds its color for decades. There are no splinters, which is critical for families with children and for bare feet on a dock. Most composite products have textured surfaces that maintain grip when wet. An occasional rinse is all composite needs — no sealing, staining, or pressure washing required. Quality composite installed today will still be performing well in 2060.

Popular Composite Brands We Install

• Trex — The industry leader. Excellent fade resistance and 25-year warranty.

• Fiberon — Strong marine-grade performance, competitive pricing.

• TimberTech / AZEK — Premium PVC option, outstanding UV and moisture resistance.

• WearDeck — 100% polymer decking engineered specifically for marine and waterfront applications. Extremely resistant to saltwater, UV, mold, and mildew. One of the best options available for South Florida docks.

• Ipe composite — Tropical hardwood look without the maintenance.

Pressure-Treated Wood Decking

Pressure-treated wood has been the traditional choice for dock decking for decades. It is still a legitimate option in certain situations but comes with real limitations in South Florida's environment.

Where wood still makes sense. Budget-constrained projects where upfront cost is the primary concern. Temporary docks or structures with a limited expected lifespan. Commercial applications where decking is replaced on a regular maintenance schedule.

Limitations in South Florida. Requires sealing or staining every one to three years. Grays, cracks, and warps from UV exposure within a few years without maintenance. Splinters develop as wood ages — a hazard on a dock. Shorter lifespan means higher total cost of ownership over 20 to 30 years. Chemical treatments leach into the water over time.

The Real Cost Comparison Over 20 Years

Here is where the math gets interesting. For an 800 square foot dock, composite costs roughly $28,000 to install with about $500 in maintenance over 20 years and no replacement needed — total 20-year cost around $28,500. Pressure-treated wood costs roughly $16,000 to install but requires $8,000 or more in maintenance and a full replacement at year 15 to 20 costing another $16,000 — total 20-year cost around $40,000 or more. Composite wins on total cost of ownership every time.

JKT Marine's Recommendation

For virtually every South Florida waterfront homeowner, composite or PVC decking is the right choice. The combination of durability, low maintenance, safety, and long-term value makes it the clear winner in our saltwater environment. We only install marine-grade materials on every project — and we would never recommend a product we would not put on our own dock.

Ready to Replace Your Dock Decking?

JKT Marine Construction handles full deck replacements throughout Palm Beach and Broward County. Marine-grade composite and PVC only. Free estimates, no pressure. Call (561) 418-0383 or email info@jktmarine.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does composite decking last on a dock in South Florida? Quality composite decking lasts 25 to 50 years in South Florida's marine environment with minimal maintenance. Most premium brands carry 25-year warranties against fading and staining.

Can composite decking get hot in South Florida's sun? Yes — dark-colored composite can get warm in direct sun, just like any surface. Lighter colors stay cooler. Most homeowners find this manageable given the other benefits composite provides over wood.

How much does dock deck replacement cost in South Florida? Dock deck replacement typically ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 or more depending on dock size and materials. JKT Marine provides free on-site estimates with transparent pricing.

Is composite decking slippery when wet? Quality composite products have textured surfaces designed to maintain grip when wet. This is actually one of the advantages composite has over aged wood, which becomes very slippery when wet.