Valley Deck BuildersVetted local builders Get quotes

Materials · Pressure-treated wood

Pressure-treated wood decks

Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable way to build a deck, and it's what sits under nearly every deck as the frame, whatever the boards are made of. In the Lower Mainland's wet climate it lasts well if it's kept stained and allowed to dry, and poorly if it isn't.

Installed
$35–65 per sq ft installed
Lifespan here
About 15–20 years
Upkeep
Wash yearly, stain every 2–3 years
Upkeep cost
About $300–800 a year

Get quotes for a pressure-treated deck

One request, up to 3 local builders.

We're a matching service, not a builder. Your agreement is directly with the builder you hire.

Pros

What it does well

  • Lowest upfront cost
  • Easy to repair, extend or change later
  • Takes any stain colour
  • Easy to source

Cons

What to weigh up

  • Needs regular staining in a wet climate
  • Checks, splits and warps as it ages
  • Moss and mildew in shady yards
  • Shorter life than composite or PVC
Best for: Budget decks, ground-level decks and anyone happy to stain every few years

In our climate

The wood copes with rain, the finish needs help

Treatment protects the wood from rot, but it doesn't stop it from soaking up water, swelling and drying out again. Over a few wet winters that cycle opens up checks and splits and lifts fasteners.

Regular cleaning and a penetrating stain every two to three years slow this down a lot. Good gaps between boards, joist tape and decent airflow under the deck help the frame last too.

Rough budget

A 300 sq ft low pressure-treated deck

Installed
$10,500 – $19,500
10 years of upkeep
$3,000 – $8,000
10-year total
$13,500 – $27,500

Before railings, stairs, permits and GST. Raised decks cost more.

Price your own deck →

Questions

Pressure-treated wood questions

How often should I stain a pressure-treated deck?

Every two to three years in the Lower Mainland, after a proper clean, in a stretch of dry weather. Shady decks may need it more often.

Can I stain new pressure-treated wood right away?

Usually not. Freshly treated lumber is often too wet to take stain well. Many builders suggest waiting until the wood has dried out, which can take weeks or months depending on the season.

Compare

Other decking materials

Western red cedar$50–85 per sq ft installed · About 12–20 yearsComposite decking$60–100 per sq ft installed · About 25–30+ yearsPVC decking$75–120 per sq ft installed · About 30–50 yearsVinyl membrane$45–85 per sq ft new, $15–35 to re-cover · About 15–20 years

Guides

How to Choose a Langley Deck BuilderHiring a Langley deck builder? What to check, City vs Township permits, insurance and WorkSafeBC, questions to ask, local costs and red flags.Cedar vs Composite Decking in BC: Cost, Upkeep and LifespanCedar vs composite decking for wet BC weather: compare upfront price, 10- and 20-year costs, moss, lifespan and upkeep before you choose your boards.

Related services

New decksGround-level, raised and multi-level decks in wood, composite or PVC, built from the footings up.Deck replacementTear out a tired or rotting deck and rebuild it, often on a new frame with low-maintenance boards.Deck repair & resurfacingBoard replacement, rot repairs, new boards on a sound frame, cleaning, staining and refinishing.

Get pressure-treated deck quotes

Free to use. Up to 3 vetted local builders. No obligation.

Start my request