Wood vs. Composite Decking: What Missouri'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 Jackson County's climate is harder on wood finishes than a lot of regions: overnight humidity regularly pushes into the 70s and 80s percent range from June through September, and winter 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. 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.