Composite decking is manufactured from a blend of wood fiber and plastic resins, or entirely from cellular PVC, producing boards that resist moisture, UV degradation, mold, and insects better than natural wood. Premium capped composite products carry 25–50 year warranties and require no sealing or staining — cleaning twice a year maintains appearance. Natural wood — pressure-treated, cedar, or hardwood — costs less initially but requires annual UV-protective treatment in Utah’s high-altitude sun environment. Wood checks (surface cracking across the grain) and grays rapidly without treatment. The 20-year total cost, including maintenance, typically favors quality composite over natural wood in Utah despite the higher upfront price. In Utah’s WUI fire zones, composite’s higher ignition temperature makes it the specification-appropriate choice regardless of cost comparison.