NEW ORLEANS, LA – August 21, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Big EZ Renovations, a licensed residential and commercial renovation contractor, has published an educational guide comparing wood and composite decking for homeowners across the Greater New Orleans metro, citing year-round humidity, intense ultraviolet exposure, and one of the highest Formosan subterranean termite concentrations in the continental United States as conditions that change which material proves more economical over time.
The guide examines how the region’s climate, classified as IECC Climate Zone 2A, affects each material differently. Average annual relative humidity above 70 percent, combined with summer temperatures that regularly exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit, accelerates wood decay faster than most of the continental United States experiences. According to the guide, pressure-treated pine, the default choice for cost-conscious property owners, typically lasts 10 to 15 years before requiring full replacement, and that estimate assumes resealing every one to two years to maintain its chemical protection.
Capped composite decking performs differently under the same conditions. The guide reports that quality capped composite products resist moisture, rot, and surface mold, carry warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime, and require only periodic cleaning rather than annual sealing and staining. It distinguishes between uncapped composite, an older category that can still develop mold in shaded, consistently wet conditions, and capped composite enclosed in a polymer shell that blocks moisture from reaching the wood-fiber core. Products with four-sided capping are identified as the stronger specification for sustained humidity.
The guide gives particular attention to the Formosan subterranean termite, which the LSU AgCenter identifies as heavily concentrated in the region. Formosan colonies can structurally compromise a wood deck within months, and the LSU AgCenter estimates the species causes roughly one billion dollars in property damage across the United States each year. Because composite boards contain no cellulose in their outer shell, termites cannot consume the deck surface, though the guide notes that the supporting structure of joists, posts, and ledger boards still requires proper treatment and periodic inspection.
Cost comparison forms a central section of the resource. Pressure-treated pine is listed at roughly 17 to 35 dollars per square foot installed, capped composite at 40 to 80 dollars, and tropical hardwood at 30 to 55 dollars. While composite costs more at installation, the guide explains that its 25-to-50-year lifespan and minimal maintenance typically make it less expensive than wood over a 25-year ownership window, during which a wood deck would likely require a full rebuild. For shorter-term owners working with tighter upfront budgets, the resource notes that pressure-treated wood remains a practical option with a predictable replacement cycle.
A spokesperson for Big EZ Renovations said the material question arises on nearly every deck consultation. “The right answer depends on the property’s sun and moisture exposure, the owner’s budget, and how long they intend to stay,” the spokesperson said. “Our aim with this guide is to give homeowners the climate-specific information they need before they commit to a material, rather than relying on national comparisons that do not account for conditions here.”
The guide also addresses permitting. Decks visible from the public right-of-way in neighborhoods governed by the Historic District Landmarks Commission require a Certificate of Appropriateness before work begins, separate from the standard building permits issued by parish authorities. Big EZ Renovations builds outdoor decks, roofing for commercial and residential properties across New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, and the surrounding parishes and coordinates permitting and material selection as part of each project. The full guide is available on the company’s website.
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For more information about Big EZ Renovations, contact the company here:
Big EZ Renovations
Ted Brown
504-294-8616
info@bigezrenovations.com
New Orleans, LA
