- When choosing between our natural cedar decking and our composite decking, there are several factors to consider, including cost, maintenance, durability, and appearance. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
Plan Your Build
Plan the Layout & Design
- Measure the Area – Mark out the deck dimensions using stakes and string to visualize the space.
- Consider Sun & Wind Exposure – Think about shade, wind patterns, and privacy when placing your deck.
- Simplicity is Key - Minimize deck design complexity by sticking to simple deck sizes and shapes.
- blokDEK® modular decking is ideal for creating simple rectangular or square designs
- If a more complex design such as an L Shaped Deck or Multi-Level Deck is what you want, please Contact Us for a quote and build instructions
- Need some inspiration? Browse our gallery of real customers’ deck designs Get Inspired
Pick the Right Deck Size
- Solo or small family (100–250 sq. ft.) → Simple, functional space.
- Casual entertaining (250–400 sq. ft.) → Room for furniture, dining, and small gatherings.
- Frequent hosting (400+ sq. ft.) → Multi-zone layout with seating, dining, and activity space.
- blokDEK® is available in pre-configures sizes up to 450 sq feet.
- Remember blokDEK® is a modular deck system, which means you can always add more square footage now or later.
Square Footage Legend
Width (ft)
Length (ft)
| 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 48 | 60 | 72 | 84 | 96 | 108 | 120 | 132 | 144 | 156 | 168 | 180 |
| 8 | 64 | 80 | 96 | 112 | 128 | 144 | 160 | 176 | 192 | 208 | 224 | 240 |
| 10 | 80 | 100 | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 | 200 | 220 | 240 | 260 | 280 | 300 |
| 12 | 96 | 120 | 144 | 168 | 192 | 216 | 240 | 264 | 288 | 312 | 336 | 360 |
| 15 | 120 | 150 | 180 | 210 | 240 | 270 | 300 | 330 | 360 | 390 | 420 | 450 |
Determine Deck Height
- If your deck is connecting to a door, measure the height from ground to entry Pro Tip: ground level should be the highest part of the ground for your entire main deck area
- blokDEK® is a ground level deck that is height adjustable from 7” to 10”
- Placing paving stones and/or pedestals below the leveling feet is an easy way to add a few more inches of deck height*
- If you need additional height to reach your entry, purchase a blokDEK® single step (7” height), double step (13” height), or triple step (19" height)
Choose Your Decking Surface
Natural Cedar
Composite
Natural Cedar Deck
Pros:
- Natural Aesthetic – Cedar provides a classic, warm, and natural look that many homeowners love.
- Lower Initial Cost – Our cedar decking is less expensive compared to composite materials.
- Offers Unique Finishes – Can be easily stained or painted in different colors to match your home’s style.
Cons:
- High Maintenance – Requires regular staining, sealing, or painting to prevent rot, splintering, and fading (every 3 to 5 years).
- Susceptible to Weather Damage – Cedar can warp, crack, or rot over time due to moisture exposure.
- Shorter Lifespan – Typically lasts 10–20 years, depending on maintenance.
Composite Deck
Pros:
- Low Maintenance – Does not require staining, sealing, or painting. Just occasional cleaning with soap and water.
- Highly Durable – Resistant to moisture, rot, insects, and warping. Can last 25–50 years.
- Anti-Slip – Offers a unique surface for better traction in wet condtions.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Cost – More expensive than cedar decking upfront.
- Less Natural Look & Feel – While modern composite materials mimic wood grain, some homeowners prefer the authentic texture of real cedar.
- Heavier Material – Installation will often require two below to carry the composite decking panels.
Choose Optional LED Lighting
Built-in lighting is practical and stylish
When is Embedded LED Deck Lighting a Good Choice?
- If you entertain guests frequently or want a cozy, stylish ambiance.
- If safety is a concern, especially if you have stairs or a raised deck.
- If you’re looking to get the most from your deck investment and want long-term value.
- If you want low-maintenance, energy-efficient lighting that runs for years.
Preparing The Area
- Remove Any Large Impedances – Clear the area of any major vegetation, roots or rocks that would interfere with the deck.
Grass and small vegetation is ok - Consider Weed Barriers – Laying landscaping fabric under the deck can prevent future weed growth.
- Provide Level Touch Points –As best practice we recommend placing paving stones on the ground below the levelling feet. Paving stones range in shapes and sizes to meet your desired needs and are readily available at most home improvement stores.
- Levelling the entire surface area is likely not required to to blokDEK®’s embedded levelling feet adjustable up to 4”. Pro Tip: If setting the deck on grass consider digging paving stones into the grass. This extra effort will reduce the amount of re-levelling that you will have to do in the future.
Footing Count
Width (ft)
Length (ft)
| 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
| 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
| 10 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 27 |
| 12 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 27 |
| 15 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 27 |
Consider Your Budget
- One of the most common considerations when planning a new deck is the total cost both initially and over the life of the deck
- We’ve provided some estimates comparing a wood, composite and blokDEK® decking system
Cost Breakdown (Based on a 10’ x 10’ Deck - 100 sq. ft.)
Width (ft)
Length (ft)
| Type of Deck | Wood Deck | Composite | blokDEK® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decking Materials | $1,000 - $2,000 | $1,700 - $3,100 | $2,600 - $3,600 |
| Labor Costs | $1,000 - $2,000 | $1,500 - $3,000 | $0 |
| Initial Cost | $2,000 - $4,000 for 100 sq. ft. | $3,200 - $6,100 for 100 sq. ft. | $2,600 - $3,600 for 100 sq. ft. |
 Highest Annual Maintenance Cost ($200 to $500) |
 Minimal Maintenance Costs |
No Maintenance Frame |
|
|
Least Expensive Materials |
Most Expensive |
No Labor Costs |
|
|
Lowest Resale Value |
Good Resale Value |
Best Resale Value |
Final Recommendation
With blokDEK®’s modular decking system, you get the strength of aluminum framing, the ease of no-tool assembly, and the flexibility to create a freestanding, ground-level deck anywhere. No contractors, no heavy construction—just a faster, smarter way to build. Whether you're upgrading your RV setup, backyard, or outdoor retreat, blokDEK® makes deck building effortless, durable, and stylish. Start building today and enjoy your outdoor space like never before!