What we did here: What is cool about natural wood for a deck? Definitely the smell. What is worst about it? You have to maintain it. Every single year. If you don't look after your deck, the wood will start to rot. Eventually mold will appear, especially underneath it. This client didn't want to take care about the deck anymore, maximum - just to pressure wash it and forget for another year. What's the solution? Use composite materials! It looks great, 25 years of warranty, and won't rot!