My neighbor switched to composite two years ago and it still looks brand new, no staining or warping at all. The upfront cost hurt a bit, but not having to spend every other weekend on maintenance is a huge win. Wood has that classic look, but it just can't beat the set-it-and-forget-it factor. I'm finally ready to make the switch for my own place next spring.

My dad taught me to fix a flat tire before he showed me how to read a manual.