If you are looking for the natural beauty that is present in wood, cedar is your best option. It's rich colors and rot resistant properties have made it a popular choice for years. Cedar has a average lifespan of 15-20 years if properly maintained.  

If a zero maintenance system is what you are after, composite is going to be what you want. Composite boards are most commonly a mix of plastic and wood fibers that far outlive any type of wood deck board. They are often chosen because they do not rot, twist, or splinter like wooden boards.  

Budget conscious buyers often look towards cedar-tone treated lumber because of price point and pre-treated and stained features. It is ground contact lumber and resists rot and decay very well as it ages.