Anyone else prefer mixing redwood and composite over a single material?

I went thru this exact debate when I finished a wrap-around porch using Trex Transcend in Spiced Rum and stained cedar posts three years back. The contrast between the industrial hog wire and the natural grain of the wood is acutally what guests comment on the most. It breaks up the monotony of a single material, wich can sometimes look a bit like a plastic floor if you go 100% composite.

To keep the redwood from looking tired, I’ve found that a quick coat of Penofin Red Label every 18 months keeps the framing looking sharp next to the boards. The wire panels are practically zero maintenace, and they don't block the breeze like glass panels woud. If you used 6x6 posts for that framing, that beefy wood look provides a solid anchor that composite just can't replicate. Mixing the textures gives it a custom architectural feel rather than a cookie-cutter kit look.

I’ve moved away from the mixed-material approach becuase of the long-term maintanence headache it creates. Back in 2019, I did a similar build with cedar posts and composite decking, and the upkeep is a total pain. While the composite stays perfect, the wood requires regular sanding and re-sealing every two seasons to prevent graying. You end up with a deck that looks half-finished because the structural posts are checking and fading while the floor stays identical to day one.

The hog wire panels also present a hidden issue with tension. If you used the standard 6-gauge utility panels instead of the heavier Wild Hog 4-gauge, those wires can start to rattle or bow after a few seasons of temperture swings. I’ve found that sticking to a full aluminum railing system or a powder-coated steel setup provides a much more cohesive look over time. It’s better to have the entire structure age at the same rate than to be stuck in a constant cycle of trying to make the natural wood catch up to the synthetic boards.

If you’re worried the hog wire looks too industrial, you shoud really look into Feeney CableRail. The stainless steel cables are way thinner than those heavy hog panels, so they basically disappear into the trees while the redwood framing does the heavy lifting for the look. It gives the deck a much more modern, polished vibe that bridges the gap between the natural wood and the Trex better than thick wire ever will. It makes the whole project feel like a custom build.

I'm totally new to this and barely know the difference between redwood and cedar, but does the hog wire get rusty? I've seen some metal fences that look pretty rough after a few rains. Also, is Penofin somethig a beginner can handle, or do you need a pro for that? I'm thinking of trying a small DIY platform next summer and all these options are kind of overwhelming.

Quick update—thanks for the input. I’ve decided to embrace the maintanence headache someone mentioned. I’m going to stay on top of the redwood with regular Penofin treatments so it doesn't get that tired look next to the Trex. I also looked into CableRail for future builds, but for this one, the hog wire contrast is just too good to change. Problem solved for now!