Does material type really affect how much upkeep you have to do?

I was chatting with my neighbor yesterday—he just installed a new wooden deck, and he's already grumbling about sanding and staining it next year. Got me thinking about how different materials seem to need totally different levels of care. Like, my composite deck is pretty low-key, but my friend's stone patio seems even easier. Is wood really that much more work, or is he just exaggerating? Curious what experiences everyone else has had with different materials.