Differences Between Pvc & Composite Decking

If you’re still unsure about which type of decking to install after reviewing our comprehensive decking materials comparison chart, you may then want to consider cost and quality. With high-performance composites, you can get the good look of wood and low upkeep benefits of PVC at nearly half the price. As an added benefit, you can rest assured that the decking you’ve selected is toxin-free and helps close the loop on recycled materials by using 95 percent recycled content. When comparing artificial decking materials, PVC comes out on top as the deck boards that are less susceptible to the scratches that damage composite boards.

However, composites are generally constructed from a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, which are mixed together using heat and pressure in a co-extrusion process. As a result, some composites that use this method to create a finished product are not able to be recycled unless they can be easily returned to the manufacturer. However, most composites are made from recycled materials, lowering their impact on the environment. The lifespan of decking will depend on the quality of the material, and the basic manufacturing process employed. Generally, the average lifespan will usually fall in line with any associated warranties, but it’s important to note what the warranty covers. If you’re looking at products with an excellent extended warranty, you’ll find most composite decking is around years. PVC decking is made from polyvinyl chloride , which is a high-strength plastic.

Decking

Real wood decking also has a natural look and feel that the other materials lack. Over the years Archadeck has watched composites continue to improve in appearance and durability. Many composites promise the best of everything, from stain resistance to low maintenance and much more. TimberTech is a renowned leader in composite decking and a brand we embrace as Oakville’s premier deck builder. Their composite decking offers scratch, stain and fade resistance that carries a 25-year warranty.

Colorful Border

Plastic Decking Materials

While composite contains plastic mixed with wood or bamboo, PVC is entirely made of plastic. As idyllic as your backyard deck could be, maintaining that elevated expanse of lumber can be a downright chore. When the less demanding plastic-composite decking appeared on the scene in the 1990s, homeowners happily adopted it, despite the higher price and limited color selection . A decade later, as companies began to offer new products that looked like fresh-cut cedar and Brazilian walnut but never turned gray, sales of composites took off. Our capped polymer and capped composite decking lines combine recycled material with all the beauty of traditional wood. The PVC decking of the TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection embodies some of the most resilient and gorgeous deck boards on the market. Available in multiple widths for versatile deck design options.

• For a composite board to last, it needs to have a good cap to protect the recycled material in the core of the board from swelling and rotting from moisture that may enter.
• As far as price is concerned, the composite decking we sell is right in the middle of the costs for wood and vinyl.
• PVC has great color fastness and with today’s technology, it can look more like natural wood than composite decking.
• Unfortunately, the composite deck boards themselves are somewhat sensitive to being scratched from daily use and to fading in direct sunlight.

It avoids the mold, insect, and warping potential that wood and composites have, and has even greater fading and scratch protection to help maintain its value over time. The maintenance consists of simply using soap and water which saves additional time and money.

Benefits To Pvc Decking

Over time parts of the deck can still become susceptible to termites, splinters and rot. Wood can also be painted to help guard it against the elements and improve its look. Many homeowners find that composite decking is worth the cost, especially compared to wood. This material runs less but can last even longer, with low maintenance needs. Polyvinyl chloride decking costs$5 to $13 per square footfor the boards.

Cellular Pvc

What are the advantages’ of one composite material over another? There are as many answers as questions, and everyone has their favorites, or opinions on what makes their composite the best. Often times it is just a matter of pushing the most readily available product.