Differences Between Pvc & Composite Decking

Most PVC and composite decking products use recycled plastic. Some do not use any new materials, making them highly sustainable. If you’re looking for a green alternative that still looks like wood, this is a great choice. Now, fast forward 16 years, there are now dozens of composite decking companies and so many choices it boggles the mind.

However, it can lead to a bit more “bounce” than composites once installed. Both expand and contract with temperature changes and manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed carefully. PVC and composites also both often have “hidden” fastening options that reduce the outward appearance of the installed decking for a more polished look.

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.

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Plastic Decking Materials

Capped Composite deckinghas an inner core made of recycled wood and plastics. As its name suggests, the core of the composite is then “capped” by a PVC shell that helps protect it from the elements. Capped Composite decking is generally made from 75-95% recycled material. The top Capped Composite brands areTrex, TimberTech, and Fiberon. Composite decking is easier to work with and install than PVC. Composite decking with a plastic and wood blend throughout the board can be ripped, routed and bent to fit nearly any space. They can’t be ripped down the board or routed on the edges, and they require special tools to bend.

• With high-performance composites, you can get the good look of wood and low upkeep benefits of PVC at nearly half the price.
• Plus, while any material left in the sun will show fading, vinyl is also better protected against color fading than composite.
• 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.
• 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.
• All of these advantages do come at a price though — vinyl is the most expensive of the deck material options on the market.
• 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.

The cheapest composite decking material costs around $4 to $5 per square foot. Many brands, including Trex and Fiberon, sell products in this price range.

Benefits To Pvc Decking

Synthetic Or Composite Decking Materials

PVC decking tends to have a uniform, synthetic appearance, with regularly repeating grain patterns and color streaking. Composite decking brands like ChoiceDek better capture the true beauty of wood with realistic wood-grain embossing and authentic, natural colors. While both products can save you valuable hours on deck maintenance, which one is right for your backyard? Take a look below at how the two materials compare to see why more people are choosing composite decking for their next project. PVC is a lighter weight product, which makes it easier to handle on the jobsite.

But instead of being a mix of wood and plastic, PVC decking is 100% plastic. Like composite, it was designed to minimize maintenance and prevent common problems associated with wood, such as mold and insect infestations. Composite decking has also undergone a lot of changes in recent years. They produce capped composite decking in a multitude of colors, thicknesses, and grain patterns. And, thanks to production innovations, the color on the surface of these boards now runs all the way through instead of just on the surface coating. This means that composite decking is extremely capable of standing up to wear and tear because scratches, dings, and dents won’t show.