Difference Between PVC & Composite Decking

Unlike composite materials, which contain wood fibers, PVC decking is entirely resistant to mold and decay.

When it comes to alternatives to a wooden deck, homeowners typically choose between composite materials and PVC decking. Both may contain recycled materials, so you may use them as a green building material. However, composite decking and PVC decking are not created equal, so one may be a better fit for your home than the other. Before shopping for decking materials, familiarize yourself with the key differences between the two materials so you know which products will better suit your needs.

Materials

Composite decking is a blend of materials. It contains real wood "flour" and fibers, as well as plastic products. In many cases, the plastic is recycled from milk jugs, plastic bags or other materials that would otherwise be taken to a landfill. Additives such as fiberglass, waxes and preservatives may also be included. PVC decking is composed entirely of plastic resins. Some products utilize virgin plastic, while others contain recycled materials. While this material does not contain any wood products, some PVC decking materials known as cellular PVC contain a foaming agent to make them look and perform more like real wood.

Appearance

Because they contain real wood fibers, some composite decking materials can pass for real wood. If you opt for a lower-quality product, however, the materials may have an unnatural, plastic-like appearance. With PVC decking, the quality of the product generally does not matter because it cannot pass for natural wood. The boards have a uniform appearance that can be quite attractive, but it gives them a synthetic appearance as well. If you opt for a cellular PVC decking product, the materials are usually colored with multiple natural wood tones so they have a more realistic look.

Mold Resistance

Because it does not contain any wood products, PVC decking is highly resistant to mold and mildew. Composite decking, on the other hand, does contain wood fibers, so its resistance to mold and mildew is limited. In addition, composite decking may be susceptible to moss and algae growth, so proper cleaning and maintenance is essential in preserving the deck’s appearance.

Scratching and Fading

Made entirely from plastic, PVC decking is highly resistant to scratches and nicks in its surface. Its color does not fade easily, either, so its surface remains smooth and unmarred for many years. Composite decking is softer than PVC materials, so it suffers scratches more easily. In fact, you can scratch the boards simply by rubbing them against one another as you remove them from the box for construction. A composite deck surface is also more porous than that of a PVC deck, so it stains easily if food, liquids or grease are spilled on it.

Price

Because it contains a limited amount of plastics, composite decking is generally the least expensive synthetic decking material. However, while PVC decking materials may have a higher initial cost, they may be a more cost-effective investment in the long run. Because it resists showing signs of wear and tear and other damage more effectively than composite decking, PVC decking materials tend to have a longer lifespan, so you do not need to replace them as often. They also have lower maintenance costs because they do not contain any wood products.

References

• Barrett Outdoors: Wood Decking
• Green Building Advisors: Decks and Porches
• Backyard America: Decking