Composite Vs Pvc 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, the final cost of the deck is dependent on multiple factors including the complexity of the design and which specific Pro or Azek product is chosen. While Capped Polymer decking is generally more expensive, it will probably stand the test of time better than a Capped Composite deck. On the other hand, choosing a Capped Composite still gives you a beautiful, durable, and maintenance free outdoor space. Much of the time, the choice between which product to go with comes down to the color you like the most. If you’d like to know more you can check out ourComposites page, stop by one of our showrooms, or give us a call at .

Decking

It’s also sold in a variety of colors, textures, and profiles. PVC deck boards are made from a high-strength plastic and may include foaming agents to make it a strong-yet-lightweight material for use in deck boards. PVC deck boards and decking are suitable for use in building a deck -- just as you would use wood, composite, or aluminum. Some reputable manufacturers of PVC deck boards include TimberTech / AZEK and Endeck. But composite decking is not completely recyclable like plastic decking because it is a mixture of wood and plastic. For its low maintenance and good looks, it's worth a look, but shop around. "Not all composites are equal," says Gordon Whittaker, owner of Alter Eagle.

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Plastic Decking Materials

Plus, they are also more resistant to rot and splintering, which helps the deck look as good as new for many years to come. TimberTech’s Azek PVC decking is made from recycled plastics, boosting its’ eco-conscious value. The primary benefit of PVC over composite is the lack of wood. No wood means no mold or mildew, which supports longevity and reduces maintenance needs. PVC is harder and more scratch resistant than composite products and holds its color very well since the color is embedded in the plastic, not applied on top.

• 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.

Many materials have already come and gone, or changed to suit the trends. This can be a real pain as last year’s version of your favorite composite might not match this years. When looking at pure wooden decking, you’ll see many varieties of wood available. These deck boards range from simple pressure treated lumber to exotic timber from South America. The biggest draw of wood decking when compared to composite and cellular PVC is the initial price. However, making a decision based on the initial cost is short-sighted.

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.

Cellular Pvc

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.