Deck Material Comparison: Wood-Plastic Composite, Wood, and PVC
When summer is over, you can invite your family and friends to gather on your beautiful backyard deck. You can barbecue, relax or chat with them. But before building a backyard deck, you may have a question. What is the best deck material for you? This is the first big choice you need to make when planning how to build your dream deck.
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Common Outdoor Deck Trim Materials
Pressure-treated lumber, composite decking material, and PVC decking are the three main decking materials you can buy. Composite decking material and PVC decking material are man-made trim materials. Traditional lumber, on the other hand, is a more natural material, derived from felled trees.
The style, price, feel, and look of your patio deck depend on the deck material you choose. In addition, depending on the deck material you choose, you may need to perform regular maintenance and upkeep work on the deck so that you can keep it looking great.
Over the years, most people have opted for traditional lumber to build their decks and substructures. This is because these woods were affordable and readily available. But over time, wood decks can fade, rot and break. As a result, you need to perform regular maintenance, repair, and upkeep work on it.
Low maintenance and long service life are the main advantages of composite decking and PVC decking. With these deck trims, you don’t need to bother about the regular maintenance work of the deck. And with the variety of colors and types to choose from composite decking can meet your design needs.
On the other hand, PVC decking has a more pronounced plastic texture compared to composite decking. It is also more costly to install than composite decking.
| Composite Material | Wood | PVC | |
| Lifespan | 25 years or more | 10-15 yearsunder decent maintenance | 30 years |
| Color Stability | Highly fade-resistant | Requires frequent painting | Fades easily |
| Termite Resistance | High | Becomes food for termites | High |
| Surface Hardness | Resistant to scratch | Prone to splintering and scuff | Gets scratched easily |
| Water-resistance | High | Relies on painting or oiling to resist moisture | High |
| Fire-resistance | Bfl-s1 fire rating | High risk of being lit | Highly inflammable |
| Eco-friendliness | Recyclable, made from recycled material | Contributes to deforestation | White pollution |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance | Requires frequent, costly maintenance | Low-maintenance |
| Affordability | Cost-effective in the long run | Ends up costing more after several years | Very expensive |
| Weather-adaptability | Highly resistant to elements and weathering | Naturally prone to humidity and heat | Deformed easily due to heat |
| Safety | Non-toxic, 100% safe | Carries harmful paint | Fire-hazardous |
Composite Decking Materials
Comparisons between wood and composite decking materials are often made because composite decking looks a lot like real wood. Nevertheless, the resemblance is only superficial.
Composite decking boards have several advantages that make them even more desirable to own. Composite decking will not fade, and it does not need to be painted or stained. It has excellent waterproofing properties, so it won’t mold or rot either. On top of that, composite decking will never crack, which makes it very friendly for walking barefoot on the deck. This deck trim material is popular because it doesn’t require much maintenance.
Of course, composite decking also has some disadvantages. Compared to pressure-treated wood decking, composite decking is a bit more expensive to install. The capped composite decking which has a polymer shell is even more expensive.
More Durable & Waterproof Composite Decking CPD-05
EVODEK unique two-tone art color technology gives you a stunning natural wood look so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Advantages of Composite Decking
- Appearance almost identical to solid wood
- Low maintenance, no repainting or staining required
- Long service life
- No rotting or mold
- High environmental value
- Good resistance to insects
- Wide choice of color and appearance
- Easy to install
Disadvantages of Composite Decking
- Higher installation cost
- May warp if not installed correctly
- Deck planks may be scratched or damaged
- May have a plastic texture
Wooden Decking
For some homes, however, a wood deck may be the best option. Pressure-treated wood is the cheapest decorative material on the market, so it’s always popular. However, wood decks can suffer from rot, mold, insects, and splitting. Therefore every two years you will need to repaint or stain your wood deck.
In addition to pressure-treated wood decks, there are cedar, redwood, and hardwood decks. These high-quality woods perform better than pressure-treated wood, but they are also more expensive. Cedar decking and redwood decking cost slightly less than composite decking, while hardwood decking usually costs more than composite decking.
It is important to note that wood decking is less expensive to install. But in the long run, wood decking tends to cost more than composite decking or PVC decking because it requires more maintenance.
Advantages of Wood Decking
- Low purchase cost
- Easily available
- Can be painted any color
- Has a natural wood grain
- Easy to install
Disadvantages of Wood Decking
- Requires annual maintenance and upkeep work
- May splinter or rot
- Shorter lifespan than decking materials
- Prone to color fading
PVC Decking
PVC decking is one of the best decking materials on the market. It offers the same benefits as composite decking.PVC decking requires no regular maintenance and has a very upscale look and feel. This decking also comes in a variety of colors, some of which have a beautiful wood grain pattern. Whether you want to build a rustic deck or install a modern-style deck. PVC decking can meet your design needs.
When comparing different types of decking materials, PVC decking is the least likely to scratch, while composite decking is more likely to scratch. In addition, anything left in the sun will fade, but PVC decking and composite decking are better at keeping their colors vibrant. On the other hand, PVC decking is the most expensive decking material on the market, so all these advantages come at a price.
Advantages of PVC Decking
- Beautiful, high-end look
- No repainting or staining required
- Long service life
- Will not rot or mold
- No color fading
- Fully waterproof
Disadvantages of PVC Decking
- Most expensive
- The plastic texture is noticeable
- Requires special fasteners
How to Choose the Right Decking Material
In the previous, we have learned that different deck materials possess different advantages and disadvantages. You need to choose the right decking material according to your actual situation. For example, your budget is limited and you can spend extra time and money to maintain the deck. Then, a wood deck with natural wood grain is more suitable for you.
If you don’t want to spend more time maintaining the deck, then low-maintenance composite decking and PVC decking meet your requirements. If you live in a place with a lot of rain, PVC decking that is completely waterproof is more suitable.
If you are on a low budget and don’t want to maintain your deck on a regular basis, then composite decking is the way to go.
Summary
In conclusion, when comparing composite decking material, wood, and PVC decking, each option has its own unique advantages and considerations. Wood decking materials offer classic beauty and natural appeal, but require regular maintenance.
Composite decking strikes a balance between durability and beauty. It is resistant to rot, fading, and staining, yet requires minimal maintenance. PVC decking, on the other hand, offers superb durability and low maintenance but may lack the natural look and feel of wood.
Ultimately, the choice between these materials depends on factors such as budget, maintenance preferences, and environmental considerations. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each option, homeowners can choose the deck material that best suits their needs.
FAQ
Is composite decking better than wood?
Composite decking should last 25 to 30 years, which is longer than wood decking. A limited lifetime guarantee is also offered by certain composite decking. Composite decking is protected from mold, insects, and severe temperatures thanks to the inclusion of polyethylene.
What is the best material for a deck?
Composite and PVC decking are long-lasting and provide excellent performance with little upkeep. Which deck material is better for long-term costs? In the long term, PVC and composite decking are typically the most economical options.
How much does a 20×20 composite deck cost?
Composite decking installation labor expenses range from $24 to $48 per square foot. As a result, installing composite decking costs between $40 and $80 per square foot, including the substructure. In the end, building a 20′ x 20′ composite deck might cost anything from $16,000 to $32,000.
How many years will composite decking last?
Traditional wood deck: usually 10 to 15 years.
Composite decking boards: According to industry experts, these boards have a 25–30 year lifespan.
Top Decking Materials for Full Sun Exposure
Tropical Hardwoods: In full sun, Ipe Brazilian Walnut performs exceptionally well.
Composite decking: Because composite decking is designed to withstand heat, it can withstand the sun.
PVC decking: PVC decking remains sturdy and cool, making it perfect for full sun exposure.
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