Composite vs. PVC decking: What’s the difference?

Fortunately, building a deck is not what it once was. Running around from lumber yard to lumber yard to find the best quality Cedar is now somewhat of a thing of the past. With the maintenance-free craze and the new generation of maintenance-free decking, you need to ask yourself: Is what I’m investing in truly maintenance-free? Will this product last in the era of composite vs. PVC decking?

The market is flooded with “maintenance-free” boards that disappoint, and some claimed to be “maintenance-free” are not. Many refer to all “maintenance-free” decking as composite, but that’s not accurate. Here’s a quick breakdown of today’s “maintenance-free” deck boards, from bad to better to best.

Composite vs. PVC Decking Comparison

Composite Decking

Composite vs. PVC Decking -  Windeck Ltd. - Deck Builder Winnipeg, Manitoba

Composites are made of a blend of materials, including wood flour, wood fibers, and plastic materials (either recycled or virgin). When it comes to synthetic decking, composites are entry-level in terms of cost. They are also at the entry level of quality. Personally, I would put pressure-treated decking on my deck before I put composite on because the cost difference is far from worth the upgrade. Composites will fade like crazy, swell, mold, mildew, and scratch like crazy. It is far from maintenance-free, in my opinion.

Capped Composite Decking

Capped Composites - Windeck Ltd. - Composite Decking Winnipeg, Manitoba

Capped composites represent a hybrid between composite and PVC decking. A composite (wood or plastic) core is wrapped with a shell of PVC (or similar) material.
As for cost, capstock comes in higher than composite and just lower than PVC. In short. Manufactures have wrapped a composite product with a PVC capping; this makes the board far more resilient to scratching, mold, mildew, and swelling. WARNING! Not all capped composites are the same. Some manufacturers only put a capstock on the top and sides of the board, leaving the bottom unprotected.

PVC Decking

Composite vs. PVC Decking - Windeck Ltd. - Deck Builder Winnipeg, Manitoba

PVC decking is made of new or recycled plastic resin. Because it contains no wood material, PVC does not mold or mildew. In addition, it stands up better to scratches, stains, and fading. Minimal maintenance is required beyond occasional cleaning. PVC decking is your top-of-the-line product when it comes to decking for low-grade or poolside decks. This kind of decking can sit in water all day, every day, as the beauty of PVC is that it does not retain moisture.

PVC decking with an ASA capstock

ASA Capstock - Windeck Ltd. - Deck Builder Winnipeg, Manitoba

ASA is the absolute latest technology in the decking industry. ASA = Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate. What the heck is that? In language that makes sense ASA is a plastic resin that is heavily used in the automotive industry to form dashboards. ASA can take an absolute beating from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays with very little fading over a span of 25 years. This kind of decking will have all the benefits of a normal PVC deck board, with a capstock on PVC steroids. ASA decking is also much cooler on the feet than conventional wood or composite decking and is by far the best-value decking on the market.

Which is better, PVC or composite decking?

Choosing composite vs. PVC decking? Both are low-maintenance and durable options, with distinct advantages. PVC, being entirely synthetic, boasts a longer lifespan (50+ years), making it resistant to rot and weathering. It excels at water resistance, making it ideal for poolside decks. PVC decking, in particular, offers slip resistance and protection against algae and mold.

While PVC is often lighter and easier to install, composite decking tends to be more budget-friendly upfront. Both options, however, deliver long-term savings due to their rot resistance and low maintenance.

Installation processes are similar, emphasizing adherence to manufacturer guidelines and building codes. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle. To help decide, schedule a consultation for your special needs. We will help you decide what works better for you: composite vs. PVC decking.

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