The Differences Between Composite And Pvc Decking

The most common size is about1.25 inches thick, 5.25 inches wideand varying lengths. The cost to build a 144-square-foot composite deck averages about$5,200. The prices can range from$3,600 to $7,700between$25 and $54 per square foot. By comparison, a 144-square-foot wood deck ranges from$5,000 to $7,200, or$35 to $50 per square foot. You can fasten boards to joists by driving screws through the face or into clips inserted along the edge.

Wolf® Decking

In addition, it comes with all of the same drawbacks as wood-composite. You may wish to purchase PVC decking if you want a lighter-weight material that is easier to handle than wood-composite. Like wood-composite, PVC decking does not rot and never needs to be finished. Some homeowners simply like the look of PVC more than with the other materials. Also called plastic orsynthetic decking, this is made of cellular polyvinyl chloride , the same material that is used for plastic fencing.

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The first difference that you’ll probably notice is that wood is typically the least expensive, composite the second and cellular PVC the most expensive. When it comes to fade resistance, PVC is the hands-down winner. However, it’s worth noting that although composite fades faster, the fade is more natural, giving the material a beautiful, more wood-like appearance than PVC. In terms of withstanding the elements, composite has the upper hand because they expand and contract less than PVC. This makes composite decking the better material when extreme temperatures is concerned. PVC technology has taken significant strides, and they look more like wood now more than ever.

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This weathering process helps the decking achieve its beautiful, wood-like appearance. At GreenWay, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners get the most out of their outdoor spaces. Whether it’s fences, railings, or deck materials, we sell it all. That’s why we’re helping homeowners find the best decking material for their dream-come-true backyards. PVC decking tends to look the least like wood, when compared to natural wood and wood-composite deck boards.

Based on their price point, though, wood decks can be the best decking material for some homeowners. Choose wood-composite decking when you want a low-maintenance material. Some composites can also resemble exotic wood species, giving you the best of both worlds. If you have children or just like walking barefoot, wood-composite ensures that you will avoid splinters. But the best benefit of wood-composite decking is that it is guaranteed not to rot or split, and it never needs a stain or other protective finish. When planning an outdoor deck, perhaps the biggest decision you face is which material to use for the decking. While most decks use pressure-treated wood lumber for the understructure (posts, beams, joists, etc.), the decking can be a completely different material—or not.

One PVC company even offers a laminated product that some feel is an extremely good aesthetic substitute for wood. Ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and aesthetics don’t necessarily represent a significant difference between these product types across manufacturers. The average price of composite decking ranges between $7-$9 per square foot. But what is PVC decking, and how does it compare to composite vs wood decking? Answering those questions is an important step towards determining which type of alternative decking material would work best for you. One way to spruce up posts is to cover them with a maintenance-free material. AZEK makes a PVC Column Wrap that's super easy to install.

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You should be able to get at least 20 years of use, depending on the conditions. PVC decking is typically made from virgin plastics, which can be recycled after use. Although Trex decking cannot be recycled due to the mingling of wood fibers and plastics, it can be repurposed into new decking materials. Even better, it contributes to less trash in landfills and on the planet. Although Trex contains plastic, it’s a composite decking material. As a result, you get the the eye-catching look of rich wood with the durability of a composite.

The best way to determine which decking is right for you is to schedule a free, at-home consultation with Erdmann Exteriors. Capped Composite and Capped Polymer (100% PVC) decking are excellent options for any outdoor space. Unlike real wood, they are virtually maintenance free, splinter free, highly durable against the elements, and easy to clean. However, trying to choose between the two can get confusing. In the end it comes down to what works best for your deck needs, wants, and budget.

Planning Guide: Decks

Once in place, they just do their job and don't need much more than an annual wash-down, leaving you plenty of time to work on your nap. TOH explains everything you need to know about this wood alternative, including how to choose the best boards, compare costs, as well as install and clean them.

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Ceramic-coated screws come in several colors, which helps them blend in. The width of the decking, its color and finish, and the design of the railing are important design elements. A ranch, raised ranch, or contemporary house style can work well with many deck designs. It's more challenging to make a deck work with older styles, such as Tudor, colonial, or 1920s bungalow. Many manufacturers of synthetic decking offer a variety of railings, such as provincial or Mission style, that can help the deck fit with the rest of the house.

Consider the following when choosing the right one for you. Material prices run$15 to $36 per square foot, including$4 to $13 per square footfor deck boards. They look like composites, but these boards are actually 99 percent virgin PVC plastic, very different stuff from the polyethylene-wood mix found in most composites. The fact that composites don't feel or look like real wood is beside the point.

It is lightweight and has the same density as white pine, a softwood. Some PVC decking is "capped," meaning that a protective shell is added to the surface that also gives it a wood-like look. Wood-composite decking is a mixture of high-density polyethylene and wood particles, along with preservatives and binders. Wood-composite can be eco-friendly when it is made with leftover sawdust from furniture manufacturing and plastics recycled from milk jugs and detergent bottles. Pressure-treated wood is hands-down the cheapest way to floor your deck.

• Which one you choose determines the style options, the price, what it’s like to own it, and the maintenance you’ll need to do to keep it looking great.
• Composites are by far the oldest decking product on the market.
• The three main deck material options you’ll see on the market are pressure treated wood, composite, and PVC .
• Wood is a more natural product, while composite and vinyl are artificial decking materials.

Trex will not fade or lose its original luster even after decades of exposure. Wood resisted slips best in our wet and dry friction tests. A few plastics and composites came close in those tests, but several flexed or sagged noticeably.

Deck boards with a core made from a blend of engineered materials (like recycled plastics, HDPE, etc.) and organic materials , with an engineered cap. With its initial price typically in between wood and cellular PVC, a casual observer might consider composite decking a great middle ground. As a result of having this organic filler, it’s still quite susceptible to many of the same disadvantages as a wooden deck. Aside from those downsides, composite decking is also susceptible to scratching because the wood makes it softer.