Composite VS PVC decking material comparison

At Decksforlife we have an individual approach to every customer and certainly we can advice perfect option for any needs, but here’s a summary of key facts and features to help customers make an right decision:

Features and benefits: Here’s the difference

1. Material Structure:

Composite decking is basically a mix of wooden fibers/flakes, recycled plastics, and also some binding agents. The exact composition can be slightly different depending on manufacture and collections of material, but the main idea is to make strong, weather resistant and maintenance free material. As an option almost every manufacturer has scalloped boards to make products more budget friendly.

PVC decking core is made completely without any organic additives such as wooden flakes or fibers and consists only of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC boards are more flexible than composite that’s why in most cases they have solid core

2. Waterproof:

Composite decking is well known for very good moisture resistance, but it’s not 100% waterproof since it has wooden fibers included in the structure. Some moisture can be absorbed especially at the bottom of the board which may cause growth of mold or mildew. It happens quite rarely and we always recommend having proper board spacing to keep under decking space dry.

PVC decking is entirely waterproof and doesn’t absorb any moisture at all. Also a good feature of PVC boards is the plastic cap which seals the board from four sides. All these features are making PVC decking ideal material for areas close to water such as a pool decks.

3.Temperature Sensitivity:

It is really important to understand that both materials become hot in the sun. We really recommend to all our clients to pick a lighten color for sunny side decks or use dark colors only as an accent boards for picture framing

Composite decking may become hot in direct sunlight and keep warm temperature longer than PVC. It is caused by higher density of the material.
PVC decking usually stays a bit cooler underfoot during sunny days as it doesn’t retain heat as much as composite decking (basically it chills faster than composite)

4.Color Options:

One of the most important factors while choosing perfect decking is color range. Obviously all decking manufacturers try to make a wide range of colors and board structures to make sure every customer will find the perfect option to design your outdoor space.

Composite decking manufacturers usually try to emulate the natural look and different colors of natural wood. Now days we have a lot of brand names and color options on market, but we always recommend companies such as Trex,Timbertech and Fiberon

PVC decking boards are available in multiple colors and with different board patterns. Compared with composite, PVC has fewer color options but usually it is more natural and rich colors. We pretty sure that every customer will find perfect match

5.Price tag:

There is no secret that composite decking in most cases will be a more affordable option compared with PVC, especially when it comes to basic or basic+ collection. But sometime depending on brand name, color, line/collection price of composite boards will be pretty much same with PVC

PVC decking usually has a higher price tag, but price may justified by its durability (always comes as solid core boards), higher price on production and low maintenance requirements

6.Warranty:

While both materials might come with warranties, it’s worth comparing the specifics and warranty coverage. Most of the materials are covered with 25+ years warranty, but for fading numbers sometimes can vary.
Composite decking warranties highly vary; coverage may include fading, staining, or structural defects usually for 25-35 years
PVC Decking: Often comes with longer and more comprehensive warranties due to its structure durability and higher grade materials usually for 30-50 years

To make a right choice between these two wonderful materials your decision should be based on your project criterias and needs, budget and color preferences. Also please consider factors such as special requirements of outdoor space, temperature sensitivity, budget, and aesthetic preferences. We really encourage all our customers to make their own research for specific products within each category and read customer reviews. At Decksforlife we always ready to help our customers with any any material – related questions to make 100% sure that end result will be a perfect match for your project.