When it comes to building a deck, there are a variety of different material types to choose from. The frame can be built using the typical treated wood or upgraded to a metal structure. Both make a great frame. The decking and finishing is what you’ll see, this will be your most important decision when it comes to your deck.
The 3 options provided in Manitoba are treated wood, composite and PVC. All 3 can make for a nice, long lasting deck, however; if you’re looking for a great deck that will last a lifetime, this will be a key decision in the process.
We’re going to go over the differences between PVC and Composite decking and show you the key features as well as which one is the better option. Treated wood gets better as the years go by with new technology, however; treated wood doesn’t compare to the look and durability of a properly built PVC or composite deck, which is why we won’t include it in this comparison.
Trex Composite Examples (First 2) & Wolf PVC Examples (Next 2)
There are a variety of styles and colours to choose from with both composite and PVC
What’s the difference?
Composite – made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic with an outer shell to protect the wood materials
PVC – made from 100% recycled plastic, there is no wood fiber present. Options are available where both sides are finished.
The Main Positive Attributes
PVC – no wood composition, low maintenance, mould resistance, enhanced scratch, stain and fade resistance.
Composite – low maintenance, some mould resistance, provides enhanced scratch, stain and fade resistance. Able to emulate the look and feel of wood.
Now let’s compare the two and find out which one is better and why
Durability
Both PVC and Composite are ranked highly for their durability. Composite can be prone to sagging over time, however the higher end composites are more resistant to sagging – Winner: PVC
Aesthetics
PVC decking is an all plastic product and can offer a wood look that is enhanced, composite has a more wood like appearance – Depending on what you’re looking for, your preference may be to either pvc or decking. Both options make for a great looking deck - Tie
Mould Resistance
PVC has high resistance to mould growth whereas composite may be prone to mould growth over time – Winner: PVC
Stain Resistance
Both products rank high in stain resistance, over time stains can form, however; with the technology these days, the stain resistance is quite amazing – Tie
Heat Dissipation
PVC contains enhanced UV protection and offers better heat dissipation over composite – Winner PVC
Fading
Both products offer high fade resistance, pvc offers a better warranty and added fade resistance technology. Winner: PVC
Eco-Friendly
PVC is constructed using recycled plastics and can be recycled at the end of its life. Composite still contains both wood and plastics, however, the composite boards we use are made from 95% recycled materials, composite can also be recycled at the end of its life – Winner: Tie
Price
Composite tends to be cheaper than pvc – Winner: Composite
Warranty
Composites can have a great warranty, Trex offers an amazing 25 year defect warranty that covers many of possible defects, however; nothing beats the Wolf PVC warranty. Wolf offers a 25 - 50 year stain and fade warranty! On top of that, they offer a 5 year labour warranty which means they will pay the labour to have us come out and fix a defect! They truly stand behind their product. Winner: PVC
The Winner – PVC! Although it costs slightly more, PVC is the clear winner for its high resistance to all conditions, mould growth and unbeatable warranty.
Live in Winnipeg area? For a Free consultation and estimate please visit our deck page by clicking HERE and contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.
We expect the best! As such, we are a Winnipeg Certified Wolf Pro PVC decking installation expert.
Q: What is your experience with pvc or composite decking?| Comment Below
Remember to like and share with those you feel might need this
Make sure you subscribe and check back often for updates
Topics: #PvcDecking #CompositeDecking #Decks