Most homeowners just want more time. Time to enjoy their outdoor space. Not to fix it or keep working on it.
That’s why composite and PVC decking have become so popular. They’re not just trendy. The composite decking market recently passed $ 2.82 billion and is still growing fast. People are tired of spending weekends on deck repairs.
Wood looks nice, but it needs work. Homeowners spend hundreds of dollars a year on cleaning, staining, and fixing wood decks. Over ten years, that adds up. What starts out cheap can become expensive and exhausting.
Composite and PVC decking offer better options. Composite blends wood fibers with plastic. It looks warm like wood but lasts much longer. PVC is all plastic. It resists moisture and sun and can last up to 50 years with barely any upkeep.
They may look alike, but they’re different. Each has its own style, price, and use. The right choice depends on how you live. Whether it’s quiet mornings or big backyard gatherings, your deck should match your life.
Let’s look at what each one brings to the table.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is made from recycled wood and plastic. The usual mix is 60% wood and 40% plastic. These are blended with bonding agents. The bonding agents add strength and texture. They also make the surface easy to maintain.
The result is a strong and eco-friendly deck. It looks and feels like real wood. But it doesn’t need much care. No sanding. No staining. No sealing. Just a clean finish that stays nice with very little effort.
Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
Choosing the right deck may not seem important at first. But you’ll realize it matters once you think about how often you use that space. Morning coffee. Barefoot walks. Summer cookouts. Quiet evenings. The surface under your feet plays a bigger role than you think.
Like many home upgrades, composite decking has its pros and cons. Knowing both can help you choose what fits your lifestyle.
Pros of Composite Decking
Let’s start with the good parts. Composite decking comes in many colors and styles. You can pick something soft and natural. Or you can go for a bold, modern look. Some boards look just like real wood. Others have a smooth finish for a sleek feel. There’s no single style, and that’s a good thing.
There are two types of boards. Hollow boards are lighter. They’re easy to handle, which is great for small decks and DIY projects. Solid-core boards are heavier. They’re better for busy areas with lots of foot traffic.
The best part is It’s very low-maintenance. Once it’s installed, your work is mostly done. No staining. No sealing. No yearly repairs. Just sweep it now and then. Rinse off dirt with a hose. That’s it.
Some boards also have grooves for better grip. This helps on rainy days or if kids are running around.
Another benefit is that bugs don’t like it. Termites and pests can’t do much damage to synthetic materials. That makes it a smart pick in places where bugs are a problem.
Composite decking is also eco-friendly. Many brands use recycled plastic and leftover wood. These materials would have become waste. So choosing composite helps the environment in small but real ways.
Cons of Composite Decking
Still, it’s not perfect. Composite decking is not real wood. If you love that old, rustic wood feel with knots and lines, this might not be for you. It also costs more in the beginning. But you’ll save time and money later, since you don’t need to maintain it every year.
There’s one more thing to consider. Composite boards are strong, but not made to support very heavy items. If you want to add a hot tub or stone features, you’ll need extra support under the deck.
In the end, composite decking is all about comfort and ease. It may not have the rough beauty of raw wood. But it gives you a clean, safe, and peaceful outdoor space. And sometimes, that’s all you really need.
What Is PVC Decking?
PVC decking is a modern option that solves many outdoor problems. It is made from plastic. Unlike composite boards, it does not include any wood. PVC decking uses high-quality recycled plastic.
This makes it strong and long-lasting. It can handle sun, rain, and regular use. Even after years of BBQs, it still looks good.
It is strong. It is simple. And it is made to last. It’s an upgrade that keeps giving back, year after year.
Pros and Cons of PVC Decking
PVC decking has its pros and cons. Knowing both can help you choose what fits your lifestyle. Let’s discuss them one by one!
Pros of PVC Decking
PVC decking is made from 100% plastic. There’s no wood, so it won’t rot, warp, or grow mold. You don’t need to sand, seal, or treat it every year. It’s great for people who want less upkeep and more free time.
One big benefit is how long it lasts. Quality PVC decking can last 30 to 50 years. It stays strong through sun, rain, and changing weather. No splinters. No peeling. No surprise repairs.
Older PVC boards used to look too shiny or fake. But today’s options look much more natural. Some even copy the look of cedar or hardwood. You’ll find many colors and textures to match your style.
Cons of PVC Decking
Still, PVC decking isn’t perfect. It costs more than wood or basic composite. But you pay once and avoid years of maintenance.
Some cheaper PVC can get hot in the sun. Others may be slippery when wet. Newer, better boards fix a lot of these issues. Choosing a textured surface helps, especially near pools or in shady spots.
Quality matters. Low-end PVC may wear out fast and look old quickly. Try to see the boards in person before buying. Feel the texture. Picture it after a few years.
PVC decking is for people who want peace of mind. It may not have the rustic look of real wood. But it gives you a clean, strong deck that lasts—so you can just enjoy your time outside.
PVC Decking vs. Composite Decking
| Feature | PVC Decking | Composite Decking |
| What It’s Made Of | Made from 100% plastic. No wood at all. | Made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic. |
| Look and Feel | Has a smooth and clean finish. Great for modern spaces. | Looks more like real wood. It feels warm and natural. |
| Maintenance | Needs very little care. Just rinse it off now and then. | Also low-maintenance. No sealing or staining needed. |
| Durability | Lasts 30 to 50 years. Strong in any weather. | Lasts 25 to 30 years. Still strong and reliable. |
| Best Use | Great near water. Won’t soak up moisture or grow mold. | Works well too, but may show wear in very wet areas over time. |
| Installation | Lighter and easier to carry. Good for DIY projects. | Heavier and may take more effort to install. |
| Price and Value | Costs more upfront but lasts longer. Fewer repairs needed. | Cheaper at first. Still lasts long but may need support in heavy-use areas. |
Conclusion
PVC and composite decking both have strong benefits. PVC lasts longer. It handles water well. It needs very little care.
The composite looks more like real wood. It costs less at the start. Your best choice depends on how you live. It also depends on how much time you want to spend on maintenance. No matter which one you choose, both options are made to last. Both are built for real life. Both options are eco-friendly. Both are better than cutting fresh trees.
FAQs
1. How long do composite and PVC decks actually last?
PVC decking lasts the longest. A good PVC deck can last up to 50 years with little care. Composite decking lasts around 25 to 30 years. That’s still much better than wood, which may wear out in 10 to 15 years. If you want something strong and easy, PVC is the better choice. But both options last a long time and need less work.
2. Does PVC really handle water better than composite?
Yes, it does. PVC is made from plastic, so it doesn’t absorb water. It won’t rot, swell, or grow mold. It works well near pools, lakes, or in rainy areas. Composite is good too, especially capped boards. But it still has some wood, so it’s not fully waterproof. If your deck will stay wet a lot, go with PVC.
3. Why does composite decking look more like real wood?
Because it partly is real wood. Composite boards are made from wood fibers and plastic. That mix gives them a natural wood look and feel. If you like the warm look of real wood without all the extra care, composite is a nice choice.
4. Which one’s easier on the wallet — composite or PVC?
Composite decking usually costs less at the start. It’s around $5 to $15 per square foot. PVC is more expensive upfront. But it doesn’t need as many repairs or as much cleaning. Composite is cheaper now. PVC saves more over time.
5. Which material is easier to install if I’m doing it myself?
PVC is lighter and easier to carry. It’s also easier to cut and move. That helps if you’re building it alone. Composite is heavier, so it takes more effort. But both install in the same way. If you can use basic tools, you can build with either. PVC just makes it a bit easier.
