PVC vs. Composite Decking: Which One Should You Choose for Your Deck?
Design the deck of your dreams
Highlights
PVC decking is a synthetic decking material made from plastic.
Composite decking contains both plastic and wood.
Both are low-maintenance and durable, but PVC decking typically lasts longer.
Costs are comparable, but PVC decking is slightly pricier.
Both materials protect your deck from mold, moisture, and insects.
If your home renovation plans include building or upgrading a deck, one of your first tasks will be choosing a flooring material. While you could opt for a classic wooden deck, there are also lower-maintenance and longer-lasting alternatives to consider, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and composite decking. To help you decide, let’s compare PVC versus composite decking, including how they compare in key categories like price and durability. And don’t forget that you can always reach out to a local pro for more specific advice and pricing in your area.
PVC vs. Composite Decking: Key Differences
When it comes to PVC decking versus composite decking, the main difference is how they’re made. While PVC is pure plastic, composite decking includes a blend of plastic and wood. Since PVC doesn’t contain any natural materials, it holds up better against mold and water damage. It’s also lighter-weight and more durable but tends to be slightly pricier than composite decking.
What Is PVC Decking?
Also known as synthetic decking, PVC decking is a durable, low-maintenance deck material made of hard plastic. It’s available in various colors and patterns, which often look like natural wood. PVC decking is also 100% recyclable and can be repurposed years later.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mold-resistant and insect-proof | More expensive than composite |
| Highly durable | Less slip-resistant |
| Lightweight | May warp from direct sunlight or extreme heat |
Best for:
Anyone interested in a low-maintenance deck that doesn’t need sealing
DIYers who want to work with a lightweight decking material
Homes in wildfire-prone areas
Pros of PVC Decking
There are plenty of reasons to pick PVC decking over other materials. For one, because PVC doesn’t contain wood, it isn’t susceptible to common deck problems like mold growth and insect infestations. It won’t rot, either.
Durability is another major benefit of PVC decking. This type of deck can last between 30 and 50 years, and capped PVC decking—which has a protective hard shell around the outside—is highly resistant to scratching and fading.
Finally, PVC isn’t as heavy as composite decking, making it easier to transport and install. If you plan to build your own deck, this can make a huge difference. Though, building a deck is still a pretty big undertaking, so we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to hire a pro for help regardless of the decking material you choose.
Cons of PVC Decking
Of course, there are also downsides to PVC decking. In terms of cost, it’s slightly more expensive to install than composite decking.
While PVC decking isn’t prone to water damage, it may be more slippery than other deck materials when wet. Also, PVC can absorb heat and sunlight, causing it to warp.
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a hybrid type of decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. Some styles look like genuine wood, but since composite decking is part plastic, it doesn’t have as many issues or require as much maintenance as natural wood.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low-maintenance and long-lasting | Shorter life span than PVC |
| Can look more natural than PVC | More vulnerable to moisture and rot if uncapped |
| More slip-resistant than PVC | Not fully recyclable |
Best for:
People who want a minimal-maintenance deck with a natural wood look
Anyone needing a deck that won’t warp or overheat in the sun
Pool decks or decks in areas that receive regular rainfall
Pros of Composite Decking
When it comes to wood decking versus composite decking, upkeep is far easier with the latter. Composite decking—like PVC decking—doesn’t require anywhere near as much maintenance as traditional wood decking. For example, there’s no need to seal, sand, or stain composite decking.
Since composite decking includes both wood and plastic, you get the benefits of both materials. On one hand, because it’s partially made from wood, composite decking looks more natural than PVC. At the same time, the plastic helps ward off moisture, mold, and insects, extending the life span of your deck.
Composite decking is also more slip-resistant than PVC decking, so it’s a good option for rainy locales. Some people even use composite decking around their pool as an alternative to pavers.
Cons of Composite Decking
With an average life span of 25 years, composite decking lasts longer than many types of wood (including cedar and redwood), but that’s still only half as long as PVC decking, which can last up to 50 years.
If your composite decking is uncapped, you could run into problems with mold and moisture problems. Capped decking is more expensive, but it offers the most protection for your deck.
Also, while composite decking is an eco-friendly and sustainable decking material (it consists of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibers), its mixture of plastic and wood isn’t fully recyclable—unlike PVC decking, which can be repurposed.
PVC vs. Composite Decking
If you’re deciding between these decking types, it’s helpful to understand how they perform in different categories. Let’s look at composite versus PVC decking in terms of pricing, durability, and more.
Price: Composite Decking
Generally speaking, composite decking is the slightly more affordable option. For the materials only, composite decking costs around $4 to $12 per square foot, while PVC decking runs between $5 and $13 per square foot. However, prices depend on the type and quality of decking you choose.
Durability: PVC Decking
Composite decking lasts around 25 years, but PVC decking is the clear winner in this category, thanks to its 30- to 50-year life expectancy.
Appearance: Composite Decking
If you’re looking for a decking option that more closely resembles real wood, composite decking comes out on top. However, PVC decking also comes in plenty of colors, styles, and designs, and you can work with a local deck builder to find one you like.
Ease of Installation/DIYability: PVC Decking
Installing composite decking and PVC decking are fairly similar DIY projects. But since PVC is lighter than composite decking, it’s a bit easier to handle and put in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trex decking is a well-known brand of composite decking. As such, it’s easy to maintain, lasts longer than wood decks, and comes in various colors and styles. On average, it costs between $3,600 and $9,600 to install Trex decking at your home. Like other types of composite decking, Trex has a life span of around 25 years.
Synthetic decking—made from materials such as vinyl or PVC—is the most durable type of decking. On average, synthetic decking lasts between 30 and 50 years, which is longer than composite and aluminum decking. It also has a longer life span than most types of wood decking, except for ipe wood decking, which can last up to 75 years. However, if you have an ipe deck, you’ll need to seal it regularly to keep it in good condition—something you don’t have to do with synthetic decking.