Which is a better material for a deck: PVC or composite?

If you’re new to building decks, you might think that what kind of decking material is the best?

Decks are all different, and many of them aren’t even made of wood. PVC and composite decking are both made from man-made materials. So if that’s what they have in common, how are they different? Which one is best for your future deck?

Well, wonder no more. This guide will explain the main differences between composite and PVC decking. So you can choose the best option for your next outdoor building project.

What is composite decking (WPC)?

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is an eco-friendly material made of wood fibers and polymers. COOWIN composite decking is made with a patented formula and an innovative dual-screw extrusion process. It looks and feels like real wood and has better performance than other types of decking.

COOWIN is the first company in the industry to use Color Streaking Technology and 3D Wood Grain Technology on uncapped WPC products. Composites made from HDPE are stronger and stiffer than those made from LDPE. Different brands have different amounts of wood and plastic.

Depending on the ratio of wood fibers and the number of meshes, the effects and performance of the product will be different. The properties of the finished product will be different if it is made from resins with different performance indicators. Which are mostly shown by the way things look. Like bending, compressive strength, and the amount of giving in the material.

Different formulation additives will not only change the way the finished product looks and feels. Like bending, compressive strength, and the amount of giving in the material. But also change the chemical properties of the finished product. Different things have different degrees of impact, such as anti-aging, UV resistance, oxidation resistance, fading resistance, waterproof performance, fire resistance, adhesive coupling performance, etc.

We use 50 percent poplar wood fiber, 38 percent HDPE, and 12 percent additives. So, our composite material is very good at blocking UV rays, and the color stays the same even when the weather is hot.

The plastic in composite decking makes it more resistant to water and bugs than natural wood. It also gives you more options for style, since you can choose your own color and wood grain to fit your home’s look.

What are PVC decks made of?

PVC is made from man-made materials, just like composite. But PVC decking is not made of a mix of wood and plastic. It is made of only plastic. Like composite, it is made to reduce the problems that are common with wood. For example, mold and bug infestations.

PVC is easy to change, and it can be made to look like more expensive types of wood decking. Like redwood, ipe, and mahogany. And since it’s made of plastic all the way through, it’s easy to keep clean. And you don’t have to worry about splinters when you use pressure to clean this material.

Capped decking vs. uncapped decking

The tops of composite and PVC decking can be capped or left off. The cheaper choice is decking without a cap. But if it is not well taken care of, it is more likely to get stained and grow mold.

The hard shell on the outside of capped decking gives it extra protection. Capping isn’t an extra feature. During the making process, it is stuck to the core material. In addition to making your deck last longer and work better overall. UV inhibitors are also built into many caps. This will help keep your deck from fading if it gets direct sunlight.

This is important to keep in mind when deciding between different types of decking. It wouldn’t be fair to compare PVC decking without a cap to composite decking with a cap, or vice versa.

Which is Better: Composite material or PVC material?

Before we talk about the main differences, let’s look at what composite and PVC decking have in common. Both materials are inexpensive, easy to take care of, long-lasting, resistant to water, insects, and scratches, and come in a wide range of colors that look good.

Both composite material and PVC material are popular, high-quality choices for decking. This is clear from how similar they are. So we shouldn’t be asking which one is better. Instead, you should think about which one fits your needs the best.

Composite decking material has many benefits

Because of how it looks, people have always liked natural wood. But the look of composite decking has always gotten better over the past few decades. Now you can find composite decking that lasts a long time and looks like real wood.

This brings us to the first big reason why composite is better than PVC. Composite decking looks more natural because it does have wood pulp in it. Because of the wood grain, these decks are also less likely to slip than plastic decks. So, if you’re building a deck around a pool, you should think about this. Even more so if you also have young kids running around.

PVC decking can grow and shrink when the temperature changes quickly. Over time, this makes the building less stable. But because wood fibers make composite decking stiffer, they won’t expand and contract as much in direct sunlight as plastic.

In short, the main advantages of composite material over PVC are that it looks more real, is less likely to slip, and warps less when the temperature changes.

The good things about PVC material

The first big benefit of PVC decking is that it can be used over and over again. When a composite deck has been around for at least 25 years, it has to go to a landfill. Plastic decks, on the other hand, can be refinished or recycled, which gives them a new life when their long life is over.

PVC is also good because it doesn’t grow mold. Now, we’ve already said that mold doesn’t grow on PVC or composite. PVC is the clear winner in this category because composite still has wood in it. Because there is no organic matter, mold and mildew have nowhere to go.

PVC is also lighter than other materials. This makes it easier to move and work with, so it can be put up just about anywhere and at any height.

Talk to us!

We’ve been in business for almost 22 years, so we know a thing or two about building a great deck. If you have any questions about composite decking materials, feel free to give us a call. And you can get free samples from us as well.