Planning a new deck is exciting but can also feel a bit overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right decking material.

Your deck is more than just a platform; it’s a space for family dinners, relaxing evenings, and memorable gatherings. It’s a place to extend your home into the great outdoors. So, when it comes to decking materials, you want to make sure you’re picking the best option for your needs and lifestyle.

Two popular choices dominate the decking world: composite decking and PVC decking. Both materials offer fantastic durability and style, but each has its unique pros and cons.

In this guide, we’ll break everything down to help you decide. By the end, you’ll feel confident about making the right choice for your home—and your budget!

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What Are Composite and PVC Decking?

Before we compare them, let’s start with the basics.

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Composite Decking

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Composite decking is a mix of wood fibers and synthetic materials like plastic. It’s designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wood, often with a realistic wood grain finish. If you love the charm of wood but don’t want the hassle of constant upkeep, composite decking might be your match.

• Common Uses: Great for traditional deck designs, backyard patios, and cozy outdoor living spaces.
• Eco-friendly: Made with recycled materials, composite decking is a sustainable option for environmentally conscious homeowners.
• Lifespan: Estimated to be 25 to 30 years.
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PVC Decking

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PVC decking, on the other hand, is made entirely from synthetic materials—there’s no wood involved. This makes it super lightweight and resistant to water, mold, and mildew.

• Common Uses: Ideal for poolside decks, docks, or areas with high humidity.
• Low Maintenance: PVC requires very little effort to keep it looking great.
• Lifespan: Estimated to be 50 years, or more.
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How Do Composite and PVC Decking Compare?

When deciding between composite and PVC, you’ll need to consider several factors, including cost, style, durability, and environmental impact. Let’s dive into each one.

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1. Cost: What’s the Bottom Line?

If you’re budgeting for your deck, you’re probably wondering, How much will this cost me? The cost to install composite decking or PVC decking varies depending on your project size, location, and the quality of materials you choose.

• Composite Decking:
  • Generally more affordable upfront than PVC.
  • However, premium composite boards with intricate wood grain finishes can rival PVC prices.
  • Cost-effective in the long run due to low maintenance and durability.
• PVC Decking:
  • Has a higher upfront cost because it’s entirely synthetic and highly resistant to water damage.
  • Over time, you’ll save money on maintenance and potential repairs.

Pro Tip: If you want to save money, consider comparing quotes from local contractors to get the best deal.

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2. Aesthetics: What Style Are You After?

Your deck should look great while blending seamlessly with your home and landscape. Both composite and PVC offer stylish options, but their aesthetics differ.

• Composite Decking:
  • Known for its realistic wood grain patterns.
  • Perfect for those who want a traditional, natural look.
  • Available in a variety of earthy tones and shades.
• PVC Decking:
  • Offers a sleek, modern appearance.
  • Comes in vibrant, fade-resistant colors.
  • A great choice for contemporary designs or bold statements.

When planning your outdoor living spaces, think about how the decking material complements your home’s architecture and your personal style.

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3. Maintenance: How Much Effort Is Needed?

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Let’s face it: nobody wants to spend hours sanding or staining their deck. That’s why low-maintenance materials like composite and PVC are so popular.

• Composite Decking:
  • Requires occasional cleaning with soap and water.
  • Resistant to scratches and stains.
  • Slightly more prone to fading over time, especially in areas with constant sun exposure.
• PVC Decking:
  • 100% waterproof, making it ideal for wet climates or poolside decks.
  • Won’t warp, swell, or rot—even after years of exposure to moisture.
  • Virtually no maintenance beyond a quick hose-down.

For busy homeowners, PVC’s low maintenance is a major selling point. But if you love the look of wood and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, composite decking is still a great choice.

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4. Durability: Which Material Lasts Longer?

Your deck is an investment, so it’s important to choose a material that will stand the test of time.

• Composite Decking:
  • Built to withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, and even pets.
  • Highly resistant to fading, though some sun exposure may cause slight discoloration over time.
  • Can last up to 30 years with proper care.
• PVC Decking:
  • Incredibly durable, especially in areas prone to moisture.
  • Completely resistant to mold, mildew, and rot.
  • Won’t fade, crack, or split, even after years of use.

Both materials are highly durable, but PVC has the edge when it comes to water resistance.

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5. Environmental Impact: Is It Eco-Friendly?

If sustainability is important to you, composite decking takes the lead.

• Composite Decking:
  • Made mostly from recycled materials, like plastic bags and wood scraps. These materials make up about 85-95% of the total.
  • Reduces the need for virgin materials, making it a more eco-friendly option.
• PVC Decking:
  • Made from new synthetic materials, which aren’t as environmentally friendly.
  • However, its long lifespan reduces the need for replacement materials.

Choosing composite decking allows you to enjoy a beautiful, durable deck while reducing your environmental footprint.

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Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Still unsure which decking material is right for you? Here are some questions to help guide your decision:

1. What’s your budget?
   • If you’re looking to save money, composite decking might be the better option upfront.
2. Do you live in a wet or humid area?
   • PVC decking’s waterproof properties make it ideal for regions with heavy rainfall, like the wet climate in Washington, where frequent rain and humidity can take a toll on outdoor surfaces.
3. What’s your style?
   • Love the look of natural wood? Go with composite.
   • Prefer bold, modern colors? PVC might be your match.
4. How important is sustainability?
   • Composite decking’s use of recycled materials makes it a more sustainable choice.
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Real-Life Applications for Composite and PVC Decking

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy patio or a luxurious space with an outdoor kitchen, both materials can be customized to fit your vision. Here are a few examples:

• Composite Decking:
  • Perfect for large family decks with slip-resistant surfaces for safety.
  • Great for traditional-style homes with natural, earthy tones.
• PVC Decking:
  • Ideal for pool decks or docks where water exposure is a concern.
  • A sleek choice for modern homes and stylish outdoor living spaces.

No matter which material you choose, you can create a space that enhances your lifestyle and adds value to your home.

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Let’s Build Your Dream Deck!

Choosing the right decking material doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of composite or the unmatched durability of PVC, both materials offer incredible benefits.

We specialize in PVC and composite deck installation and can guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect material to completing your dream deck.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about your vision, budget, and how we can make it a reality.

Contact us today, and let’s bring your deck dreams to life—one board at a time!