When you're planning to build a new deck, and you have narrowed your choice down to low maintenance decking, you will then find two different kinds: composite decking and PVC decking. They both have a lot of great benefits and both are low-maintenance compared to traditional pressure treated wood, they are actually made from different materials and have some key differences. Which one is best for your deck? Let’s dive in and see what makes them unique and help you decide which one might be best for your deck!

1. What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made from a combination of two main materials: recylced wood fibres and recycled plastic. This mix gives composite decking the look and feel of real wood but with the durability and low-maintenance benefits of plastic. The wood fibres in the composite help it resemble natural wood, and the plastic helps protect it from moisture, mildew, insects and mould.

Key Features of Composite Decking:

Materials: Wood fibre and plastic
Appearance: Looks like natural wood and comes in many colour options.
Durability: Resistant to rot, mould, and mildew.
Maintenance: Needs occasional cleaning but doesn't require sealing or staining like pressure treated wood.
Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials, usually 80-95%.

2. What is PVC Decking?

PVC decking, or polyvinyl chloride decking, is made completely from plastic. It’s 100% synthetic, meaning it doesn’t have any wood fibres in it. PVC decks are usually made from recycled plastic—so they are still eco-friendly. Since it’s all plastic, PVC decking is lighter than composite decking.

Key Features of PVC Decking:

Materials: 100% plastic (no wood fibres)
Appearance: Comes in a variety of colours and wood grain like patterns.
Durability: Extremely resistant to water, rot, mildew, and insects.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance; just needs occasional cleaning with soap and water.
Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials, but amount of recycled content can vary.

3. Durability: How Long Will They Last?

Both composite and PVC decking are designed to last a long time, much longer than pressure treated wood decks, which need frequent maintenance to keep them in good condition. However, there are some differences in their durability:

Composite Decking: Since composite decking is made from wood fibres and plastic, it’s more prone to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature. Composite decking is very durable and can last for many years with a little maintenance. Most composites come with a 25 year warranty.
PVC Decking: PVC decking is more durable than composite because it’s 100% plastic, which doesn’t absorb water. It’s a little more resistant to fading, warping, and scratching than composite decking. PVC decking comes with a 25-50 year warranty.

4. Appearance: Which One Looks Better?

Composite Decking: Composite decking usually looks a little more natural because it combines wood fibres with plastic, so it can have a grain-like texture and look. It comes in a variety of colours that look like real wood, such as cedar or exotic hardwoods and also comes in many earthtone colours as well.
PVC Decking: PVC decking might have a bit more of a “plastic-y” feel and look compared to composite decking. PVC decking comes in a variety of colours but has a little less of a “wood” look than composite. Some people prefer this look, while others may prefer a wood-like appearance. Since PVC does not have any wood fibres, it can be a better choice for pool decks, docks and waterfront applications.

5. Cost: Which One is More Expensive?

Composite Decking: Composite decking is usually a little more affordable than PVC decking. While it can be a bit more expensive than pressure-treated wood, it's generally less expensive than PVC decking. The price can vary from brand to brand, style, and features, but composite decks are usually considered a mid-range option in terms of cost.
PVC Decking: PVC decking is usually a little more expensive than composite decking. Since it’s made from 100% plastic and often comes with a longer warranty, it can have a higher price tag. However, because PVC is extremely durable and requires very little maintenance, some people feel that a little more investment upfront is worth it in the long run.

6. Maintenance: How Much Effort Is Needed?

Both composite and PVC decks are low-maintenance compared to pressure treated wood decks, but there are some differences in how much care they need. Each manufacturer will have their own maintenance and cleaning tips.

Composite Decking: Composite decks need very little maintenance, but they still require occasional cleaning to keep them looking good. You may need to scrub any hard to remove dirt or stains. Composite decks also don’t require sanding, staining, or sealing, unlike traditional pressure treated wood decks.
PVC Decking: PVC decking also requires very little maintenance. Since it’s made of plastic, it doesn’t absorb moisture or stain as easily. Often, after a rain, it may take longer to dry and could end up with a little more mildew. To keep a PVC deck looking clean, you only need to wash it down with soap and water or a gentle deck cleaner.

7. Eco-Friendliness: Which is Better for the Planet?

Composite Decking: One of the best things about composite decking is that its mostly made up of recycled materials—up to 95%! Composite decks made from recycled wood fibres, plastics, shrink wrap, or even old bottles. This makes composite decking a more environmentally friendly option than traditional pressure treated wood.
PVC Decking: PVC decking is made from recycled plastic, but often times as little as 80%. Although PVC decking may not contain as much recycled content as composite decking, it is still a very environmentally friendly option.

Conclusion: Which is Right for You?

Both composite and PVC decking are great choices for a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck. Which one is best for you:

Go with Composite Decking if you want:
- Environmentally friendly materials, especially if you care about using recycled content.
- A balance between affordability and durability.
Go with PVC Decking if you want:
- A deck around your pool or waterfront/dock
- A longer warranty

At the end of the day, either option is an upgrade over traditional pressure treated wood decking, and either one can make a beautiful upgrade to your backyard. It all depends on your budget, location and which look you prefer!