Today, homeowners interested in building a deck have more options than ever before. There are more and more different deck materials on the market. So, which trim material is better for house deck plans? Two of the most common decking materials available today are PVC and WPC.
While PVC and composite deck boards share many similarities, they are fundamentally different. Have you considered using composite or PVC decking material when constructing a deck in your backyard? What distinguishes them from one another? Which one ought you to select? For your convenience, we shall contrast the features of each kind of decking board.
Composite Decking Material
Composite decking is a common term used to describe wood-plastic composite decking for short. Recyclable polymers and wood fibers are combined to create composite materials. These materials are thoroughly mixed and then extruded through an extruder to produce the finished composite decking boards. As a result, composite decking is a man-made deck trim material that comes in a variety of different sizes and colors.
Plastic buckets and bags, as well as spent shampoo and soap cartridges, are sources of recyclable plastics. The brand of composite decking determines what kind of wood or plastic is used and how well it functions. Many businesses that produce composite decking employ lower-quality recycled polymers and wood fibers to reduce expenses.
As a result, we must be careful to select high-quality composite decking when making our choice. Some of the common brands of quality composite decking on the market today are Trex, EVODEK, Timbertech, and Fibron. Different decking brands have different advantages and disadvantages. Learn about their differences and choose the composite deck brand that best suits your needs.
PVC Decking
The synthetic material polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used to make PVC decking. It is mostly used for fences, decks, and trim. PVC is frequently used for outdoor decks because of its extended lifespan and ease of maintenance. It is an excellent option for outdoor spaces because it is resistant to water and insects. However, once PVC decking breaks, it can be challenging to fix.
If the weather is humid where you live, or if you plan to build a pool deck. Then, a PVC deck made entirely of plastic has great advantages. You don’t need to worry about PVC decks getting damp, moldy, and rotting.
Of course, PVC decking has a more pronounced plastic texture. As a result, it’s less suitable for homeowners who want a natural wood grain. In addition, its initial cost is usually higher than that of composite decking. This is also one of its drawbacks.
Differences Between Composite Decking and PVC Decking
Earlier, we covered PVC and composite decking separately. Next, it’s time for you to move on to the differences between them. This way, you can choose the right deck trim material for your needs.
Surface Texture
WPC decking has the ability to mimic real wood in both surface and texture during the product process. The surface texture of composite decking is very similar to solid wood. Those who have used wood decks before will notice this. Furthermore, unlike wood decking, composite decking boards have a frosted and grooved surface.
Just like composite wood decking, PVC decking is a man-made material for deck trim. As a result, PVC is also offered in a grooved and simulated wood-grain finish. Despite this, PVC decking has a more pronounced plastic texture. This is because it consists only of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride.
That is, following an examination of the surfaces of PVC and composite wood decking for texture. We can find these two popular deck trim materials in a variety of surface textures and colors.
Visual Appeal or Aesthetics
PVC and composite decking are readily available for purchase. The majority of homeowners favor this deck design because it resembles real wood decking. Many customers want their deck to blend in with the rest of the natural surroundings of their garden. Therefore, they prefer the natural look of wood.
Because PVC is composed entirely of plastic. So it seems artificial even though it has a wood grain design. Conversely, composite decking is composed of several materials and wood fibers. These components give composite decking a more realistic appearance, making it more aesthetically pleasing than PVC decking.
If you are planning to create a new deck and want it to look like real wood. Then you should consider buying a composite deck. WPC decks not only give you the feel of a solid wood deck, but they also don’t require regular maintenance.