When it comes to building a deck, choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Two popular options dominating the market today are PVC decking and composite decking. Both offer significant advantages over traditional wood, but they each come with their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of PVC versus composite decking and spotlight TimberTech Decking, a top-tier brand available for purchase directly from AdvantageLumber.com—where you can order online and have it shipped straight to your home or job site.
PVC Decking: Pros and Cons
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is a 100% synthetic material made entirely from plastic polymers, offering a modern alternative to wood and wood-based composites. Let’s dive into its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros of PVC Decking
- Exceptional Durability: Because PVC decking contains no organic materials, it’s highly resistant to rot, mold, mildew, and insect damage. This makes it an ideal choice for wet environments like poolside decks or coastal properties.
- Low Maintenance: PVC requires minimal upkeep—just an occasional wash with soap and water. There’s no need for staining, sealing, or sanding, saving you time and money over the years.
- Long Lifespan: With a lifespan of 50 years or more, PVC decking outlasts most other materials. TimberTech’s Advanced PVC Decking, for example, comes with a 50-year fade and stain warranty, ensuring your deck stays beautiful for decades.
- Lightweight: PVC is significantly lighter than wood or composite decking, making it easier to transport and install—perfect for DIY enthusiasts.
- Realistic Aesthetics: Advances in technology mean PVC decking, like TimberTech’s Advanced PVC line, offers hyper-realistic wood grain textures and a wide range of colors, mimicking the look of natural wood without the upkeep.
Cons of PVC Decking
- Higher Upfront Cost: PVC decking tends to be pricier than composite or wood options initially, which might stretch your budget if you’re not planning for the long term.
- Heat Retention: In direct sunlight, PVC can get hot underfoot, especially in darker colors. While high-quality options like TimberTech Advanced PVC are engineered to dissipate heat better than older PVC boards, this can still be a consideration in sunny climates.
- Less Natural Feel: Although PVC has come a long way in replicating wood’s appearance, some homeowners feel it lacks the authentic warmth and texture of natural wood or composite materials.
- Less Rigid: Some homeowners find PVC deck boards are more flexible and less rigid than composite deck boards. This can be a concern with sagging in between you deck joists where you see dips in between each joist. It is often recommended to space your joists 12 inches on center instead of 16 inches.
Composite Decking: Pros and Cons
Composite decking blends wood fibers with plastic polymers, often featuring a protective polymer cap for added durability. It’s a favorite for those seeking a balance between aesthetics and performance. Here’s how it stacks up.
Pros of Composite Decking
- Affordable Initial Cost: Composite decking is typically less expensive upfront than PVC, making it a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners. TimberTech’s Composite Decking lines, for instance, offer premium quality at a more accessible price point.
- Natural Look and Feel: Thanks to its wood fiber content, composite decking often feels more like real wood underfoot and boasts rich, nature-inspired grain patterns. TimberTech Composite Decking, available in collections like Legacy and Reserve, delivers stunning, realistic visuals.
- Durability: With lifespans ranging from 25 to 30 years, composite decking outperforms traditional wood by resisting rot, fading, and cracking. TimberTech’s four-sided polymer capping enhances this durability even further.
- Low Maintenance: Like PVC, composite decking requires little more than occasional cleaning—no staining or sealing needed.
- Eco-Friendly: Many composite decks, including TimberTech’s, use recycled materials (up to 80% in some cases), appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
Cons of Composite Decking
- Shorter Lifespan: While durable, composite decking doesn’t last as long as PVC. Its wood fiber core, even when capped, is more susceptible to moisture over time compared to fully synthetic PVC.
- Heavier Weight: Composite boards are denser and heavier than PVC, which can make installation more labor-intensive, especially for larger projects.
- Slip Potential: Although many composite boards are slip-resistant, they may not match PVC’s superior performance in wet conditions, especially around pools or in rainy climates.
Spotlight: Buy TimberTech Decking from AdvantageLumber.com
Whether you lean toward PVC or composite decking, TimberTech offers industry-leading options in both categories, and you can purchase them directly from AdvantageLumber.com. As a trusted supplier, AdvantageLumber.com makes it easy to order TimberTech Decking online and have it shipped right to your home or job site, streamlining your project from start to finish.
- TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking: This line takes PVC to the next level with a solid core, four-sided capping, and stunning wood-like aesthetics. It’s perfect for those seeking maximum durability and minimal maintenance, backed by a 50-year warranty. Available in collections like Vintage and Landmark, it’s a top pick for waterfront or high-traffic decks.
- TimberTech Composite Decking: With options like the Legacy and Reserve collections, TimberTech’s composite line combines recycled wood fibers and polymers for a natural look with impressive longevity. Capped on all four sides, it’s designed to resist moisture and wear, offering up to a 30-year warranty.
Both TimberTech lines deliver low-maintenance living, eco-friendly construction, and a range of colors and textures to suit any style. Plus, ordering through AdvantageLumber.com ensures you get authentic TimberTech products with the convenience of direct shipping.
Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between PVC and composite decking depends on your priorities:
- Opt for PVC if you want the longest lifespan, superior moisture resistance, and lightweight handling—ideal for harsh climates or poolside settings. TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking is a standout choice here.
- Choose Composite if you’re looking for a lower upfront cost, a more natural wood-like feel, and still-excellent durability. TimberTech Composite Decking fits the bill perfectly.
Both materials outshine traditional wood in terms of maintenance and longevity, so you can’t go wrong either way. To see and feel the difference for yourself, order free samples from AdvantageLumber.com and explore TimberTech’s offerings firsthand.
Final Thoughts
PVC and composite decking each bring unique strengths to the table, and TimberTech excels in both categories with innovative designs and reliable performance. Whether you prioritize longevity, cost, or aesthetics, AdvantageLumber.com has you covered with direct access to TimberTech Decking—shipped straight to your home or job site. Ready to start your dream deck? Head to AdvantageLumber.com today and take the first step toward transforming your outdoor space!