It is common for homeowners to pitch between the advantages and disadvantages of composite decking and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking. Even though both alternatives help attain the desired look with less maintenance as compared to traditional timber, some differences should be appreciated.
Composite decking is a type of material that combines wood and plastic, curing them into a weather-defence structure. The wood aspect lends a more appealing natural look to the product, most often a look and feel of a real wood surface; while the plastic components help the product withstand rot, warping, and even color fade for a long period.
Accordingly, there are no wood fibres inside a PVC deck as it is made 100% out of synthetic materials. The effect is a slicker, more seamlessly fitting surface that is also solid in its protection from any weather condition.
PVC decks, like those offered by THQ, have become famous for their durability since they do not get spoiled even when exposed to scorching sun, heavy downpours, or even winter ice within the deck.
1. What is composite decking?
As to reliable composite wood decking boards, most people are starting to prefer a complete ride from the traditional types, Souda wood. Wood plastic composites are do-it-yourself materials that serve many purposes. Solid composite is a typical example of a deck that always withstands the forces of weather and moisture without rotting or even being eaten by insects; hence, it can serve any outdoor space without wearing out.
Wood-plastic-composite composed decks have no solid wood in them which means there will always be no shrinking expansion or cracking of the boards installed. A wide range of colours and designs in composite materials, usually appearing like real wood but smarter because of less maintenance, are available.
This is the reason why most homeowners and contractors tend to adopt composite decking since it is simple and fast to use because of the lightweight and strong boards which can be cut and joined using normal woodworking tools.Whenever you're looking to enhance your outdoor space with composite decking in cranbourne, you'll find a perfect option that combines strength, style and easy maintenance.
2. What is PVC decking?
PVC decking, an alternative decking material to wood or composite, is a style of modern technology that is rapidly gaining popularity for outdoor decking purposes. PVC decking, unlike wood, which can rot away with time, is a plastic-based material that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) through extrusion or moulding. This thick plastic penetrating grade and sunlight-resistant type of material is quite distinct from the other decking materials. PVC decking expands benefits where there is a lot of moisture or water exposure; rotting or insects will not compromise the surfaces.
PVC deck does not absorb liquid due to its design. Thus, it will not splinter like wood does, deform or crack with age as some materials do. Further, this type of decking material does not need much in terms of services – cleaning with water and soap is enough as there is no painting, staining, or sealing as with other decking units made of wood.
PVC decking also comes in many pleasing but realistic shades of colours and wood grain patterns, which means people can enjoy the look of wood while benefiting from a synthetic material that requires little upkeep. The fact that PVC is a recyclable plastic has made the use of PVC floor decking also an eco-friendly option thanks to the cutting down of trees for hardwood flooring.
3. Durability and longevity
When considering outdoor decking, the selection of materials, namely composite decking and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking, often comes down to sturdiness and long-lasting nature. As such, composite decking made of wood and plastic materials is quite resilient over long periods and can outlive the most...
Firstly, the composite material being used in construction is resistant to warping, cracking, or even rotting and, therefore,e, offers a stable and durable surface as well as a shelter in most conditions with little, if any, regular maintenance. On the other extreme,e materials such as PVC, in this case, vinyl decking, are purely plastic, and their synthesis constitutes nothing less than the whole deck.
Excluding the regular wear and tear from UV exposure, trees and plants or even wildlife settlements destroying the structure, prolonged exposure to the elements does not affect PVC vitrified composites. The bland and consistent surface provided by PVC is very appealing in terms of keeping up with modern architecture in enhancing the beauty of any outdoor area.
However, PVC comes with low price incentives compared to composite, but with the experience on durability of composite, it is economical as it needs less maintenance and replacement throughout the decking life of a house.
4. Aesthetic appeal and design options
When it comes to outdoor decking materials, one aspect that tends to influence the overall ambience of your outdoor living area is whether to use composite decking or PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Composite decking boards and tiles are extremely flexible and can adapt to any outside setting because they are made from recycled wood and plastics and have a wood-like surface. Composite deck boards possess a natural feel and realistic, earthy tones that warm up the space, for example, light brown and dark brown colours and shades, cool old grey colours, and many more that will dress the core of this style.
On the other hand, PVC deck boards appear to possess the constant artificial, almost clean-cut look of newly sanded timber without any blemish coming close to a wood surface. Some, though, if not all, PVC items tend to create the impression of a wood structure, incorporating the texture and colours of wood, while the finished product takes on an artificial look.
Nonetheless, that kind of approach of monotone even texture has its supporters, especially among customers with modern styling tendencies who are not afraid of minimalism.
5. Cost considerations
One of the key considerations to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing either composite decking or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is the cost of composite. Decking is an engineered product composed of timber byproducts and recycled plastic. Its costs tend to vary in relation to the prices of particular products. This can be considered worth it given that the short-term cost benefits outweigh the longevity of the product.
Composite decks are highly praised because of their reliability standards as they do not call for any repairs apart from cleaning once in a while and doing some painting perhaps once in a year, while wood requires nursing every three months or so where staining and sealing are done to protect it from wear and tear. The effect this has is lower costs as a result of reduced expenditure incurred to maintain the deck with time.
In addition, There is very high resistance to discolouration, distortion or decay wear and tear of composite decking, which makes it attractive for years at no expensive refurbishments. The criticisms of PVC decking are that it is the least expensive of all and readily available in the market, but because it is easy to crack and break due to harsh weather and sun exposure, frequent change is more often than not required.
6. Maintenance and upkeep
When taking into account the long-term sustainability of outdoor decking materials, the issue of deciding between composite decking and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking ought to be assessed. Composite decking refers to materials that are manufactured from wood-plastic composites and typically require less maintenance than the usual wood decking.
The composite boards are not uncomfortable with rotting, warping or insects, which are all damages that would take place on wood; hence, there is no need for constant undemanding sanding, staining and having to seal the wood as would be reproduced with any wooden structures. Most of the time, cleaning composite decks using soap and water is all it takes to prevent the decks from looking old and dirty.
On the other hand, PVC decking, which falls under the category of synthetic plastic lumber, is even less laborious than composite decking as it does not get affected by weather and virtually no maintenance apart from washing once in a while is needed.
PVC materials do not splinter, do not crack, or break down with time and do not lose their eye-catching colours even after a long period of use. This convenience of PVC decks, however, comes along with a greater purchase price than composite decking, but some homeowners are not comfortable with the plastic design aimed at looking natural.
8. Key pros and cons of Composite decking vs PVC decking
As far as the choice of outdoor decking materials is concerned, a homeowner can decide to go for composite decking or PVC decking, and they each have their advantages and drawbacks. Composite decking is designed using a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastics. This kind of decking gives users an appealing wood-like nature, which most people find very attractive.
It is very durable since it does not rot, splinter or get damaged by pests and, therefore, requires very little maintenance in all conditions over the years. The roughened surface also ensures that there is a good grip when moving about, improving safety. The chief limitation of this type of decking is, however, that composite decking should be a more affordable option than traditional wood.
Over time, with sun exposure, the colour of the composite material also tends to fade. Conversely, PVC decking is an all-plastic product as far as deck-building components go. This type of decking is highly resistant to wear and tear, as well as waterproof, and does not lose its colour. There is little maintenance involved in installing PVC decking since it does not rot, warp or splinter.
Conclusion
Selecting the right material for outdoor decking can be tricky especially when comparing composite decking and PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) deckings. In such a case, there are compelling reasons to arrive at a conclusion that will considering the pros and cons of each alternative.
Composite decking consists of a combination of wood and plastic materials and provides a very high durability factor, low maintenance levels, and a natural look and feel that complements the environment.
On the other hand, PVC decking is very popular because it is almost waterproof, fade-resistant, and easy to clean. The disadvantage is that it is a plastic material and even though the technology used to make it has improved and looks very realistic, it still looks quite fake for most homeowners who prefer a more natural wooden appeal for their outdoor living areas.
In most cases, it is the designs of composite and PVC profiles and prices that influence the decision when it comes to the purchase of composite or PVC decking.
