What is the downside of PVC decking?
PVC decking is susceptible to fading and discoloration over time, especially in areas with high UV exposure. While some manufacturers have developed UV-resistant technology, this can also increase the cost of the decking.
How long does plastic decking last?
A well-maintained composite deck should last upwards of 25 years. Ensuring you invest in a high-quality subframe to support your deck will ensure it lasts longer. Regular maintenance is another essential factor that will impact the lifespan of your decking area.
Are plastic decks good?
PVC decking is made of plastic called polyvinyl chloride and doesn't feature any organic materials like wood pulp. Because it's made of synthetic polymers, PVC decking is extremely low maintenance, and water and weather resistant. You won't have to seal it every year and it can last 50 years or longer.
Is plastic decking better than wood?
Durable - Because composite boards are made from part natural and part synthetic materials, they do not rot, warp or splinter, making them better for higher footfall areas. Low water absorption - Unlike wooden decks which absorb water, making them swell, and can rot, composite decking will not absorb water as easily.
Which is better composite or plastic decking?
But which material is better? Both composite and plastic decking have the enormous benefit of requiring very little maintenance, but we at TimberTech UK believe that composite wood products are superior to synthetic decking boards in practically every other way.
Is plastic decking slippery when wet?
But in general, plastic is often more slick than wood. Because of the plastic outer layer of PVC decking boards, they are more prone to becoming slippery when wet.
Why is plastic decking so expensive?
It all comes down to the production process; composite decking is just that, a composite. It's made up of recycled materials, plastic and wood fibres. The use of recycled materials and the process of manufacturing a material that is so durable and long-lasting is difficult and takes a lot of time and skill.
Is plastic decking expensive?
Composite decking is a more expensive option than wood decking. We look at why this is the case and why investing in composite decking is a wise choice.
Why is PVC decking so expensive?
In general PVC deck boards cost more than a lot of wood composite boards since PVC deck boards are made from all plastic and contain no wood fibres. 2. Solid deck boards are generally less expensive than multi-chromatic ones.
What is the negative with composite decking?
Cons of Composite Decking
Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. It could cost 15 to 20 percent more for composite material than pressure-treated pine. Composites aren't natural. No matter how much effort goes into making composites look like wood, they're not.
What are two disadvantages of using plastic lumber?
The disadvantage of plastic wood composites is that the toughness is lower than the maternal plastic, the bending strength is lower than the hardwood, the creep performance is poor than the wood, and the linear thermal expansion coefficient is large than the wood.
Does plastic decking get hot?
Does Composite Decking Get Hot in the Sun? Virtually any surface will get too hot on a summer day in full sun. But how hot can composite decking get in the sun? One study found that in direct sunlight, composite decks can reach temperatures from 34° to 76° F hotter than the surrounding air.
What type of decking is best?
Pressure Treated Decking
Pressure treated lumber can give you many years of use and enjoyment of your deck. Often made from southern pine, a wood variety known for its load-bearing strength and durability, pressure treated materials can be the best wood for decking in high-traffic spaces.
What is the new plastic decking called?
PVC (polyvinylchloride) and composite materials have made great strides into the decking industry during the past decade. The materials were once considered fake looking, but the companies that manufacturer these products have been able to replicate the look of wood without all the required maintenance.
Is plastic decking more expensive than wood?
The upfront cost of plastic decking tends to be more expensive than the price of wooden decking. The minimal maintenance means that the upfront cost is likely to be the only time you need to cash out on your plastic deck. Although wooden decking comes at a lower upfront cost, the cost of maintenance will accumulate.
Is PVC decking worth it?
PVC is a popular choice for decking because it is affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. It is also resistant to moisture and insects, making it a good option for outdoor spaces.
What are the pros and cons of PVC decking?
PVC decking material is 100% man-made and is not environmentally friendly. PVC plastic decking boards are more expensive than composite decking boards due to the premium finish, superior properties and longer life span.
Does plastic decking fade?
After about 8 to 10 weeks the colour of the boards will stabilise. Continued exposure to the UV rays of the sun, will lead to a gradual discoloration for uncapped decking boards. Although, the effects will be far less noticeable than with timber decking.
Can you screw into plastic decking?
Using screws to secure deck boards can cause the boards to crack or warp. This is because composite boards are made of reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastic. The different materials in this type of board mean it can behave in a different way to wood in different temperatures.
Does plastic decking warp?
While composite decking is generally more resistant to warping than wood, it can still happen if the boards are not installed correctly.
How do you maintain plastic decking?
Never use bleach, harsh chemicals, or cleaning products containing chlorine bleach on composite decking. Always try the soap and warm water method on your deck boards first. If this specific cleaning method is unsuccessful, try using an oxygenated cleaning product like Oxylyse to clean composite decking.
How thick is plastic decking?
Composite decking size refers to the length and width of the boards used for deck building and repairs. Most manufacturers offer composite decking boards in 12', 16' and 20' lengths. The width varies by brand and style and can range from one to two inches thick and four to six inches wide.
How much is a plastic deck?
By Material Used
Materials like wood-plastic composites (WPC) are more affordable, with prices ranging from $25 to $40 per square foot. While polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking is often considered more premium and more expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot.
What plastic decking doesn t get hot?
TimberTech Advanced PVC decking is engineered to be cooler to the touch, even in direct sunlight.
Does plastic decking scratch?
Uncapped composite decking is significantly more susceptible to scratches and scrapes. Capped composite decking offers more protection and requires less maintenance than a wood deck, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a long-lasting, attractive option.
Does plastic decking expand?
Yes, composite decking will expand and contract in all directions, although not as much as wood. Composites change in size due to temperature fluctuations. Composites will expand when the temperature is high and contract when the temperature is low.
Is composite decking the same as plastic decking?
The main difference between composite and PVC decking is the material they're made of. PVC is a type of durable, waterproof plastic that has no wood built into it. Composite decking is a blend of plastic and wood fibers.
What is the best deck material?
Composite Decks
If you're looking for a low-maintenance option that's high performance and still has a lot of style options, then composite decking might be the best decking material for you. Composite decking consists of a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers — roughly a 50/50 mix of wood and plastic.
What is the most cost effective decking?
Pressure Treated Wood Is a Solid, Cheap Decking Material.
The biggest benefit of pressure treated wood is its affordability. While it doesn't last as long as a composite decking would, it is at a price point that makes it more accessible to many homeowners who can't afford composite.
Why PVC is better than wood?
While wood comes out ahead with strength, PVC foam panels are highly durable and are built to last. While untreated wood may need to be replaced regularly due to water damage and rot, PVC foam board will last much longer without losing structural integrity.
Can you put a grill on a composite deck?
The quickest solution is to put a splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck from grease and food stains. However, a splatter mat isn't as necessary if you have a capped composite deck, such as Trex. Grease and food won't stain capped composite decking as long as it's cleaned up within a week.
Can I use salt on composite decking?
Premium composite decking containing as little as 51% wood cellulose may withstand occasional salt exposure without issues. But cheaper grades with 70% or more wood fiber content are strongly advised against salting to avoid jeopardizing the deck.
Why is composite decking so slippery?
Rotting vegetation and leaves that pile up can contribute to the growth of lichen and algae. The risk of this is not really noticeable when the weather is dry, but once it becomes wet, the decking can get very slippery.
Is plastic lumber worth it?
Applications of Recycled Plastic Lumber
Outdoors, its exceptional resistance to environmental factors makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of projects, such as decking, fencing, and playground equipment. Its durability ensures these outdoor installations last for a long time.
What are 3 disadvantages of plastic?
In residential and commercial installations most composite products offer a 5-25 year, with some up to a limited 50 year relative to integrity, staining, fading, mold and mildew.
How long does plastic lumber last?
A well-maintained composite deck should last upwards of 25 years. Ensuring you invest in a high-quality subframe to support your deck will ensure it lasts longer. Regular maintenance is another essential factor that will impact the lifespan of your decking area.
How long does plastic decking last?
A capped polymer decking lifespan is even longer, thanks to its superior material composition that includes no wood in the core or cap. THE AVERAGE CAPPED COMPOSITE DECKING LIFESPAN: Estimated to be 25 to 30 years.
What is the life expectancy of plastic decking?
In our experience building with Trex, a well-constructed composite deck should last you 20 to 40 years or potentially even longer. I know that can be hard to believe but consider this. Trex has been around as an alternative to wood decking since the 1990s.
How long do plastic deck boards last?
Durable - Because composite boards are made from part natural and part synthetic materials, they do not rot, warp or splinter, making them better for higher footfall areas. Low water absorption - Unlike wooden decks which absorb water, making them swell, and can rot, composite decking will not absorb water as easily.
Is plastic decking better than wood?
Pros of Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is one of the most affordable types of wood you can pick for your deck. In addition to being cost-effective, some of the other advantages are: Widespread availability. Easy to stain.
What is the best cheap deck material?
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
What is the longest lasting decking?
It all comes down to the production process; composite decking is just that, a composite. It's made up of recycled materials, plastic and wood fibres. The use of recycled materials and the process of manufacturing a material that is so durable and long-lasting is difficult and takes a lot of time and skill.
Why is plastic decking so expensive?
PVC decking is susceptible to fading and discoloration over time, especially in areas with high UV exposure. While some manufacturers have developed UV-resistant technology, this can also increase the cost of the decking.
What is the downside of PVC decking?
Composite decking is a more expensive option than wood decking. We look at why this is the case and why investing in composite decking is a wise choice.
Is plastic decking expensive?
Cons of Composite Decking
Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. It could cost 15 to 20 percent more for composite material than pressure-treated pine. Composites aren't natural. No matter how much effort goes into making composites look like wood, they're not.
What is the negative with composite decking?
But in general, plastic is often more slick than wood. Because of the plastic outer layer of PVC decking boards, they are more prone to becoming slippery when wet.
Is plastic decking slippery when wet?
Although it doesn't last as long as capped composite, UPVC decking does still have a long lifespan and should last for a long time. UPVC decking is slip-resistant but tends to get more slippery when wet than composite. The tough exterior of UPVC decking means it's unlikely to stain or scratch easily.
Which is better composite or UPVC decking?
PVC decking will likely get hot under the sun, but that doesn't mean you can't avoid it. There are plenty of ways to keep your decking comfortable, even during the peak heat of summer. Regardless of what type of decking you are using, here are some things that you can try.
Does PVC decking get hot in the sun?
Does Composite Decking Get Hot in the Sun? Virtually any surface will get too hot on a summer day in full sun. But how hot can composite decking get in the sun? One study found that in direct sunlight, composite decks can reach temperatures from 34° to 76° F hotter than the surrounding air.
Does plastic decking get hot?
So the surface temperature of the board may be higher but it will cool down a lot quicker and take a while to heat back up. PVC is a little hotter than your wood decking but significantly cooler than your composites.
What gets hotter PVC or composite decking?
PVC is a popular choice for decking because it is affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. It is also resistant to moisture and insects, making it a good option for outdoor spaces.
Is PVC decking worth it?
Both composite and vinyl decking are more expensive than wood decking - but for good reason! They are extremely cost-efficient as they require less maintenance. There's no need to re-paint, re-seal or re-stain your decking once it's been installed.
Is vinyl decking worth it?
While composite decking is generally more resistant to warping than wood, it can still happen if the boards are not installed correctly.
Does plastic decking warp?
Composite decking also comes in a range of color options and natural grain textures for creative and unique deck designs. While it doesn't look exactly like real wood, composite is closing the gap to offer a natural look that's just as beautiful.
Does composite decking look fake?
Composite decking contracts when exposed to low temperatures. This is often referred to as shrinkage and is caused by the cells in the wood fibres and plastic pulling closer together.
Does plastic decking shrink?
After about 8 to 10 weeks the colour of the boards will stabilise. Continued exposure to the UV rays of the sun, will lead to a gradual discoloration for uncapped decking boards. Although, the effects will be far less noticeable than with timber decking.
Does plastic decking fade?
Never use bleach, harsh chemicals, or cleaning products containing chlorine bleach on composite decking. Always try the soap and warm water method on your deck boards first. If this specific cleaning method is unsuccessful, try using an oxygenated cleaning product like Oxylyse to clean composite decking.
How do you maintain plastic decking?
Using screws to secure deck boards can cause the boards to crack or warp. This is because composite boards are made of reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastic. The different materials in this type of board mean it can behave in a different way to wood in different temperatures.
Can you screw into plastic decking?
PVC decking material is 100% man-made and is not environmentally friendly. PVC plastic decking boards are more expensive than composite decking boards due to the premium finish, superior properties and longer life span.
What are the pros and cons of PVC decking?
PVC is a popular choice for decking because it is affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. It is also resistant to moisture and insects, making it a good option for outdoor spaces.
Is PVC decking worth it?
Feedstock chemicals & toxic releases during production
Finally, vinyl chloride (which is highly toxic, flammable, and carcinogenic) monomer, is polymerised into PVC. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen.
What are the bad properties of PVC?
PVC decking will likely get hot under the sun, but that doesn't mean you can't avoid it. There are plenty of ways to keep your decking comfortable, even during the peak heat of summer. Regardless of what type of decking you are using, here are some things that you can try.