Chloe Zhang
Composite decking, also known as fake wood, is a blend of wood fibres or wood flour and recycled plastic. It is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking due to its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to the elements. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is another type of plastic decking that is made from 100% plastic and offers similar benefits to composite decking. Both composite and PVC decking are available in a wide range of textures, grain patterns, and colours that resemble natural wood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Composite Decking, Synthetic Decking, Fake Wood |
| Composition | Recycled plastic and wood blend, including wood pulp and recycled plastic |
| Comparison with Wood | More resistant to moisture and insects, less prone to fading, splintering, and insect damage, lower maintenance, more expensive upfront, less natural appearance, less slip-resistant |
| Comparison with PVC | More natural appearance due to wood content, more rigid, less prone to expansion and contraction, less recyclable, less mould-resistant, more expensive |
| Maintenance | Requires cleaning with soapy water, a soft brush, and a power washer |
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What You'll Learn
Composite Decking: A blend of wood and plastic
Composite decking is an artificial decking material made of a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibres or wood pulp. It is designed to be a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking, offering several advantages that make it easier to own.
Composite decking is more resistant to moisture, insects, fading, splintering, and other common issues associated with wood. It also comes in a variety of colours and wood grain textures, allowing for greater style variation to match the aesthetic of your home. The wood grain finish also provides a textured, anti-slip surface, making it a safer option for areas around pools, especially if you have young children.
While composite decking has a higher upfront cost compared to wood, it requires less maintenance and has a longer lifespan. Composite decking typically lasts for 25 to 30 years and comes with warranties from some manufacturers. The reduced maintenance needs result in lower long-term costs compared to wood decking.
However, composite decking has some drawbacks. It is sensitive to scratches from daily use and can be prone to fading in direct sunlight. Additionally, composite decking may not increase your home's value in the same way as a wooden deck. The presence of wood fibres in composite decking also makes it susceptible to mould and mildew, although this can be mitigated with protective polymer caps.
Overall, composite decking offers a blend of wood and plastic that provides a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing option for homeowners. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting and stylish decking solution.
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PVC Decking: 100% plastic
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic that is highly durable and entirely synthetic. PVC decking is 100% plastic, in contrast to composite decking, which is a blend of wood fibres and plastics. PVC decking is designed to minimise maintenance and prevent issues associated with wood, such as mould, rot, and insect infestations. It is also lightweight, recyclable, and resistant to moisture, scratches, fading, and stains.
PVC decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking due to its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to the elements. It is available in a range of textures, grain patterns, and colours that can closely resemble natural wood. While composite decking may have a more authentic wood look and feel, PVC decking offers greater customisation options, allowing homeowners to mimic the colour and grain of more expensive wood options.
One of the key advantages of PVC decking is its longevity. TimberTech Advanced PVC decking, for example, comes with a 50-year warranty. PVC decking is also lightweight, making it easier to work with and convenient for DIY projects. Additionally, PVC decking is recyclable, giving it a more sustainable edge over composite decking, which often ends up in landfills at the end of its lifespan.
When compared to composite decking, PVC decking is generally more resistant to mould and mildew due to the absence of organic content. It also cools down faster when exposed to sunlight, making it a preferable option for areas near water. However, one disadvantage of PVC decking is that it can expand and contract with temperature changes, affecting the stability of the structure over time.
Overall, PVC decking is a 100% plastic option that offers durability, low maintenance, and customisation. It is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking and composite decking, providing a long-lasting and sustainable choice for outdoor spaces.
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Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
Composite decking is a combination of wood pulp or recycled wood fibres and recycled plastic. It's a popular alternative to natural wood decking, but is it the right choice for you? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros
- Composite decking is more affordable upfront than PVC boards and natural wood.
- It is low-maintenance and durable, with a life span of 25 to 30 years.
- It is resistant to moisture, insects, fading, splintering, and rot.
- It offers greater style variation, with a range of colours and wood grain options to match the aesthetic of your home.
- It is environmentally friendly, using recycled materials.
- It is easier to install than PVC decking.
- It has a more natural look than PVC decking.
- It is more slip-resistant than PVC decking.
Cons
- Composite decking is more expensive than pressure-treated timber or other wood deck boards.
- It may not increase your home value in the same way as a wooden deck.
- It is not completely maintenance-free and will still need to be swept and washed down periodically.
- It is not as strong as traditional boards and can dent.
- It may not handle winters well, with the potential for cracks to form due to water freezing and expanding in the boards.
- It is not 100% recyclable like PVC decking.
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Pros and Cons of PVC Decking
Plastic decking, also known as PVC decking, is a popular option for outdoor spaces. It is made from artificial materials and is 100% plastic. Here are the pros and cons of PVC decking to help you make an informed decision:
Pros of PVC Decking:
- Durability and Longevity: PVC decks are highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations, making them last longer than traditional wood decks. TimberTech's Advanced PVC decking has a lifespan of 50 years or more.
- Low Maintenance: PVC decks require minimal upkeep as they don't need staining, painting, or sealing. They are easy to clean and resistant to fading, cracks, or rot, reducing maintenance costs and labour.
- Water Resistance: PVC decking is highly water-resistant, making it ideal for poolside decks and properties exposed to saltwater.
- Pest Resistance: PVC decking is resistant to invading pests, mould, and mildew growth, preventing common problems associated with wood.
- Lightweight and Easy Installation: PVC decking is ultra-lightweight, making it easier to work with and convenient for DIYers. It is also manufactured using foaming agents, making it lighter and easier to move during installation.
- Recyclability: PVC decking is 100% recyclable. At the end of its lifespan, it can be refinished or recycled, giving it a new life.
- Aesthetic Options: PVC decking comes in a variety of colours and textures, including options that mimic the look of natural wood. Homeowners can choose a style that best fits their landscape.
- Warranty: Many PVC manufacturers offer long warranty terms, providing additional peace of mind.
Cons of PVC Decking:
- Cost: One of the biggest drawbacks of PVC decking is its upfront cost, which is generally higher than traditional wood or composite materials.
- Temperature Sensitivity: PVC decking can become quite hot under direct sunlight and is sensitive to temperature changes, which may require additional considerations during installation.
- Environmental Concerns: As PVC is a type of plastic, it is not as eco-friendly as natural wood or some composite materials. It is not biodegradable, and recycling options are limited.
- Less Natural Look: While PVC can mimic the look of wood, it may not have the same natural warmth and feel of real timber, which some homeowners may prefer.
- Discolouration: PVC decking has been known to discolour when used with certain rubber or PVC products, such as welcome mats.
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Cost Comparison: Composite, PVC, and Wood Decking
Plastic decking, or composite decking, is a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, wood-alternative option. Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood pulp/fibre, giving it the appearance of wood with the ease of maintenance of plastic.
Composite decking is often compared to PVC and wood decking in terms of cost and quality. Here is a breakdown of the cost comparison between composite, PVC, and wood decking:
Composite Decking:
Composite decking is a cost-effective option for those looking for a long-lasting and low-maintenance deck. While the upfront cost of composite decking is typically higher than wood, it offers significant long-term savings. Composite decking has a lifespan of 25-30 years, during which it requires little to no maintenance. It is resistant to moisture, insects, fading, splintering, and other forms of damage, reducing the need for repairs and replacements. Composite decking is also versatile in terms of length and application methods, resulting in fewer seams and a more seamless appearance.
PVC Decking:
PVC decking is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a high-strength plastic. It is an excellent alternative to wood decking due to its low maintenance, durability, and water resistance. PVC decking is often more expensive than composite decking, but it offers a longer lifespan of 50 years or more. PVC decking is lightweight, easy to install, and highly resistant to rot, weathering, and pests. It is also recyclable, making it a more sustainable option compared to composite decking.
Wood Decking:
Wood decking has a classic and natural appearance that many homeowners desire. However, wood decking typically requires more maintenance and has a shorter lifespan compared to composite and PVC options. Wood decking is susceptible to weathering, rotting, splintering, and breaking down over time, resulting in higher long-term costs for repairs and replacements. Additionally, wooden decks may require staining and sealing to maintain their appearance and protect against the elements.
In summary, composite decking offers a balance between upfront and long-term costs, PVC decking may have higher upfront costs but lasts longer with minimal maintenance, and wood decking has lower upfront costs but incurs higher long-term maintenance and replacement expenses. The best option depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific project requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic decking is called composite decking.
Composite decking is a blend of wood fibres or wood pulp and recycled plastic.
Composite decking is more resistant to the elements than wood, requiring less maintenance. It is also more resistant to moisture and insects. It can be customised to mimic the colour of wood. Composite decking is also slip-resistant.
Composite decking is more expensive than wood. It is also vulnerable to scratches and fading in direct sunlight.
Composite decking is more expensive upfront than wood. However, the initial cost of wood needs to be offset against the time and expense of yearly maintenance and the expected lifespan of the product. Composite decking is virtually maintenance-free.
