Is Trex Decking Better Than Pvc?

Redwood decking can be comparable to wood-composite materials, and exotic hardwoods can be much more expensive. Pressure-treated wood is also the cheapest material for the non-decking components, such as stairs, guards, and rails. The classic and still the most popular deck material, wood decking is usually pressure-treated softwood, such as hemlock, fir, or pine. More expensive wood decking types include redwood andexotic hardwoods, such as teak or ipe. These premium woods typically are not pressure-treated but must be finished (as does pressure-treated wood) to keep it from weathering to a dull gray color. With a variety of options available to homeowners considering building a deck, wood does not have to be your first or only choice.

Wolf® Decking

In addition, it comes with all of the same drawbacks as wood-composite. You may wish to purchase PVC decking if you want a lighter-weight material that is easier to handle than wood-composite. Like wood-composite, PVC decking does not rot and never needs to be finished. Some homeowners simply like the look of PVC more than with the other materials. Also called plastic orsynthetic decking, this is made of cellular polyvinyl chloride , the same material that is used for plastic fencing.

What To Know About Deck Railing Height

The first difference that you’ll probably notice is that wood is typically the least expensive, composite the second and cellular PVC the most expensive. When it comes to fade resistance, PVC is the hands-down winner. However, it’s worth noting that although composite fades faster, the fade is more natural, giving the material a beautiful, more wood-like appearance than PVC. In terms of withstanding the elements, composite has the upper hand because they expand and contract less than PVC. This makes composite decking the better material when extreme temperatures is concerned. PVC technology has taken significant strides, and they look more like wood now more than ever.

Timbertech Pro Vs Azek: Which Decking Is Best For You?

This weathering process helps the decking achieve its beautiful, wood-like appearance. At GreenWay, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners get the most out of their outdoor spaces. Whether it’s fences, railings, or deck materials, we sell it all. That’s why we’re helping homeowners find the best decking material for their dream-come-true backyards. PVC decking tends to look the least like wood, when compared to natural wood and wood-composite deck boards.

Based on their price point, though, wood decks can be the best decking material for some homeowners. Choose wood-composite decking when you want a low-maintenance material. Some composites can also resemble exotic wood species, giving you the best of both worlds. If you have children or just like walking barefoot, wood-composite ensures that you will avoid splinters. But the best benefit of wood-composite decking is that it is guaranteed not to rot or split, and it never needs a stain or other protective finish. When planning an outdoor deck, perhaps the biggest decision you face is which material to use for the decking. While most decks use pressure-treated wood lumber for the understructure (posts, beams, joists, etc.), the decking can be a completely different material—or not.

The core is comprised of Resin material that is a mixture of plastic and wood. The Pro’s are the same as PVC material except it isn’t as mold and mildew resistant, scratch resistant and the heat dissipation is not as good. The cons are also similar except at MasterDecks we have noticed more warranty claims on Capped Composite material than we have seen with full PVC lines.

Much to the delight of homeowners, capped PVC does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. And, no other decking material is available in such a wide array of colors and natural-looking wood grains. Though these products may look similar, they each have their own unique qualities and benefits. Here, we examine the benefits of PVC decking vs. capped composite, and why a homeowner can’t really go wrong with either choice.

The ends of manufactured deck boards are ugly, and you don't want to leave them exposed. The easiest solution is to raise the fascia board so the top is flush with the top of the decking . But keep in mind that most fascia/skirt boards are 11-1/4 in.

In addition to selecting the color of deck boards, you'll also have to decide on the color of the fascia boards, railings, spindles, hardware, posts and caps. And those aren't easy decisions, especially when all you have to go on is a brochure with tiny color swatches. For more information on decking products, ideas and techniques, search for “decks” at the top of this page.

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Ceramic-coated screws come in several colors, which helps them blend in. The width of the decking, its color and finish, and the design of the railing are important design elements. A ranch, raised ranch, or contemporary house style can work well with many deck designs. It's more challenging to make a deck work with older styles, such as Tudor, colonial, or 1920s bungalow. Many manufacturers of synthetic decking offer a variety of railings, such as provincial or Mission style, that can help the deck fit with the rest of the house.

What Is A Composite Decking Board Made Of?

Any composite or plastic decking can come in a tongue-and-groove style. Most manufacturers sell at least one product with this feature. Price, though the cost to install a composite or PVC deck, no matter the material, is fairly consistent. In many cases, pros can install composite boards on a roof deck.

Composite deckingprices range from$4 to $13 per square foot. The product usually comes in boards, though some manufacturers sell square tiles. The boards measure by the linear foot, but most pros quote prices per square foot.

• Composites came onto the scene in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
• Which one you choose determines the style options, the price, what it’s like to own it, and the maintenance you’ll need to do to keep it looking great.
• Composites are by far the oldest decking product on the market.
• Even though composites don’t require staining or painting, they do need to be kept clean in order to keep them looking and functioning their best.
• The three main deck material options you’ll see on the market are pressure treated wood, composite, and PVC .
• Wood is a more natural product, while composite and vinyl are artificial decking materials.

Inventors originally developed composites as moisture-resistant components for window and door frames. MoistureShield® offers the only wood composite decking that can be installed in the ground, on the ground or underwater. Discover how our Solid Core has helped prevent structural field failures for more than 30 years and why that matters for your outdoor living space. No matter what material you decide to use for your new deck, you’ll find the best brands at the best prices at your local Decks & Docks lumber yard.

The cost to install a porch railing depends on the size and products. Pros typically charge$10 to $30 per linear footfor materials and$9 to $12 per linear footfor labor. The most affordable composite will cost about$3,600for a 144-square-foot deck. Other popular brands, such as Trex or TimberTech, also sell quality products on the lower end of the price range. Since materials cost the most, most homeowners conclude that it’s easier to go with a professional installer.