What is a PVC Deck Board?
I often speak of the numerous benefits of composite deck boards. In fact, I have even started my own hash tag #whycompositeisbetterthanwood. I am very much a big believer on why you should choose composite deck boards over wood. Having said that, PVC deck boards is that much superior over composite again. Composite deck boards are composed of two or more materials. In most cases, recycled plastic and wood fibres make up the body of the board. Good composite boards are then covered with a very tough plastic skin. A PVC board is made up of polyvinyl chloride, which is widely used plastic. In a PVC board there is no wood, it is 100 per cent a plastic board.
Why PVC deck boards are the top of the line Boards?
While there are many reasons why a composite board is better than wood, there are many reasons why a PVC deck board is superior to a composite board.
1. Superior to Mold
With there being no wood whatsoever, a PVC deck board has a superior barrier to mold. As well, without the organic component of wood, A PVC deck board has zero effects of moisture damage. Think of high water zones like docks and board walks.
2. Cool to the Touch
One of the few negatives of a composite deck board is that it is hot in full sun. This is a fact. However, a PVC deck board is cooler to the touch than composite.
3. Durable
PVC deck boards are extremely durable. They are dent and scratch resistant. In fact, the warranties reflect such. As an example, using TimberTeck’s industry leading warranty model, you can expect up to a 25-year warranty with composite deck boards. In the TimberTeck Azek PVC line, the warranty is lifetime. That is a great example of the durability.
4. Stain and Fade Resiliency
Let’s be honest, you are going to spill something on your deck. BBQ sauce, red wine, ice cream cones, the list is lengthy. PVC deck boards come with a 50 year fade and stain warranty. Once again, this is based on TimberTeck’s Azek PVC line. Your deck will most likely be exposed to weather, UV rays and the damaging sun rays. PVC deck boards offer a superior resistance to stains and fading.
5. Beauty
Superior beauty. It cannot be said enough that PVC deck boards are on the high end of the plastic deck market. Their colours and wood grains are simply that much better than what a composite board has to offer.
6. Superior Traction
Composite deck boards are slipperier than wood. This is also a fact. Though, the big manufacturers are addressing that this is becoming less of a problem every year. A PVC deck board has more naturally shaped wood grain and has superior traction over other composites.
7. Low Maintenance
Like all composite and PVC deck boards, there will be no sanding, restaining, crack, splinters or warped boards. This is the ultimate low maintenance deck option available.
8. Deck Bending
Not all contractors have the equipment and the training to bend boards and make curves in your deck design. Those that do all agree that if you intend on any curved board feature in your design, you will need to choose a PVC deck board.
I hope this blog has answered any of the questions you might have had in the differences between PVC and composite deck boards. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out, I would be happy to respond to any and all questions.
Mark
Stone Orchard Landscaping
Deck railing options and styles have come a very long way the past couple of years. With the emergence of composite and PVC deck boards to the mainstream custom deck market has come a fantastic array of railing systems. All of the railing systems are Ontario Building Code approved.
I have selected our favourite deck railing options for you to learn more about.
Regal Rail
Regal Rail is a very popular aluminum post and rail system, available at most big box stores. It is available in black, white and tan.
Regal Deck Railing
Timberteck Impression Rail
Timberteck makes amazing decking products. Impression rail is an aluminum railing and baluster system. The post sleeves are made from composite plastics. They fit over top of a 4 x 4 pressure treated lumber post. Timberteck Impression Rail system comes in a variety of colour options, baluster styles and post caps.
Timberteck Impression Railing
Trex Select Rail
It is safe to say that Trex is the big name and player in the custom deck world. They make amazing composite deck boards and not surprising their deck railing systems are beautiful as well. The photo attached is Trex Select Rail which is highlighting the LED post cap option. Trex Select Railing is similar to the Timberteck Impression Rail system in that it is aluminum rail and baluster. It is attached to a composite post sleeve. It is available in white and black.
Trex Select Rail
Deckorators Post Sleeves
Deckorators is a manufacturer of custom deck materials, including composite boards and railing systems. I have included thispicture of their composite plastic post sleeves. They closely resemble stacked stone. It is an interesting new product worthy of mentioning here.
Deckorators Post Sleeves
Classic Basket Balusters
Once again this upgraded baluster is from the Deckorators product line. Available in five colour options. This is an attractive upgrade over simple round or square aluminum balusters.
Classic Basket Balusters
Crystal Rail
This is an exciting new product. I actually love, love this new glass railing system. Glass is a railing option when your intention is to have as minimal visual obstruction as possible. What makes Crystal Rail so amazing is the way the LED light system illuminates it at night. This is an amazing product. This photo is courtesy of Ridgeline Deck’s.
Crystal Rail
Pano Rail
Pano Rail is an aircraft cable railing system. These stainless steel horizontal cables act as the balusters.
Pano Rail
Invisirail
This is perhaps the best glass railing option for close to zero visual obstruction. Notice there is no top or bottom rail to obstruct your view.
Invisirail
Trex Staircase
So you have this great beautiful deck and now you have chosen the perfect railing system to go with this great deck. Understand that everyone of these options will also include the railing components for the stairs. This picture is Trex Select Rail.
Trex Staircase
As always, for further questions regarding deck railings, please do not hesitate to reach out. I will be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Til next time,
Mark Calhoun
Stone Orchard Landscaping
289 338 9741
mark@stoneorchardlandscaping.com
As a landscaping professional and enthusiast, I am often asked the difference between wood and composite decking. Most people think that the real deal is always better than its synthetic counterparts, but I’m not convinced in this case. Here are five reasons why composite decking is better than wood decking.
1. Durable and Long-Lasting
Composite board will not rot, crack, splinter or warp. In fact, a composite deck will look the same as the day it was installed for many years to come. Did you know composite board is not susceptible to mold? Mold can be a very big problem for natural wood decks. Other pests, like termites and carpenter ants, are not interested in composite. It truly is built to last!
2. Made from Recycled Plastic
Composite board is made from recycled plastic. In fact, 95 per cent of a composite board is recycled material. Another fact, a 500 square foot composite deck may contain up to 140,000 recycled plastic bags. In the USA, some schools have specific recycling boxes for plastic bags which go directly to composite wood manufacturers.
3. Vast Colour Options
In natural lumber you have only a few choices. The vast majority of real wood decks are pressure treated lumber, and a few other are made from cedar. In the composite line, however, the colour choices are vast. Designing your own custom deck with great colours is easy. Different widths and textured finished are also options when deciding on your composite board deck.
4. Low Maintenance
A composite deck is close to being maintenance free. Natural wood decks over time need to be sanded and re-stained to return the wood to its former self. And that is not to mention repairing any splintered, warped and/or rotting boards. With a composite deck all that is required is the occasional wash with soap and water. I tell my clients that power washing a few times a years is sufficient.
5. Long Limited Warranty
Composite board often come with a long limited warranty. The Trex Lumber Company for example offers a limited 25 Year warranty. With natural wood lumber you are lucky to get a one-year warranty.
I hope you’ve found this comparison of natural wood decking and composite decking helpful. If you’d like any help planning and/or building your new deck, please contact us.
– Mark, Owner of Stone Orchard Landscaping