PVC vs. Composite Decking: Which One Should You Choose for Your Deck?

If your home renovation plans include building or upgrading a deck, one of your first tasks will be choosing a flooring material. While you could opt for a classic wooden deck, there are also lower-maintenance and longer-lasting alternatives to consider, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and composite decking. To help you decide, let’s compare PVC versus composite decking, including how they compare in key categories like price and durability. And don’t forget that you can always reach out to a local pro for more specific advice and pricing in your area. 

PVC vs. Composite Decking: Key Differences

When it comes to PVC decking versus composite decking, the main difference is how they’re made. While PVC is pure plastic, composite decking includes a blend of plastic and wood. Since PVC doesn’t contain any natural materials, it holds up better against mold and water damage. It’s also lighter-weight and more durable but tends to be slightly pricier than composite decking.

What Is PVC Decking?

Also known as synthetic decking, PVC decking is a durable, low-maintenance deck material made of hard plastic. It’s available in various colors and patterns, which often look like natural wood. PVC decking is also 100% recyclable and can be repurposed years later.

Best for: 

• Anyone interested in a low-maintenance deck that doesn’t need sealing

• DIYers who want to work with a lightweight decking material

• Homes in wildfire-prone areas

Pros of PVC Decking

There are plenty of reasons to pick PVC decking over other materials. For one, because PVC doesn’t contain wood, it isn’t susceptible to common deck problems like mold growth and insect infestations. It won’t rot, either.

Durability is another major benefit of PVC decking. This type of deck can last between 30 and 50 years, and capped PVC decking—which has a protective hard shell around the outside—is highly resistant to scratching and fading.

Finally, PVC isn’t as heavy as composite decking, making it easier to transport and install. If you plan to build your own deck, this can make a huge difference. Though, building a deck is still a pretty big undertaking, so we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to hire a pro for help regardless of the decking material you choose. 

Cons of PVC Decking

Of course, there are also downsides to PVC decking. In terms of cost, it’s slightly more expensive to install than composite decking. 

While PVC decking isn’t prone to water damage, it may be more slippery than other deck materials when wet. Also, PVC can absorb heat and sunlight, causing it to warp.

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a hybrid type of decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. Some styles look like genuine wood, but since composite decking is part plastic, it doesn’t have as many issues or require as much maintenance as natural wood.

Best for: 

• People who want a minimal-maintenance deck with a natural wood look

• Anyone needing a deck that won’t warp or overheat in the sun

• Pool decks or decks in areas that receive regular rainfall

Pros of Composite Decking

When it comes to wood decking versus composite decking, upkeep is far easier with the latter. Composite decking—like PVC decking—doesn’t require anywhere near as much maintenance as traditional wood decking. For example, there’s no need to seal, sand, or stain composite decking. 

Since composite decking includes both wood and plastic, you get the benefits of both materials. On one hand, because it’s partially made from wood, composite decking looks more natural than PVC. At the same time, the plastic helps ward off moisture, mold, and insects, extending the life span of your deck.

Composite decking is also more slip-resistant than PVC decking, so it’s a good option for rainy locales. Some people even use composite decking around their pool as an alternative to pavers.

Cons of Composite Decking

With an average life span of 25 years, composite decking lasts longer than many types of wood (including cedar and redwood), but that’s still only half as long as PVC decking, which can last up to 50 years.

If your composite decking is uncapped, you could run into problems with mold and moisture problems. Capped decking is more expensive, but it offers the most protection for your deck.

Also, while composite decking is an eco-friendly and sustainable decking material (it consists of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibers), its mixture of plastic and wood isn’t fully recyclable—unlike PVC decking, which can be repurposed.

PVC vs. Composite Decking

If you’re deciding between these decking types, it’s helpful to understand how they perform in different categories. Let’s look at composite versus PVC decking in terms of pricing, durability, and more.

Price​: Composite Decking

Generally speaking, composite decking is the slightly more affordable option. For the materials only, composite decking costs around $4 to $12 per square foot, while PVC decking runs between $5 and $13 per square foot. However, prices depend on the type and quality of decking you choose.

Durability​​: PVC Decking

Composite decking lasts around 25 years, but PVC decking is the clear winner in this category, thanks to its 30- to 50-year life expectancy.

Appearance​: Composite Decking

If you’re looking for a decking option that more closely resembles real wood, composite decking comes out on top. However, PVC decking also comes in plenty of colors, styles, and designs, and you can work with a local deck builder to find one you like.

Ease of Installation/DIYability​: PVC Decking

Installing composite decking and PVC decking are fairly similar DIY projects. But since PVC is lighter than composite decking, it’s a bit easier to handle and put in place.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Deck?

The exact cost to build a deck depends on the size and material of the deck, as well as the complexity of the design. However, most people pay between $4,350 and $12,560, or an average cost of $8,220. 

Labor makes up around 38% of the total cost, while materials for framing and flooring will be around 62%. The most cost-effective deck material is pressure-treated wood, which costs $2 to $5 per square foot. On the higher end, composite decking costs $12 to $22 per square foot, and metal or aluminum decking costs $15 to $20 per square foot. Opting for a higher-end wood, like redwood, can cost up to $35 per square foot.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Labor makes up a decent chunk of the cost to build a deck, with contractors charging around $15 to $35 per square foot just for labor. This might push you toward the DIY route to save money on the project. However, unless you are experienced with this type of project, it’s best to budget for labor and leave the deck construction to the pros.

Inexperienced DIYers can make simple mistakes during deck building that can lead to expensive fixes down the road. If the deck’s structural foundation isn’t solid, it could be a safety hazard. And if the finished deck isn’t up to code, you might be required to rip it out and start again. Hiring a pro doesn't seem as expensive compared to the potential costs associated with these fixes.