Capped PVC vs Composite Decking: The Pros and Cons
Capped PVC decking has become the most popular material for building decks in the past 10 years or so, even though composite decking has been around since the 1980s. Why is this? There are many reasons to choose capped PVC decking over composite decking material, including the fact that it’s much less expensive and it’s easier to install, but there are also several compelling reasons to choose composite over capped PVC as well. This article will compare both materials side-by-side to help you decide whether this type of decking is right for your needs.
The Pros and Cons
Appearance
Most deck materials come in a variety of colors, so appearance is up to your personal preference. With capped composite decking, you have more options for shades of color than with capped PVC decking. It can be stained any color, whereas komposittrall längder has only a handful of approved shades. However, both products come in three grades of wood-grain appearances that let you mimic different kinds of natural wood finishes.
Cost
One advantage capped composite has over PVC decking is the price. It’s about 10 percent more expensive than capped polyvinyl but less expensive than other deck materials, such as cedar, redwood, or teak. Capped composite also requires less upkeep over time. In general, it costs about three times as much to maintain a cedar deck (polishing and staining every year) as opposed to maintaining a capped composite deck (cleaning with soap and water).
Installation
Capped PVC decking is easier to install than composite due to its low weight. Cost: Capped PVC decking costs about 10 percent less than capped composite. Repairability: Both capped products are considered repairable, though composite material is more expensive to replace when damaged.
Maintenance
Both capped composite and PVC require very little maintenance to keep looking their best. However, while it’s true that capped composite won’t need to be stained, you should still clean it regularly with a power washer. It will also need to be sealed every couple of years. With capped PVC, on the other hand, you can skip staining but still have to give your deck regular power-washing treatments as well as check for any dry rot every year or so.
Material Health
Vinyl is one of four main materials used in deck construction, along with wood, composite and metal. Each material comes with its own unique set of pros and cons. If a sturdy material that’s easy to work with is what you need for your deck project, vinyl may be for you. Keep reading to learn more about how vinyl holds up over time.
Product Life Expectancy
In general, composite decking lasts two to three times longer than capped PVC decking. Installation Time: Composite decks are generally easier to install than capped PVC decks. Weather Resistant: In some areas of North America (particularly in coastal zones), capping products with a UV inhibitor can extend their life expectancy by as much as 50%.
Environmental Considerations
Weighing Environmental Factors When Deciding Between Capped PVC and Capped Composite Decking Materials. While it’s true that capped komposittrall materials contain no plasticizers, capped PVC is recyclable. And both products give you a sturdy, long-lasting deck that requires little to no maintenance. Plus they come in a variety of colors—including designer options such as dark brown with white accents—so you can find something to fit your style and color palette.
Conclusion
Looking at these attributes, there’s no clear-cut winner when comparing capped PVC vs composite decking. Each has its own pros and cons, depending on what you value most. While looking for a new deck for your home or business, it’s best to check out all of your options—and make sure to ask which product is best in your area’s weather conditions (for instance, if you live in a humid climate, a capped composite could be a good choice).
