Home Improvement Costs

It is best known for its ability to repel water in areas with heavy rains. The boards only represent about30% to 40%of the total material pricing. You'll also need to pay for additional supplies, such as the composite railing at$10 to $30 per linear footand posts, which run$30 to $75 each. Composites are made in a range of profiles to make boards lighter, easier to install, or both. If you’re looking for low maintenance, high value, and serious aesthetic appeal, PVC decking is the clear choice.

Wolf® Decking

For the homeowner, being able to discern physical differences between capped composite decking and PVC decking might not be easy, but those differences do exist. Here’s a breakdown as to the key differences between these two revolutionary decking materials. One of the things that truly sets capped composite apart from other non-wood decking materials is its ability to closely emulate the look and feel of real wood. Capped composite has all the warmth and character of tropical hardwoods, but with superior performance.

What To Know About Deck Railing Height

One brand of aluminum decking we tested snaps together, much the way tongue-and-groove flooring does. A vinyl decking product we reviewed snapped in place over metal clips screwed onto the joists. Many of the synthetic products are available in colors such as white, gray, and several shades of brown. Surface textures include smooth , subtle wood grain, ridges, and other decidedly nonwood-like patterns. Some composite planks are flexible enough to be easily curved into patterns or shapes that would be expensive to duplicate in solid wood. CR members with digital access can see our Decking Ratings, which reflect our updated, two-year exposure score. Our tests showed that some synthetic decking didn't make the grade for rigidity, and some tonier wood products look worse for wear.

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

Before we dive into the pros and cons of PVC and composite decking materials, it’s important to point out that PVC decking is not vinyl decking. The two terms are often used interchangeably at a consumer level. Many popular brands are made from 50 percent wood fibers and 50 percent recycled plastic. Composite decking is a solid color all the way through, so the ends of boards are not as noticeable.

When you plan tohire a composite deck builder near you, be sure to get quotes from at least three.Interview your deck builderbefore making a decision. You can determine the total square footage by multiplying the length by the width.

The three most commonly used materials for decking arepressure-treated wood, wood-composite , or an all-plastic decking made of polyvinyl chloride . For many who are new to decking, it might be difficult to tell much of a difference between PVC and composite when looking at samples.

You should be able to get at least 20 years of use, depending on the conditions. PVC decking is typically made from virgin plastics, which can be recycled after use. Although Trex decking cannot be recycled due to the mingling of wood fibers and plastics, it can be repurposed into new decking materials. Even better, it contributes to less trash in landfills and on the planet. Although Trex contains plastic, it’s a composite decking material. As a result, you get the the eye-catching look of rich wood with the durability of a composite.

Now that you’ve found the best deck material for your project, the next step is to figure out how the deck will be built. Whether you want to take a DIY approach or work with a contractor, GreenWay is your outlet for the best decking materials — at very competitive prices. There are pros and cons for each of these deck material types. When you’re the one buying, you have to balance the price you’ll pay up-front, if you’re okay doing maintenance year-after-year, and the outdoor decor you like best. Wood, composite, and PVC — all three popular deck material options have their advantages. Understanding the differences and advantages can be a challenge, but we’ve got your back. We’re breaking down the pros and cons of each to help our customers find the best deck material.

Planning Guide: Decks

Trex Decking can withstand and hold up to the elements better than PVC. Your deck is exposed all year long to sun, rain, snow, and wind. While PVC can eventually have discoloration from rugs, planters, and furniture Trex decking will not. Signs of an unsafe deck may not be obvious so safety checks are critical when deciding to repair or replace.

If you’re interested in composite decking options, check out our selection of Trex capped composite decking solutions. If PVC is more up your alley, our AZEK decking options are guaranteed to last. When the temperature changes suddenly, PVC decking can expand and contract. But because the wood fibers in composite decking make it more rigid, it won’t expand and contract as easily as plastic in direct sunlight. Both composite and PVC decking materials can be either capped or uncapped.

Consider the following when choosing the right one for you. Material prices run$15 to $36 per square foot, including$4 to $13 per square footfor deck boards. They look like composites, but these boards are actually 99 percent virgin PVC plastic, very different stuff from the polyethylene-wood mix found in most composites. The fact that composites don't feel or look like real wood is beside the point.

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.

• Cellular’s tend to be lighter and easier to handle, strong and tidy and less likely to scratch or stain.
• Another trend in high end composites and some cellular PVC decking boards are co-extrusions or a bonded outer layers .
• Cellular decking materials are gaining popularity and now even many of the composite manufactures also produce a cellular board.
• But most are susceptible to chalking and definitely look less natural or more man-made.
• For the most part, composite decking is more expensive than wood.

Deciding whether tobuild a deck or hire a prodepends on your skills. Many composite and PVC manufacturers sell only to authorized dealers, so DIY may limit your choices.

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.