Comparing Deck Materials: Wood, Wood-Composite, and PVC

Choosing the right materials for your new deck can be an overwhelming decision. The three most popular options on the market are traditional wood, wood-composite, and PVC. All three have unique benefits and drawbacks to consider before making your final selection. This comprehensive guide will compare wood, wood-composite, and PVC decking to help you determine the best choice for your home.

An Overview of Wood Decking

Wood is a timeless choice for decking. It provides a classic, natural look that complements any home’s exterior. Wood decking comes in a variety of species, grades, and cuts to fit different needs and budgets.

Here are some of the key benefits of choosing real wood decking:

Aesthetics – Wood offers unparalleled beauty and character. The rich grains and natural variations create a one-of-a-kind look for your outdoor space. Wood can be stained, sealed, or painted to achieve nearly any desired color palette.
Durability – Wood is inherently durable if properly maintained. High-quality lumber species like cedar and redwood contain natural oils that resist rot, decay, and insect damage. Sealing and refinishing every 2-3 years will maximize longevity.
Traction – Wood’s natural texture provides good traction even when wet. The gripping surface makes wood decks safer than slippery composite and PVC.
Repairability – Damaged planks can be easily replaced or refinished. No special tools or materials are needed for wood repairs.
Affordability – While wood is not the cheapest option, it remains one of the most budget-friendly decking materials. Pressure-treated pine offers an especially low-cost wood species.

Of course, wood decking isn’t without a few potential drawbacks:

Maintenance – Wood requires the most regular upkeep of the three decking types. Staining, sealing, cleaning, and repairing are essential to prevent premature rot and decay.
Splintering – Untreated wood can easily splinter, resulting in cracked and damaged planks over time. Splinters also pose a danger for bare feet.
Warping – Poor quality wood may warp or twist when exposed to moisture and weather. Proper installation and lumber selection reduce this risk.
UV Damage – Long-term sun exposure will fade and gray wood deck boards. Refinishing is required to restore original color.

With proper planning and care, a wood deck can last for decades while retaining its beauty and functionality.

The Pros and Cons of Wood-Composite Decking

Wood-composite combines shredded wood fibers with plastic or other polymers to create a durable, low-maintenance decking material. Composite decking first gained popularity in the 1990s as an alternative to natural wood.

Here are some of the top advantages of composite deck boards:

Durability – Composite withstands weather, rot, splintering and insect damage better than solid wood. The materials resist moisture absorption and deterioration.
Low-Maintenance – Aside from occasional cleaning, composite requires very little upkeep. No sealing, staining or refinishing is necessary.
Custom Colors – Manufacturers offer a wide array of color and pattern options from warm wood tones to cool greys. The color runs throughout the boards.
Resists Warping – Composite won’t warp, twist, or bend out of shape because it doesn’t absorb moisture. The boards remain straight and flat.
No Splinters – Composite contains no actual wood to create painful splinters. Bare feet are safe on composite decks.
Long Warranties – Many composite brands offer 20-25 year residential warranties on their decking products. This covers defects and failure.

A few potential limitations to weigh include:

Higher Upfront Cost – Composite decking costs $8-12 per square foot on average. This is 2-3 times more than pressure-treated lumber.
Hot Surface – Plastic content can become uncomfortably hot under direct sunlight. Composite lacks wood’s natural cooling properties.
Fading – While composite resists moisture, the plastic polymers still degrade under UV exposure. Fading occurs over 1-2 decades.
Not Environmentally-Friendly – Most composites contain non-recyclable plastics and formaldehyde-based resins. Disposal can be problematic.
Limited Texture – The molded grain pattern lacks natural wood’s authentic, grippy texture. Composite can feel “artificial”.

With smart selection and installation, composite creates a superbly functional, fuss-free deck built to last decades. It excels in wet climates and shaded locations.

PVC Decking – What to Consider

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is the newest generation of synthetic, wood-free decking. It offers the most moisture, stain, and scratch resistance of all deck materials.

Let’s examine the pros and cons of this unique plastic decking:

Benefits of PVC Decking

Extreme Durability – PVC contains no wood, resisting moisture, rotting, termites, and other structural damage. The highly stable plastic maintains its integrity for decades.
Ultra-Low Maintenance – Aside from soap and water cleaning, PVC needs zero maintenance like sanding, sealing or painting. The color and appearance remain consistent over time.
Stain and Mold Resistance – PVC plastic repels food, grease, wine and other stains that can ruin natural wood. It also deters mold growth.
Fire Resistance – PVC is inherently fire-retardant and won’t readily ignite from wayward grilling coals or fire pits. It achieves Class A flame spread ratings.
Comfortable Barefoot Surface – PVC lacks sharp splinters. Textured “wood grain” options provide sure footing when wet.
Custom Aesthetic – From deep wood hues to tropical colors, PVC offers a vast color selection. Match any home’s style.
25+ Year Warranties – Premium PVC deck brands provide the longest warranties in the decking industry. Many cover removal and replacement of defective planks.

Potential downsides of PVC deck boards include:

Higher Upfront Cost – PVC averages $9-15 per square foot installed, making it the most expensive of the three decking materials.
Limited Recyclability – PVC contains non-biodegradable vinyl polymers. Reusing scrap pieces may require some creativity.
Hot Surface Temperature – Like composite, unshaded PVC can get uncomfortably hot on sunny summer days.
Rigid Composition – PVC lacks wood’s slight natural flexibility. Planks can crack if the framing shifts significantly.
Artificial Appearance – No matter how realistic the grain pattern, PVC still has an artificial, “plastic” look compared to real wood.

For extreme longevity and hassle-free maintenance, PVC reigns supreme. It works exceptionally well around pools, hot tubs and other wet areas.

How Do Prices Compare?

Decking material costs vary based on the specific product selected, lumber prices in your region, contractor rates and other factors. Here are the typical installed price ranges:

Pressure-Treated Pine – $3-5 per square foot installed
Cedar & Redwood – $7-13 per square foot installed
Wood-Composite – $8-12 per square foot installed
PVC – $9-15 per square foot installed

As you can see, wood decking provides the lowest upfront pricing in most cases. Composite and PVC cost significantly more to purchase and install initially.

However, wood requires much more frequent maintenance and part replacements over the decades. Factoring in long-term care brings wood’s lifetime cost closer to composite and PVC.

How Do the Materials Compare by Category?

This overview summarizes how pressure-treated pine, cedar, composite, and PVC stack up across key buying factors:

This comparison shows why more expensive composite and PVC warrant their higher costs through exceptional longevity and practically zero upkeep required.

All four decking materials have pros and cons. Selecting the right option involves balancing your budget, lifestyle and design goals.

Key Factors To Compare Wood, Composite & PVC

Choosing your decking is an important decision warranting careful thought. These are the most pivotal considerations as you compare materials:

Weather Resistance

Wood naturally resists moisture better than composites or PVC if properly sealed and stained. Some premium composites offer excellent water protection as well.
PVC provides the best stain protection. Food, grease and drink spills easily wipe away without permanent staining.
All three decking types resist fading and breakdown from UV exposure over time. Annual sealing of wood is recommended for maximum protection.

Durability & Longevity

Teak, cedar, and redwood are the most durable and decay-resistant wood species. They last 15-30 years.
Pressure-treated pine offers 10-15 years lifespan before replacement needs. It’s the least expensive wood option.
Composites and PVC typically last 25+ years with manufacturer’s warranties against rot, splitting and structural damage.

Traction & Safety

Wood’s natural grain provides the grippiest surface, especially when damp. Teak rates the best for slip resistance.
Composite and PVC have less texture, resulting in more slippery boards when wet. Grooved composite and textured PVC improve traction somewhat.
Only wood can potentially splinter and cause injury. Composite and PVC are completely splinter-free.

Sustainability & Recycling

Cedar, redwood, and pine offer natural biodegradability. However, preservation chemical treatments reduce environmental-friendliness.
Most composites cannot be recycled. Disposal in landfills is problematic. Some newer composites are striving for improved sustainability.
PVC is not biodegradable or easily recyclable. Vinyl polymer pollution and disposal issues make it the least eco-friendly option.

Appearance & Design Options

Wood provides unmatched visual warmth and beauty. Grain patterns and colors are unique to each board. Custom stains extend options.
Composite mimics wood’s look with a manufactured grain pattern and varied color palette from tans to grays.
PVC can emulate wood while offering the most diverse color selection. Bright tropical hues and realistic wood grains are available.

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements

Wood needs the most maintenance – yearly sealing, periodic staining, repair of damaged planks, and consistent cleaning. Teak and composites are lower maintenance wood options.
Composite requires periodic soap and water cleaning but no sealing, staining, or refinishing. Elevated decks need underside washing to prevent mold growth.
PVC only needs occasional soap and water cleaning. It retains its original color and appearance for decades without maintenance.

Comfort & Livability

Bare feet on wood provides the highest natural comfort, lacking any plastic-like sensations. Teak rates the best for comfort.
Composite and PVC develop uncomfortably hot surface temperatures in direct sun. Shaded areas or color selections that refract sunlight best reduce this effect.
Wood can gradually splinter over years, injuring bare feet. Composite and PVC pose zero splinter risks for kids and pets.

Installation Considerations

Pressure-treated boards should never contact aluminum components. The resulting corrosion damages the deck.
PVC expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. Proper gapping during install prevents buckling or separation.
Composite requires joist spacing up to 16″ on-center maximum due to slight flexing. Wood can span 24″ between joists.
All three materials allow easy DIY installation. PVC is the lightest per square foot, reducing strain.

The Verdict – Which Is the Best Deck Material Overall?

After comparing the pros, cons, costs and characteristics, one decking material stands above the rest as the best option for most homes:

Wood-plastic composite balances durability, affordable pricing, and low-maintenance better than pressure-treated lumber or PVC. The combination of wood fibers and plastic polymers creates decking that protects against rot, moisture, and pests for decades with minimal upkeep required.

While composite costs moderately more upfront, its longevity offsets those initial expenses over time. The fade and stain-resistant decking retains its like-new appearance for over 20 years.

Composite’s slip-resistance also rates well compared to plastic PVC, providing sure footing even when wet. Just avoid overly hot surfaces by selecting lighter color boards.

With wood-composite, you can enjoy decades of superb performance with none of the sealing, staining, splintering, and repair hassles of natural wood. It’s the ideal fusion of synthetic and natural material properties.

Wood still reigns for beauty and affordability. But composite provides the most favorable balance across all decisive factors for homeowners wanting low maintenance and lasting durability. Once installed, this synthetic wood alternative provides years of trouble-free outdoor living and entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Materials

How long does pressure-treated wood last?

With proper installation, sealing, and maintenance, pressure-treated lumber should provide 10-15 years of service before needing replacement. Quality redwood and cedar decks can last 20-30 years.

Does composite decking get hot?

Yes, on sunny days, composite’s solid plastic composition absorbs heat and becomes hotter than wood decking. Choose light color boards and shaded locations to minimize uncomfortable temperatures.

Can you refinish and restain composite decking?

No, composite cannot be sanded, stained, or refinished like wood. The color and texture run through the entire thickness of the boards. Some composites can be cleaned with restore products.

Is PVC or composite decking more expensive?

PVC typically costs $1-3 more per square foot compared to quality wood-plastic composite decking. Due to PVC’s higher material costs, it is the most expensive of the three decking options.

Why is wood decking so cheap?

Wood’s lower cost comes from it being a natural material requiring less processing compared to engineered composite and PVC decking. Pressure-treated pine offers an inexpensive, economical wood species.

Is composite or PVC decking more eco-friendly?

Both composite and PVC are challenging to recycle. Most composites contain recycled wood fibers but also new plastics. PVC is the least environmentally-friendly option as vinyl polymer waste.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal decking comes down to evaluating your priorities in terms of budget, design, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. This comprehensive guide examined how wood, wood-composite, and PVC compare across factors critical for determining the best outdoor living investment.

Wood reigns supreme for beauty, affordability, and sustainability but requires the most care. PVC offers extreme durability and stain-resistance but at a higher price. Ultimately, quality wood-plastic composite balances longevity, performance, and cost for a dream low-maintenance deck.

Armed with this detailed comparison, you now have all the information needed to confidently choose the perfect decking to realize your vision. Just weigh each material’s respective strengths and weaknesses. Consider which benefits align closest with your home’s needs and your decking priorities.

With proper installation and care, your new wood, composite or PVC deck will provide decades of safe, comfortable, enduring enjoyment. Turn your backyard into the ideal outdoor living oasis by selecting the ideal deck surface for your lifestyle.