A beautiful deck adds value to your home in many ways. The extra outdoor space is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner in the warmer months. It keeps the mess outside your home so cleaning up is easier. Constructing a deck is quick and cost-effective. It frees up your yard space for other uses as well. What matters is the way you design it to bring out the beauty of your home in an aesthetic way. It all starts with choosing the right material first.
PVC vs Composite? Which one makes a better deck?
Decks today are made of a wide range of materials. It’s hard to choose the right one for your home. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and wood are some of the most common construction materials. PVC replicates the look of wood but doesn’t require much maintenance. Much depends on the climate you’re in. Here are a few things to consider:
PVC Decks
Pros: PVC vinyl is often mistaken for composite wood as they are both made of synthetic material. However, the materials stand up to weather conditions in different ways. Composite wood is easier to maintain than 100% wooden decks. PVC vinyl decks barely require any maintenance at all. There is no mould or mildew buildup; the deck holds colour for years and doesn’t stain easily. It is scratch-resistant and 100% recyclable because of its plastic. Just wash it with a garden hose to keep it dust-free. PVC is also child and pet-friendly because they are splinter/slip-resistant.
Cons: Plastic is not resilient to extreme weather conditions. Scorching heat in the summer can make plastic expand so much that the deck may not be even anymore. It retains heat making walking bare feet difficult on the deck. Similarly in the cold, PVC turns brittle making it prone to cracks. With repeated expansion and contraction, PVC decks wear off over time, damaging the fasteners so safety becomes a concern. The cost of PVC decks depends on whether the slats used are solid or hollow.
Wood Decks
Pros: Deck lovers usually prefer wood. The classic, natural look material gives it an unparalleled beauty and feel that enhances the look of any backyard. They are low-cost and easy to construct. Good quality wood is not prone to decay, insect damage or splintering during the pressure treatment. With proper maintenance, it can last you years.
Wood decks are available in a wide variety of materials. Cedar and mahogany are some of the most popular. Cedar resists decay and insects better than many other wood options. Mahogany is durable, flexible, withstands rotting and extreme weather conditions better than most other wood deck options. Ironwood or Ipe lasts longer than most others because of their hard density that makes it scratch and stain-resistant. But it’s costlier than other wood deck options too.
Cons: Wood is susceptible to moisture and water damage over time. The decks need to be painted to match the colour of your home. Composite wood comes in several styles and colours that make the material an easier match with your home but unlike natural wood that has more depth, composite wood is a solid colour all the way. Composite wood costs about 15 to 20 percent more than natural wood because it’s more durable. Both require periodic maintenance such as sweeping and a good wash. Compare prices and question durability to get the best deck material for your home.
TorOnCa: Deck Installation and Repairs, Brampton
Our premier decking materials are maintenance-free, durable, attractive and pressure treated. We offer wood, cedar, composite wood, PVC vinyl, glass railings and pickets that are all long-lasting, weather-resistant and easy-to-maintain so you can enjoy longer hours out in the sun. Contact us to build a new deck or repair an existing one with high-quality materials and municipal permits.