Can you use PVC decking for a deck?
PVC deck boards and decking are suitable for use in building a deck -- just as you would use wood, composite, or aluminum. Some reputable manufacturers of PVC deck boards include TimberTech / AZEK and Endeck. Vinyl decking cannot be made into deck boards.
Does composite decking fade in the Sun?
Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to what their products are really capable of. Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb.
What is the best vinyl decking?
Vekadeck is the best vinyl deck board in the entire industry. Veka invented Cellular PVC decking years ago, and in recent years they’ve beefed it up and added an ASA (acrylic) capstock to it to further help resist fading. You cannot go to any lumber yard or store and order Veka.
What is the difference between PVC decking and TimberTech® Azek® decking?
Deck boards with a core made from a blend of engineered materials (like recycled plastics, HDPE, etc.) and organic materials (wood), with an engineered cap. PVC decking therefore refers to capped polymer deck boards, such as the TimberTech® AZEK® line, and is an offering within the larger composite decking category of the decking industry.
What are the problems with PVC decking?
Certain PVC decking products are prone to peeling, staining, deteriorating, and mold accumulation after relatively short periods of time. Some of the PVC decking subject to these complaints is manufactured by AZEC, TimberTech, and Wolf Home Products.
Does plastic decking fade?
Do composite decks fade? Unlike traditional timber, composite decking is extremely fade resistant and capable of maintaining its “like new” looks for years to come.
Why has my composite decking faded?
Chlorine bleach, wire brushes and too much pressure washing are surefire ways to fade composite decking. Poor maintenance: Improper maintenance is a major cause of faded decking. Trex is low-maintenance, not maintenance-free — so you'll need to keep it clean and tidy, just like any other part of your home.
Does composite decking colour fade?
The reality is that no composite product is regarded as a totally fade proof decking solution.
Which is better PVC or composite decking?
Now, we've already mentioned that both PVC and composite are resistant to mold. But because composite still contains wood, PVC is the undisputed winner in this category. No organic content means that mold and mildew have nowhere to go. Finally, PVC is a more lightweight material.
How long does plastic decking last?
Composite plastic decking will last between 25 – 30 years with only the minimum of maintenance a quick jet wash should be enough to keep it clean and dirt free.
How do you fix a faded composite deck?
If your wood rich composite decking is looking faded and worn, it's time for a refresh! The RockSolid Composite Deck Refresh product line is an all encompassing solution. Our stain remover and cleaner work great at cleaning and preparing the surface of your composite deck for the refresh toner.
How fast does composite decking fade?
Composite decking will fade from the sun's UV rays, lighting in colour over time. Most fading will occur in the first 12-16 weeks after installation but be limited to less than 5 Delta E (CIE) units. Fading by a degree hard to perceive outside of decking-to-decking comparisons.
How do you fix faded decking?
0:274:21How to Restore Your Deck in a Day - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA thorough stirring is a good. Idea. Then I screw on the top and pump up a little pressure. I applyMoreA thorough stirring is a good. Idea. Then I screw on the top and pump up a little pressure. I apply the cleaner by keeping the nozzle about a foot from the surface.
Is plastic decking any good?
This means your synthetic deck can be environmentally friendly. The technology is improving. Some manufacturers now produce decking with a hard plastic shell bonded to composite boards to improve durability. According to Popular Mechanics, this makes the surface less prone to staining, fading, scratching and mold.
How fast does composite decking fade?
Composite decking will fade from the sun's UV rays, lighting in colour over time. Most fading will occur in the first 12-16 weeks after installation but be limited to less than 5 Delta E (CIE) units. Fading by a degree hard to perceive outside of decking-to-decking comparisons.
Does the sun affect composite decking?
So, does composite decking get hot in direct sunlight? While early composite decks were very sensitive to temperature and did get notoriously hot, any new composite decking will be much more resistant to heat. High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards.
Does Eco deck fade?
Rest assured, Ekodeck has been installed across Australia since 2009 with a proven track record of performance. Never have we had any complaints, or needed to replace any boards due to fading. Our specialised UV-stable formula is colour-fast and ensures your decking looks great for its entire lifetime.
What is PVC Decking?
PVC decking is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a high-strength plastic. Like composites, PVC decking offers similar advantages as composites to consumers because it is also scratch resistant, stain resistant, and it doesn’t require the same high maintenance as wood. It’s also sold in a variety of colors, textures, and profiles.
What is PVC deck board made of?
PVC deck boards are made from a high-strength plastic and may include foaming agents to make it a strong-yet-lightweight material for use in deck boards. PVC deck boards and decking are suitable for use in building a deck -- just as you would use wood, composite, or aluminum. Some reputable manufacturers of PVC deck boards include TimberTech / AZEK ...
How much does a composite deck cost?
But in general: Composite deck prices ranges between $3 and $12 per square foot.
What is the best decking material?
While wood has traditionally been the most common type of decking material, alternatives to wood like composite and PVC are becoming more popular each year. It’s easy to see their appeal, as they offer lower maintenance and longer lifespans and, when considering maintenance cost differences, can actually be economical over time than wood .
What is the difference between PVC and composite decking?
In general terms, more composite manufacturers have a wood-like grain pattern and more PVC products have a more linear grain pattern. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule and exceptions exist for both.
Why do you need vinyl decking?
Vinyl decking is used to help eliminate water from seeping below the surface of a deck and is more of a protective membrane than a proper deck board material . You cannot use vinyl decking to create a solid structure that can bear weight on its own.
Is PVC decking recyclable?
However, composites are generally constructed from a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, which are mixed together using heat and pressure in a co-extrusion process. As a result, some composites that use this method to create a finished product are not able to be recycled unless they can be easily returned to the manufacturer. However, most composites are made from recycled materials, lowering their impact on the environment.
Why is composite decking capped?
The cap protects the decking from fading in the sun and enhances its beauty like none other. To the point where capped composite decking can be selected strictly for appearance’s sake. For how it improves the look of your deck. It is that good looking.
How long does composite decking fade?
Composite decking will fade from the sun’s UV rays, lighting in colour over time. Most fading will occur in the first 12-16 weeks after installation but be limited to less than 5 Delta E (CIE) units.
How long does it take for a deck to lighten?
Move the furniture or mat that is protecting the decking from the sun’s UV, and it will lighten to match in 3 to 6 months. A season of sun and it will all be faded the same.
Why are mats important?
Movement is most important with mats as they block the sun the most. Becoming most noticeable if left for a long time and then finally move, will be most noticeable.
Does Trex leave it at that?
But Trex did not leave it at that. No, Trex went back to the drawing board and lab. To figure out a solution to composite decking fading in the sun. And what they created has been followed by almost all other manufactures of composite decking.
What is pressure treated lumber?
You have heard that you should always use treated lumber for a outdoor project. But what is pressure-treated wood? Pressure-treated lumber, is wood that is professionally treated and infused with...
Does MoistureShield decking fade?
MoistureShield’s Vantage™ line is such a decking. MoistureShield does not cap their Vintage line of composite decking and is forthright that it will fade in the sun.
What is a rooftop bar made of?
A rooftop bar made entirely out of PVC panels, trim boards and molding, painted black with AquaSurtech D100 paint. (Source: TEKRA Builders, Project Spotlight)
Why is PVC paint dark?
Painting PVC a dark color all depends on the LRV (Light reflectivity value) of the paint. Most commonly, dark paints do not reflect heat well, which causes the PVC to absorb excess amounts of heat. This will cause the material to expand and contract, and affect its performance.
What is cellular PVC trim?
Cellular PVC trim is a wood replacement product most commonly used in exterior applications. The applications are similar to wood, except it won’t rot, crack, cup, split or warp like wood and its resistive to termites and wood boring insects. PVC trim is naturally white throughout, which makes it an excellent choice for trim on the outside ...
Why does PVC contract?
PVC expands and contracts along its length due to temperature changes. Similar to how wood moves across its width due to moisture content, you just have to be aware of this and control the movement where needed. This does not pose an issue, except when you are dealing with longer lengths.
How many seasons does the Hudson Valley have?
Here in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley, we experience four seasons. This includes heavy snowfalls and weeks with temperatures in the lows teens in the winter to scorching summer days in the high nineties. PVC stands up to the elements and looks beautiful all year long.
Can PVC be cut?
PVC can be cut, milled, shaped, and routed just like wood using normal woodworking tools. PVC can also be heat-bended into molds, which makes it a perfect candidate for curves or arched features. PVC trim used for riser trim on a set of deck stairs. (Source: TEKRA Builders)
Is PVC trim good for exterior?
PVC trim is naturally white throughout, which makes it an excellent choice for trim on the outside of your home. The bright white contrasts well with dark colors, and is easy to keep clean. One of the biggest advantages is that is doesn’t need to be painted, but it is encouraged as it adds to the long term durability and prevents ...
What is a wolf deck?
Are you sure you mean wolf? Wolf is a PVC product with an ASA capstock. It’s one of the best PVC deck boards available and it doesn’t rot, mold, mildew or warp. Are you talking about trex in this?
What is the best deck board?
VEKADECK is the best deck board in the entire vinyl decking industry. It’s very difficult to get and they only offer their products to the top decking companies in the country. If you can find that, it’s your best option.
How to avoid problems with composite decking?
For now, I’d say the best way to avoid problems with composite decking are to avoid it altogether and stick with wood. You may be one of the lucky ones who installs composite decking and gets away with it, or you may end up constantly on the phone trying to persuade them into the honoring their warranty, which is extremely hard to do.
Is Timbertech Azek a PVC deck board?
Only wholesale big box store product that is even somewhat decent and at least better than any of the others, is Timbertech Azek. It’s not a true PVC deck board however it is Vinyl. They call it Armor Allow Technology.. whatever that means. Check their lawsuit 3 years ago.
Is Wolf PVC decking good?
Wolf PVC decking is very good too. It’s 100 percent PVC and it’s equipped with an ASA capstock as well. It’s not as good as Vekadeck. Even though it’s the PVC and ASA, it’s what’s in the mix of the product. All vinyl is not created equal! They have a nice wood grain texture but not as pronounced but still nice. They have a lot of super nice colors. It’s a good board, I’d place it up there in like the top 3 you can buy.
Is Azek a good PVC deck?
I’m surprised by a lot of these comments. Most of these products are not very well performing. Azek is OK. They actually got in a lot of trouble and settled a major lawsuit just a couple years ago for marketing their product as PVC. It’s not a true PVC deck product and many customers had issues around 10-15 years. So they created their own term called Armor Alloy Technology. It is NOT a true PVC product. Many people in these comments are wrong and spreading false information.
What is the key to success?
The key to success is to use the proper product for what you are trying to do. The big box stores sell mid level products — “it’s the best we sell” . Has no relevance to the overall market.
How much does a vinyl deck railing cost?
Finally, vinyl deck railing is well priced. I choose a well priced, not cheap. Vinyl railing from a big box store will start around $48 a linear foot, a reasonable price for what you get. Vinyl is almost four times the price of similar basic wood railing design for material but with significant savings in labour. Vinyl is slightly more about 20% or so than Aluminium Railing, which requires about the same amount of labour. Largely leaving the decision on you, not your wallet between vinyl or aluminum railing.
What is the best material for a deck railing?
Vinyl a standard home construction products from windowsills, siding to shower stalls. Look around your house, and you will most likely see something made of vinyl, which is why vinyl deck railing is a popular option, but with its many pros and cons. The most significant pros of vinyl deck railing are low maintenance and durability.
Why does vinyl railing have white powder?
Another con of vinyl railing is for the first few seasons, a white chalky powder will show up on the vinyl, as a result of oxidization. Not a problem as it can easily be washed off, but at times brushing up against the railing will leave a fine white powder on clothes or hands. Something to be aware of.
When was vinyl deck railing first introduced?
One of the struggles with reviewing vinyl deck railing is its age. Vinyl railing was first introduced in the mid-eighties to residential construction , and as with all innovations, it experienced some growing pains.
How to clean vinyl?
Cleaning of vinyl is easy with soap and water. No special chemicals or tools, just a damp cloth and a bucket of water with soap, or a low-pressure power washer. Vinyl easily wipes and cleans off. Vinyl is Resistant to scratching a hard surface preventing scratches.
Is vinyl deck railing better than aluminum?
Which is significant. There are some trades offs in design and feel from composite, but vinyl is the less expensive option. If the goal is low maintenance railing on a budget and the look of aluminum does not work. Vinyl deck railing is an excellent option, a good price but a more classic deck railing style.
Does vinyl repel insects?
Another part of vinyl’s durability is resistant to insects. There is nothing in vinyl that attracts or appeals to insects. Unlike wood, which provides both food and homes for insects, vinyl does not. Helping the railing lasting for years.