Plastic Deck Material Comparison

Homeadvisor s deck material option guide compares wood vs.

Plastic deck material comparison. Just like composite decking plastic is durable and easy to maintain. Price estimates are per 100 square feet of decking board and don t include the cost of other deck building components. Composite decking a brief history. Find all types of decking materials including aluminum pvc plastic hardwood redwood fiberglass steel ipe cedar eco friendly composites and more.

The most popular plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride pvc although there are also versions made from polyethylene. It is lightweight and has the same density as white pine a softwood. While a deck built with these materials is clearly not natural and won t have the potential beauty of a real wood deck you can choose from an array of colors to mimic a more natural look. Old pvc can be reused over and over again without losing its durability.

Pvc is the most common due to its availability and ease in turning into new material. When compared with wood composite and plastic lumber aluminum decking is three to four times lighter yet two to three times stronger. Non wood alternative materials for outdoor decks patios and porches. Composite decking boards are made out of recycled or reclaimed materials with polyethylene hdpe or ldpe plastic or pvc polyvinyl chloride mixed with wood fiber rice hulls or other fillers as well as a blend of chemical additives.

Some are 100 recycled. Today composite decking comes in a variety of texturized grain patterns and rich variegated colors that replicate wood s natural beauty. Discover which is best for full sun weather durability cost fire resistance and more. Composite decking material uses a combination of plastic and wood fibers.

Can support more weight and last longer than other plastics. Still for a virtually maintenance free deck plastic decking may be the answer. It was only twenty years ago that homeowners were limited to one very synthetic looking type of low performing material. Also called plastic or synthetic decking this is made of cellular polyvinyl chloride pvc the same material that is used for plastic fencing.

Here are four types of decking material to consider. In hot sunny areas plastic decks can get very hot on the soles of the feet and actually radiate heat making them uncomfortable. Gaining in popularity are composite decking materials composed primarily of a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers. Most composite and plastic decking materials contain some portion of old materials.