Most people have heard of PVC piping, but PVC is also used as a decking material. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and this type of decking contains no actual wood. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most commonly used polymer and is used in everything from bottles to credit cards. PVC decking is more expensive than other types, but it has some pretty great pros that we think balance out the cost.
The Pros. PVC decking is one of the best –maybe even the best — deck material for avoiding fading, staining, and mould. While a little fade and staining can be expected after several years, PVC is easily one of the most resistant materials to both. Another great benefit to PVC is that it’s very easy to clean and requires almost no maintenance. A quick sweep to get the leaves off in fall and a bit of time with the hose in spring should just about do it. PVC should never need to be stained, sanded, or painted. Some PVC decking is also made from recycled material and allows for making an eco-friendly option.
Cons. We’ve already mentioned one of the largest drawbacks of PVC decking: the cost. There’s no point hiding it, PVC decking is expensive. Fortunately, the low maintenance and longevity help to balance the initial cost. There’s no need to pitch in an extra couple hundred dollars for paint every other year nor the hard labour that can come with sanding. For some, that more than covers the extra cost. It’s also important to note that since PVC decking doesn’t have any actual wood, the texture and foot feel is different than even composite decking which is a mix of plastic and wood. For some, the plastic texture just doesn’t cut it.
At TimberTown, we think PVC is a pretty great option for building a deck. Of course, there are many other great options. Composite decking that we mentioned earlier is also fantastic. But regardless of which material you choose, if you’re looking to build a deck, TimberTown has what you need. Come visit us at a location near you today!
