Is PVC Decking A Good Choice?

Years ago, decks were almost always made from wood. That's changing. More recently, some deck contractors have begun using materials other than wood. One such material is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. PVC is not the perfect deck material and it does have some shortcomings — as do all materials. However, it also has a lot of benefits, which is why it has become so popular. Keep reading to learn more about PVC decking so you can decide whether it fits your needs.

Advantage: It does not rot.

Rot is a big concern with wood decks. It is hard to entirely prevent water from pooling on the deck, which means decking is often exposed to moisture for longer periods. PVC can tolerate this. It is impervious to rot, and the continual water exposure does not cause any other damage, either. After all, PVC was a pipe material long before it was a deck material.

Disadvantage: PVC decking is not cheap.

You'll often pay more for PVC decking than for wood decking. Not only do the materials cost more, but installation can take longer, and that also adds to the cost.

Advantage: PVC decking does not require painting or staining.

Wood decks need to be stained or painted. The work of re-staining or repainting your deck can really add up over the years. With PVC decking, you do not have to do any of this work. If you're busy and don't want to spend your weekend working on your deck, PVC can be a great choice.

Disadvantage: PVC decking can get brittle when cold.

When it is really cold outside, PVC can get a little brittle. It is generally fine to walk on your deck when it's cold, but if you bump into it with a lawn mower or accidentally drop a heavy object on it, then it may crack. 

Advantage: PVC decking comes with a good warranty.

This is a manufactured product, and several brands make it. Generally, it will come with a good warranty, which means that if the decking cracks or breaks within the warranty period, you will not have to pay for repairs or replacement. This can give you peace of mind and perhaps also save you some money.

Consider the pros and cons above to decide whether PVC decking is a good choice for you. It comes in many colors, so it is easy to choose a PVC deck material that coordinates with your home.