PVC vs. Composite Decking: Seattle
A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners in Greater Seattle area.
Deck difference:
When it comes to decking materials, homeowners are often faced with a crucial decision between PVC decking and composite decking. Both options offer distinct benefits, but understanding their differences can help you choose the best material for your needs. This guide provides a detailed comparison of PVC vs. composite decking, including their advantages, maintenance requirements, and overall performance.
Understanding PVC Decking
PVC decking is a synthetic decking material made from polyvinyl chloride. It has gained popularity due to its durability and low-maintenance qualities.
Advantages of PVC Decking:
- Durability: PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, making it an excellent choice for areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional wood, PVC decking does not require staining or sealing. It is easy to clean with just soap and water.
- Variety of Styles: PVC decking is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve the look they desire without the need for frequent upkeep.
- Scratch and Stain Resistance: The non-porous surface of PVC decking resists scratches and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets.
Disadvantages of PVC Decking:
- Cost: PVC decking tends to be more expensive than some other materials, including traditional wood and composite decking.
- Heat Retention: PVC decking can become hot under direct sunlight, which might be uncomfortable for bare feet.
Exploring Composite Decking
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic. It offers a more natural appearance compared to PVC while still providing many benefits.
Advantages of Composite Decking:
- Natural Appearance: Composite decking often mimics the look of real wood, offering a more traditional appearance that many homeowners find appealing.
- Durability: Like PVC, composite decking is resistant to moisture, mold, and pests. It also does not splinter or crack, making it safe and long-lasting.
- Low Maintenance: Composite decking requires minimal maintenance. It does not need to be painted or stained, though periodic cleaning is recommended to maintain its appearance.
- Eco-Friendly: Many composite decking products are made from recycled materials, making them a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Disadvantages of Composite Decking:
- Cost: Composite decking can also be on the pricier side, though it is often comparable to or slightly less expensive than PVC decking.
- Color Fading: Over time, composite decking may experience some color fading due to exposure to UV rays, although advancements in technology have minimized this issue.
PVC vs. Composite Decking: Key Comparisons
1. Cost:
- PVC Decking: Generally more expensive.
- Composite Decking: Slightly less expensive, but pricing can vary based on brand and quality.
2. Appearance:
- PVC Decking: Offers a wide range of colors and finishes but can look less natural.
- Composite Decking: Provides a more wood-like appearance and natural look.
3. Maintenance:
- PVC Decking: Very low maintenance, resistant to stains and scratches.
- Composite Decking: Low maintenance, though it may require periodic cleaning to prevent dirt buildup.
4. Durability:
- PVC Decking: Highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. May become hot in direct sunlight.
- Composite Decking: Durable and resistant to moisture and pests. Less likely to become excessively hot.
5. Environmental Impact:
- PVC Decking: Not typically made from recycled materials.
- Composite Decking: Often made from recycled wood fibers and plastics, offering an eco-friendly option.
Making Your Decision
Choosing between PVC decking and composite decking depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both materials offer excellent durability and low maintenance, but their different aesthetics and cost factors may influence your choice.
For a natural wood look with minimal upkeep, composite decking may be the better option. If you prioritize a wide range of colors and maximum resistance to moisture and stains, PVC decking might be the ideal choice.
In summary, understanding the key differences between PVC and composite decking can help you make an informed decision for your next decking project. Both options provide long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance, but evaluating factors such as cost, appearance, and environmental impact will guide you towards the best material for your home.
Which Deck Will You Choose?
Decks
Additional Information
Seattle Decks – What are the Types of Outdoor Decks to choose from?
Decking might be a costly outlay but can easily add to the charm and value of any family home. When you choose a decking material, you have to look at the type of decking component that you want, how long that component will last for and the kind of maintenance that different kinds of decking materials would need. Know about the different kinds of outdoor decks that you may select from.
Natural stone Decks
It is the best choice for creating a classic, spectacular patio. Decks of stone are great to look at. The slabs are durable and tough, and can last for a long time.
Preserved Soft Wood Decks
Decks that are made out of pressure-treated pine may last for many years when the surface is cared for in a proper way. Pressure-treated lumber, however, can still get warped irrespective of the frequency of treatment of a preserved pine deck. Wood sourced from older pine is not as likely to distort and bend as wood that is obtained from younger trees.
Hard Wood Decks
Hard wood decking material can be an ideal option for anybody who has the deep pockets to buy this luxurious decking material. Although hardwood still requires treatment, it is more durable when compared to other soft wood varieties such as pine. Hardwood is costly and it is often imported due to restrictions in deforestation.
Timber Hybrid Decks
Often, decking timber sees the use of wood composite – which is a blend of plastic and wood fiber. This type of material is growing more and more popular, given that it is long-lasting and the texture resembles that of original wood. Due to the synthetic component, the material can easily be cleaned and there is no absorption of any moisture. This type of material is attractive to look at, and should not split or warp. Timber composite deck materials tend to last for more time than timber.
Vinyl Decks
Vinyl has a similar appearance and feel as wood. This kind of decking can easily be purchased and is hassle-free. It is a wonderful choice for families that have kids, given that the material is able to sustain much abuse. It is easy to mop this material, and it is available in many colors and textures. Vinyl is often chosen as under the sun it does not become hot to touch, which makes it an especially good choice for properties in hot weather countries.
Pressure Treated Wooden Decks - Which Decks Stain Colors Look Best?
It is a truth that pressure-treated wooden decks are often left untouched without coating them in a fetching deck stain color. This is due to the fact that many people feel that they cannot use coating over wood treatment. But that is far from the truth. You can choose from many colors as long as you pick stains that can complement the pressure-treated appearance of your decks. Find out which colors look best for decks restoration after pressure-treating them.
Mahogany Blaze
An amazing rich brown color, Mahogany Blaze has a wonderful effect on rustic treated decks. This type of brown deck stain hue is light in color, and is designed to improve the beauty of wood and let the wood grain shine through well. This is a lovely brown color.
Kona Brown
It is an incredible exotic color that is darker and is inspired by the tropics. This wood Decks Staining color appears amazing on older decks that are pressure-treated and need slightly more coverage for all the flaws. This type of brown deck stain color appears amazing on homes of modern as well as traditional styles, and is tinted deeply with dark tones that remind one of Hawaiian wood work.
Mountain Cedar
This is a sunny, light brown color that has a great effect on Cedar Decks Pressure treated. This color has red notes along with a hint of buttery yellow hues that shine through its color. This amazing finish is inspired by cedar and can improve the loveliness of your wooden deck. It can make your deck come alive even more.
As a homeowner, there is no need for you to remain content any more with pressure-treated decks of standard green color. There are many colors that you can get your pressure-treated decks in, and these can appear as lovely as you would want them to be. You have to ensure that you are choosing the right kind of wooden stain for your deck. Thus, you need to have an idea about the kind of timber that your deck has exactly been constructed with – and whether it was air-dried or dried in a kiln to ensure good stain adhesion. You can find out about this from your local hardware store or builder. You may also check a few wooden deck restoration websites to find out about the best stain that would properly complement your wooden deck that is pressure-treated.
How to Pressure Wash Cedar Decks Properly?
The most prominent effects of deck-cleaning with a power washer can possibly be observed on a wooden deck. Whether you wish to get rid of debris or dirt, or make the deck ready for a fresh finish, using a pressure washer can be the best equipment for handling the task. Find out the steps to get your Cedar Decks pressure treated in a proper way.
Make the area clutter-free
First, you have to shift all your deck furniture to some other place, so that the whole area can easily be cleaned. Attach a 25° nozzle to the pressure washer, and start working. Spray any dirt or loose leaves away. Next, it is recommended that you apply a detergent for the fastest and best cleaning results.
Apply the detergent
Take the pressure washer and attach the black detergent nozzle to it, to be able to apply the detergent to your deck. Fill up the washer’s detergent tank with some detergent liquid that is eco-friendly. Then use the detergent on the surface of the deck. Let it soak for 3 to 5 minutes. A great decks restoration tip is that you must remember to test the detergent first on some invisible region of your deck. The detergent will ensure more effective cleaning by breaking down any surface film or oil. Do not let the detergent get dried. Keep sprinkling water onto the surface, if you are working under direct sunlight.
Reattach the nozzle
Next, reattach the 25° nozzle. Go on sweeping using a side to side sweeping movement. Move the nozzle continuously and at a uniform distance from your deck, so that the cleaning is uniform and the deck surface is not scratched. After you have finished cleaning your deck, continue and give it another spray to loosen up any dirt or detergent. Once the hard work is completed, sit back and allow 24 hrs to the deck to get dried before sealing or decks staining.
It is often that while pressure washing a deck a user needs to maintain an unnatural back angle. Ensure that you wear a brace or take frequent breaks to prevent straining of your back. It will only make pressure washing of your deck a disagreeable experience. If you wish to avoid the hard work altogether, you may hire a professional deck restoration or deck pressure washing service provider in your area and get assistance at competitive rates.