Vinyl & Wood Alternative Decking

Vinyl

• Vinyl decking has some notable advantages over traditional wood decking. Although it costs more than lumber, its ability to resist rot, splintering and decay may make it a worthwhile investment. It also presents none of the irregularities found in natural wood, and this uniformity means that less building material goes to waste. Vinyl decking consists of a material called PVC, or polyvinylchloride, though it may also contain carbon or glass fibers. PVC decking comes in hollow or solid varieties. While this material does not always match the sheer beauty of natural wood, it offers a number of color choices and installs more easily than most wood products.

Composites

• Composite decking contains a plastic such as high-density or low-density polyethylene, high-density polypropylene or in some cases PVC, according to the Backyard America website. Manufacturers reinforce the plastic with natural materials such as wood fibers, wood flour or rice hulls to create the final product. As with vinyl decking, composite decking resists splintering and decay, with fewer structural defects than natural wood, and comes in a variety of available colors. Its hardness also discourages scratches or other surface damage.

Other Materials

• Some of the newer plastic decking options do not qualify as composites because they do not include any natural reinforcement materials. Other decking options include fiberglass, stone, vinyl-covered steel and aluminum. These products offer their own advantages, such as structural strength and resistance to fire or corrosion, and may prove particularly well suited for specific circumstances. Stone decking, for instance, appeals to homeowners in fire-prone areas.

Considerations

• Selecting of the ideal decking material for your needs ultimately depends on your priorities. Plastic-based decking made from recycled materials can be a good option for homeowners concerned with the environment. Budget-minded remodelers may have to weigh the superior durability of plastic and other non-wood decking against these materials’ relative costliness. At time of publication, you can expect to pay an average of $2.50 per square foot for composite decking and $2.70 for vinyl, instead of $1.50 or less for natural woods, according to RepairHome.