PVC decking is one of the hottest new trends in the decking industry right now. PVC decking materials, sometimes called plastic decking, provide several distinct advantages over composite decks, including improved overall durability and long-term performance in various weather conditions. While PVC has some advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. As an expert Denver deck builder, I’ve decided to quickly review some of the differences between PVC and composite decking:
Most of the major decking manufacturers, such as TimberTech, Azek, Trex, and Fiberon offer options for both composite and PVC decking. Evergrain and Moistureshield offer only composite options at this time. Each manufacturer offers slightly different characteristics to their specific products, which appeal in different ways to a homeowner or custom deck builder. I’ve installed both PVC and composite decks on various projects in Highlands Ranch, Parker, Littleton, Lonetree, and Greenwood Village. In each of the projects, I noticed various differences between the two materials.
Painting- Both PVC decks and composite decks do not require painting, making both options durable and low maintenance for years to come. Traditional wood decks require a certain degree of maintenance and painting due to the severe weather often found in Colorado. I recently replaced a deck for a customer in Castle Rock who failed to properly maintain the paint on his wood deck, causing it to warp and rot past recognition.
Eco-Friendliness – While composite wood decks are made from recycled wood and plastic, PVC decks are made using new materials. For this reason, composite decks are both less expensive and more eco-friendly to make.
Endurance – Both composite and PVC decks have terrific endurance in harsh weather environments like those found in Colorado, but PVC has the edge here for decks in Denver. Because PVC materials do not contain wood fibers or organic materials, they offer better resistance against mold and color fading. Both surfaces generally offer strong resistance against staining.
If you are thinking about building a composite or PVC deck for your home, it’s important to take each of these factors into account. Either way, custom deck building can be a good way to add to the beauty and value of your home. The Denver real estate market is very favorable towards homes with quality custom decks. Make sure your deck will be here for years to come!
Do you have more decking questions? Feel free to call me any time at 303-400-1433.
Greg Elson, President
Composite decks are the up and coming trend in the custom deck world. Basically anything that you can do with a wood deck you can easily do the same with composite wood. Composite decks hold many advantages compared to traditional wood decks but the main disadvantage is the price. Just remember when you are looking to build a deck, don’t just look at price up front but the maintenance costs and the time you will have to put into the deck. Here are a couple benefits of composite decks that I have discovered as a Denver deck builder:
Painting- Composite decks never need to be painted, they can be made to the color of your choice than you never have to worry about sanding and painting your deck ever again! Colorado weather can be difficult on wood decks, be prepared to paint if you have a traditional wood deck!
Green friendly- Composite wood is made from recycled wood and plastic, which means you are helping the environment!
Endure Weather- Composite decks do not rot and have a very high tolerance I mostly work with Decks in Denver and we see all kinds of weather, in many cases natural wood decks cannot handle the weathering in the long run.
Customization: Being a custom deck builder, I have learned that composite decks pieces can be custom made to fit any form or shape necessary. There is no worry about splintering or incorrect cuts that can be associated with typical wood decks.
Spill/stain friendly- Almost sounds like we are talking about carpet, but composite decks don’t stain, this allows for the occasional wine spill or mustard stain that can easily be sprayed off with a hose.
Remember when you are looking into building a deck or replacing an old deck, look at advantages and disadvantages of wood vs composite and make an educated choice. Where are a couple questions to ask yourself:
Is it worth the price in Colorado to have a composite deck?
Do I want to put my time and money into maintenance a deck?
Will building composite deck in Denver increase the value of the house?
I want a customize deck, will composite wood fit my needs better?
Yes there is a lot more to building a deck than there use to be so if you have any questions or concerns give me a call or email, I will be more than happy to help you with your deck!
There are several trends that I see today in the Denver custom deck market. One of the most prevalent trends that I notice currently has to do with most homeowners looking for the best value. Fortunately there are some materials on the market today which offer just that. Azek, Timbertech, Moistureshield, Fiberon Evergrain and Trex all offer products which if used properly can truly add value to your home. We have an extensive track record with all of them and have toured most of their manufacturing plants.
The right contractor can add or take away value also. A professional design to start with combined with the right materials will add much more enjoyment now and actually increase your re-sale value. That means a good return on your investment and that is more complex than just adding a new deck.
A trap that I see some homeowners fall into today starts with the idea of value but does not end up the way that it should. Placing too much emphasis on price vs square footage can lead to cheap bids from cheap contractors and that can be like playing with fire. Instead of adding something of value and enhancing your lifestyle it can actually detract from it and even cost more in the long run to have someone come in and do it right.
Our main focus is still offering the best built deck with the best materials on the market today all at a fair price and that means value. With almost 20 years [wow, really?] worth of experience focusing on the design and construction of custom decks we know what it takes to stand behind your project even in a slower economy, and that also means value. We service all of Denver and its surrounding areas such as littleton, highland ranch, aurora, centennial, and castle rock
Please call anytime if I can help with your deck project, even if you just have some questions.
Greg Elson 303-400-1433
PVC decking is one of the hottest new trends in the decking industry right now. PVC decking materials, sometimes called plastic decking, provide several distinct advantages over composite decks, including improved overall durability and long-term performance in various weather conditions. While PVC has some advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. As an expert Denver deck builder, I’ve decided to quickly review some of the differences between PVC and composite decking:
