The Differences Between Plastic and Composite Decking

Plastic and composite decking both offer a lot of value, but they’re very different. Think of them like Cheerios and Wheaties: they’re both made from whole grains, but they have very different characteristics.

Composite decking contains natural wood fibers mixed with virgin or recycled plastic. It’s heavier than PVC and should be anchored to joists that are rot-resistant pressure treated lumber.

Durability

As long as the material is well maintained, a deck made from composite materials can last up to 20 years. Composites are designed to dry more quickly than wood and their textured, grooved surfaces help with traction underfoot. Removing snow is easy enough with a plastic shovel (metal shovels can cut and damage the surface).

Most manufacturers of composite wood plastic composite use a process called co-extrusion to combine organic fibers with recycled plastics to create a dimensional lumber board shape. These boards are then capped with polymer to improve water resistance and performance.

Some manufacturers try to make all-plastic decking that looks and acts more like natural wood. However, all-plastic decking is less stable than wood and experiences a lot of expansion and contraction during temperature changes. This can result in unsightly gaps between the boards. Some all-plastic decking is also prone to staining from food and grease. Moreover, it easily absorbs sunlight and can become hot underfoot.

Low Maintenance

Many homeowners choose plastic decking as a less-demanding alternative to traditional wood decks. Although it stands up to the elements better than most types of wood, it still needs to be swept or hosed occasionally to remove dirt buildup and to keep mold and other growth under control.

Composite and PVC decking are made of a variety of recycled and virgin plastics combined with wood fibers or other fillers and additives. The core is usually made of cellular plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Manufacturers may add pigments to the cellular plastic or wood to create different color options. Some manufacturers use tonal variations and deep wood grain to make the plastic look less like plastic and more like stained wood.

Both PVC and composite decking are easy to work with, so installation is relatively straightforward. They are typically screwed down to joists and beams built from pressure-treated wood or other rot-resistant material. The joists should be set well away from the house walls to prevent trapped moisture and rot.

Aesthetics

Since composite decking first hit the market in the 90s it has come a long way in looks and technology. Composite manufacturers are able to offer a look and feel that closely mimics natural wood and is available in a wide range of colors and textures.

Most composite decking is made of a mix of wood fibers and plastics. While non-capped composites were the initial product on the market, manufacturers like TimberTech and MoistureShield now primarily carry fully capped composite varieties that are water-resistant and have an antimicrobial coating to resist mold and mildew.

For a more traditional approach, brands like Lumberock and Fiberon use a proprietary blend of mineral fills and high-density polyethylene plastic to create a capped board that looks similar to wood yet is water-resistant and has an antimicrobial shield to protect against mold and mildew. Additionally, both of these brands have a limited lifetime warranty.

Installation

Both PVC and composite decking require proper installation to reduce future maintenance issues. Because both expand and contract during temperature changes it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for spacing, gaps, and hidden fasteners. Both products also have “hidden” fastening options which reduce the outward appearance of installed boards for a more polished look.

Many of the plastics used in composite decking come from recycled milk jugs and other food containers, motor oil cans, and cutting boards. This recycled material is combined with cellular plastic to form composite decking. The solid plastic wrapper, or capstock, may be a different color than the core to create a wood-grain look. The caps are coated with UV inhibitors to help protect the plastic from degradation and discoloration.

A wood-plastic composite is not immune to the accumulation of dirt, sand, and rock salt over time. However, sweeping the product with mild soap and water usually removes the debris. For a deep clean, a scrub brush is recommended.



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