PVC decking is becoming more popular and a lot of companies have started manufacturing their own products in the last few years. This list will take you through some of the best ones available right now and answer any big questions you have about PVC decking.
What is PVC Decking?
PVC decking is made from 100% recycled plastics. It is a durable material that is made to look like wood, but doesn’t have a lot of the drawbacks of natural wood. It is completely waterproof and you won’t have issues with mold and insect damage. PVC decking is also a great eco-friendly option because it is completely recyclable.
6 Best PVC Decking Brands
There are a number of different PVC decking brands on the market and more companies are coming out with their own offering as it grows in popularity. These are the best ones out there right now.
1. Azek Decking
Azek PVC decking is an incredibly durable product that offers excellent resistance to the elements. It comes with a 50 year no stain/no fade guarantee and a lifetime durability guarantee. Their decking is available in 3 styles; Harvest, Arbor, and Vintage. They are all available in different wood shades, so you can find the perfect style for your home.
The Azek boards are solid, so they are quite heavy, which can be an issue during installation. However, it does mean that they’re incredibly strong. The material is very scratch-resistant too, so your Azek decking will last for decades without much need for maintenance at all.
Azek is one of the most expensive options on the market, but you get what you pay for because it’s also one of the best all-around products.
See more about AZEK and options on TimberTech.com here.
2. Fiberon PVC
Fiberon PVC decking is the best choice for installation around pool areas, but they’re excellent for standard decking too. They offer two main ranges; Paramount and Promenade.
The Paramount range is a durable, low-maintenance PVC material with excellent slip resistance. It’s also incredibly lightweight, especially compared with a heavier product like the Azek PVC decking. This makes it suitable for installation on or around water (pool areas, for example). The PVC won’t be degraded by saltwater or chlorine either.
They are also designed so they don’t warp when exposed to water. If you’re looking for a decking material that will stand the test of time around a pool, Fiberon Paramount is a great choice.
The Promenade range is Fiberon’s standard PVC deck range. It comes in a variety of different wood colors and it still has the same excellent slip-resistant texture as the Paramount range. It’s also suitable for use around water too. If you want something with a more classic wood effect, the Promenade range is great.
See more about Fiberon PVC here on FiberonDecking.com.
3. VEKAdeck
One of the best things about VEKAdeck PVC decking is that it is specifically formulated to deal with the shrinkage issue. Most PVC decking expands and contracts a lot as the temperature changes, and this needs to be accounted for during installation. Often, this means that there are larger gaps between boards. But VEKAdeck won’t expand or contract more than 0.05%, which makes for easier installation.
VEKAdeck also has a nice heavily embossed grain pattern to make it look as close to real wood as possible. It’s also very water-resistant and scratch-proof too, and doesn’t require any maintenance.
See more about VEKAdeck here on vekaolp.com.
4. Tivadek PVC Decking
Tivadek claims to have one of the most durable PVC products on the market, and the promise holds up. The core is made from carbon nanotubes with a durable coating on the outside, making for an incredibly strong board that is scratch resistant, waterproof, and won’t fade in the sun.
They also have a great hidden fastener system so you can easily hide the heads of the screws during installation, giving you an excellent flush finish.
Tivadek offers 3 different ranges; Modern, Architectural, and Designer. The Modern range has less traditional colors like Charwood and Birchwood. The Architectural range is more classic colors like Beechwood or Walnut. The Designer range still has more realistic wood colors, but they’re slightly more exotic (Tigerwood, Ashwood, etc.)
Overall, Tivadek is one of the toughest PVC decking options there is, so if you live in a particularly harsh climate, this is the one to go for.
See more about Tivadek PVC Decking here on tivabp.com.
5. Wolf Serenity Porch
The Wolf Serenity Porch range is, as the name suggests, a PVC system designed specifically for porches. It is made using the same durable PVC material that is used for the Wolf decking, but the boards are narrower and they have a tongue and groove shape so they fit together and give a flush surface.
There are 3 different ranges available; Tropical Hardwoods, which is designed to mimic common hardwood materials. The Seaside range has Sand Castle and Harbor gray. The final range, the Americana range, is slightly different from the other two. The boards are ¾ inch thick instead of an inch. Just like all of the other Wolf PVC decking products, the porch ranges all come with a 50 year warranty.
See more about Wolf Serenity Porch decking on wolfhomeproducts.com.
6. Zuri by Royal
Zuri PVC decking is more limited in terms of the colors, but it is one of the more realistic options. You can choose from Pecan, Chestnut, Walnut, Brazilia, and Weathered Gray, and they all look pretty close to the real thing, especially compared with other PVC decking.
Zuri decking has been put through rigorous stain and UV testing and has passed easily. It also comes with a 25 year Color Fastness Warranty. All of the colors are available as square or grooved boards too.
The major downside to this decking is the price. It’s more expensive than Fiberon and Azek, and those other brands give you more choice of colors.
See more bout Zuri here on royalbuildingproducts.com
PVC Decking FAQs
How Long Does PVC Decking Last?
PVC decking doesn’t go moldy or rot, and it doesn’t get scratched up or dented easily either. So, compared with real wood, it lasts a long time. If you want to get an idea of how long it will last, just take a look at the warranties that companies offer. Azek offers a lifetime durability guarantee because they’re confident that their decking material will not split or crack in that time. They also offer a 50 year guarantee on the color because the decking won’t fade.
Theoretically, PVC decking will easily last 50 years or more because plastic doesn’t degrade and it is completely resistant to moisture. Some cheaper options may start to fade but even then, they’ll last decades without any maintenance.
Is PVC Decking Expensive?
Yes, when compared to natural wood or composite decking, PVC is the most expensive option. However, you have to consider the overall cost of ownership. If you have a natural wood deck, you need to stain or seal it every year or two to keep it in good condition. Real wood won’t last as long either, so you’ll have to replace it more often.
So, even though PVC decking is more expensive upfront, it is an easier and more cost-effective option in the long-term.
Why is PVC Decking Popular?
There are a number of key reasons why PVC decking is so popular. The main one is how durable and low-maintenance it is. You don’t have to worry about moisture causing mold and mildew, and you don’t need to treat the boards to protect them. Cleaning them is quick and easy too, just rinse them down with a hose. The longevity is another big plus. PVC decking will last for decades and decades without needing to be replaced.
PVC decking also gives people more options. You can get colors that simply don’t exist naturally, so if you are going for a more modern design, you have more freedom.
Finally, it’s a great eco-friendly option because it’s made from 100% recycled plastic.
What are the Common Problems with PVC Decking?
Although PVC decking is excellent for a lot of reasons, it does have some drawbacks. Heat retention is one of the most common problems with PVC decking. Plastic holds the heat much better than wood, so on a sunny day the decking will get very hot. This can make it quite uncomfortable to spend time on. Darker colors hold the heat much more too.
The price can be a downside for some people too because composite or natural wood is cheaper. However, when you consider the long-term maintenance costs, this isn’t too much of a concern.
Fading can sometimes be a problem, but only with cheaper products. Most of the PVC decking on this list comes with a color guarantee.
Is PVC Decking Different from Composite Decking?
Yes, although they use the same materials. PVC decking is made from 100% plastic while composite decking is made with a combination of plastic and natural wood fibers. This gives composite a slightly more realistic look, but it means that it is prone to mold and mildew and it’s not quite as durable as PVC. Composite decking is also cheaper than PVC decking. Read our detailed guide on PVC vs Composite decking here.
Why Choose PVC Over a Wood Deck?
Natural wood decks are great and if you don’t mind sanding them down, staining and sealing them every year or two to keep them in good condition, that’s great. But once the rot sets in or they get covered in mildew, it’s a lot of work to bring them back to life. A PVC deck, on the other hand, doesn’t really require any maintenance at all once it’s installed. It also lasts a lot longer before it needs replacing.
Read our related article: 7 Best Composite Decking Brands in 2022
Final Thoughts
PVC decks are becoming more popular because, even though some people still prefer the real thing, it’s impossible to deny the benefits. The range of products is growing all the time as they get more popular. All of the PVC decks on this list will serve you well for years to come.
Azek is one of the best all rounders, but they’re also the most expensive. Tivadek is the most durable on the list, Fiberon is best for pool areas, and the Wolf range is ideal for porches. If you are fed up with deck maintenance, why not make the switch to PVC?
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.