Composite vs Cellular PVC:

by Todd Funfar of Deckmasters

You’ve made the decision to build a new low maintenance deck. Now you have to decide, “Do I go with composite or cellular PVC decking?”
Here’s my advice—Go with the cellular PVC.

  1. Cellular PVC will not scratch under normal wear and tear–that comes from moving furniture and the grill, sand under foot, or even Fido running to chase a rabbit off of the top step.
  2. Cellular PVC will not mold from the inside out like composite sometimes can because it doesn’t have wood flour inside the deck boards.
  3. Cellular PVC will not stain like composites, so you don’t have to worry about sunscreens, hot tub chemicals, grilling mishaps, potato chips or even red wine! You won’t even need a deck cleaner with cellular PVC. The only cleaner you need is soap, water, and a little elbow grease.
  4. Cellular PVC’s color will not fade. Some composites have grayed after a few years. If you should have to replace a cellular PVC deck board a year later, you will not see a difference in color.cellular-pvc-decking
  5. Cellular PVC comes in wood grain and has a Class A fire rating. Some of the cellular PVC grains even come with unique black streaks to make them appear as real wood.
  6. Here’s the bottom line: my opinion is that the upgrade to cellular PVC is worth it. For the slight increase in expense for the deck boards, you will be impressed with the product. It truly will be ultra low maintenance.