With the number of developments in woodworking, you can find just about anything these days. One of these developments is the growing interest in building decks made from PVC plank decking. You see, not only is this a great way to make your outdoor space inviting and beautiful, it’s also an excellent and sustainable alternative to wood decking. However, as with all other materials, there are pros and cons when using PVC decking. Let’s take a closer look at what they are and how you should integrate these into your home design.
What is PVC Decking?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It’s a type of resin used to make a lot of different products, including plastic pipes and fittings, vinyl flooring, and more. Because of its durability and easy-to-maintain properties, it’s also being used to make decking material. PVC is a good choice as it’s lightweight, has a long lifespan, and is resistant to rot, fungi, and mildew. You may have seen PVC decking in your local store. This is the stuff that’s used to make recycled wood look like wood again. It’s different from wood decking, but it can still be used to build decks.
Why use PVC Decking?
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option for building a deck, PVC plank decking is a great choice. Not only is this material durable and attractive, it’s also a very sustainable option, providing you with a long-lasting and cost-effective way to enjoy your outdoor space. If you’re interested in building a deck with low maintenance requirements and minimal impact on the environment, you don’t want to miss out on this choice. And if you’re interested in building a deck to increase the value of your property, this type of decking could be the perfect fit. In addition to these benefits, PVC also provides you with a durable option for decking.
The Pros of Using PVC Planks
– Durable and Long Lasting – PVC plank decking has a lifespan of around 25-30 years, making it a long-lasting solution. The lifespan of wood decks is much shorter, typically lasting only 10 years. When you choose to build your deck with this resin, you can rest assured that you won’t need to replace it for a long time. Furthermore, you can count on the material to look great for this period. – Low Maintenance – Another reason to choose this material as your decking material is how low-maintenance it is. Unlike other decking options, PVC plank decking requires no maintenance. As a result, you don’t need to worry about chemicals, sealing, or other treatments. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean it and protect it from the elements. – Minimal Impact on the Environment – Not only is PVC a low-maintenance choice with minimal impact on the environment, it’s also a carbon-sequestering option. When you choose this decking material, you can take advantage of the carbon-sequestering properties of the resin to help reduce the carbon footprint of your home.
The Cons of Using PVC Planks
– Expensive – PVC plank decking is an expensive option. If you’re considering installing it yourself, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of materials. On the other hand, if you hire a contractor to build your deck, the expense will likely be higher than with other decking materials. – Not As Easy To Install – While the installation process is straightforward, PVC plank decking is not as easy to install as other options. You’ll need to use special equipment, and it can be difficult to work with the material if you’re not experienced. – Varies by Color – Like other types of composite decking, the color of PVC plank decking will vary. Because it’s not made of natural wood, however, the color won’t be as vibrant or natural as it would with wood.
Final Words – Should You Use PVC Decking?
Although PVC plank decking is a great option for building a deck, it does have some cons associated with it that you should be aware of. If you’re interested in building a deck with low maintenance requirements and minimal impact on the environment, you may want to think twice before using this material. And if you’re interested in building a deck to increase the value of your property, you may want to consider other options. There are a number of things to keep in mind when deciding if you should use PVC plank decking or not. With that being said, if you’re interested in building a deck to improve the value of your property, you may want to consider another option. With a deck made from PVC, you can build a beautiful space that requires minimal maintenance and has a low impact on the environment. But with the cons of using it in mind, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not this is the right choice for you.