Vinyl decking uses a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) system to form an extremely durable, resilient, and waterproof material for outdoor living spaces. Due to advancements in deck materials, DIYers and contractors alike are choosing vinyl over other materials like composite wood or pressure-treated wood. But is PVC worth the hype? Keep reading to find out!
Pros of Vinyl/PVC Decking
Waterproof, slip-resistant, and long-lasting: there are countless advantages to a vinyl deck. Let’s break down some of the benefits of this material.
Waterproof
Does your deck house your hot tub? Do you live in a rainy climate? Is your outdoor living space regularly exposed to water? If so, PVC is the perfect choice for you. With wood decks, moisture is your worst enemy. Regular exposure can lead to rot and warping, which can compromise the structure of your deck over time. On the other hand, vinyl uses polycarbonate that is completely waterproof. Some vinyls, like Weatherdek Plus, even meet building code requirements for roofing materials, meaning you can use them for a rooftop deck to soak up the Kamloops sun!
Durable
Renowned for its durability, vinyl decking is the key for any busy Kamloops homeowner. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, and PVC is also known for being super scratch-resistant. So, next time you host a big backyard barbeque, you won’t have to worry about your guest scratching, staining, or spilling on your brand-new deck. Plus, unlike composite and wood, vinyl won’t fade or warp from extreme sun exposure, which is particularly important in the sunny Kamloops climate.
Low Maintenance
On top of being extremely durable, vinyl decks need almost no maintenance, making them the perfect “set-it-and-forget-it” option for homeowners. Unlike wood decks, you don’t need to worry about restaining or resealing your deck. If your deck gets dirty or dusty, simply wipe it down with soap and water, and it will be as good as new! An added benefit is that most vinyls come with a 15-year warranty, meaning you can spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time enjoying your outdoor oasis.
Customizable
Gone are the days of boring decks! At Dekstar Exterior Solutions, we’ve got over 100 vinyl designs from multiple suppliers, meaning your aesthetic options are endless. Want that classic wood look with none of the hassle? Try Boardwalk from DekSmart Vinyl. Looking for something unique yet simple? Our customers love River Rock, Cobblestone, and Pebblestone. Not sure which pattern is right for you? Visit the Dekstar Exterior Solutions showroom today to start exploring your options!
Cons of Vinyl Decking
There aren’t many downsides to PVC decking. However, it tends to be slightly more expensive and difficult to install than basic wood options.
More Expensive
Unfortunately, all the advantages of PVC come with a cost. This material has a higher price tag than wood and composite, making it a hefty up-front investment for some customers. However, here’s what you should remember: vinyl decking does not require any maintenance and can last over 30 years. So, while you might initially spend more to build your deck, you’ll save money on maintaining or even replacing your deck.
Requires Expert Installation
Brave DIYers, beware: installing vinyl on your own is not for the faint of heart. Unlike wood, PVC is not very forgiving. Even minor errors can impact the overall quality of your deck. Plus, if installed incorrectly, your deck might not be completely waterproof. However, while challenging, installing your own vinyl decking is not impossible, and there are many online resources to walk you through the process! For example, our supplier, Econodek, has a handy vinyl installation guide on their website. Don’t want the hassle? Trust a qualified deck builder like Dekstar Exterior Solutions to take care of it for
Vinyl vs Compostive vs Wood Decking: What is the Best Deck Material for Kamloops?
You might find yourself asking: Is vinyl decking better than composite decking? What about wood?
We hear you—it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the deck materials on the market. The truth is that vinyl, composite wood, and natural wood have unique pros and cons. To help you decide, we’ve broken down the basics of each type of deck material in the table below.
| Vinyl/PVC | Composite | Wood | |
| Lifespan | 25–30years or more | 25–30 years with regular maintenance. | 15–20 years with regular maintenance. |
| Cost | $$ | $$ | $ |
| Maintenance | None required, light cleaning when necessary. | Requires light cleaning somewhat regularly. | Needs to be cleaned and resealed yearly. |
| Durability | Completely waterproof, UV resistant, scratch resistant. | Scratch-resistant, UV-resistant. Uncapped varieties may mould over time. | Will warp, rot, splinter, and wear down significantly over time. |
| Heat Retention | Best for full sun, generally less hot than composite. | Suitable for full sun but can get hot without coverage. | Can become extremely hot in full sun. |
Choose Dekstar Exterior Solutions for Vinyl Decking in Kamloops
So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to one of our favourite decking materials. Have questions that we didn’t cover in this post? Chat with our team; we would be happy to provide more information!
Ready to start building the deck of your dreams? With over 20 years of experience in the Kamloops area, the Dekstar Exterior Solutions team can provide expert guidance when deciding what material is right for you. We stock Deksmart, Weatherdek, Econodek, and Eurodek. Contact us today or visit our showroom for more information!
