If this is your first time planning an outdoor deck, you might assume they're all essentially the same. Aren't they all just wood? Not quite. No two decks are identical, and many built today don't use wood at all.

Composite decking material and PVC are two of the most popular choices right now. So which is better — composite or PVC? Here's a closer look at both so you can make the right call for your project.

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking boards are made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic. This combination gives them the appearance of wood while offering greater longevity. Unlike natural wood, composite is resistant to moisture, insects, and fading — and requires very little upkeep. You can also choose from custom colors and wood grain finishes to complement your home's exterior.

Composite decking materials have transformed the way outdoor spaces are built. The material has been around since the late 1980s and has made quality outdoor living spaces more achievable and affordable than ever before.

What Is PVC Decking?

PVC decking — also known as polyvinyl chloride — is made entirely from plastic, with no wood fibre content. This distinction makes it particularly well suited to poolside and waterfront installations, as it doesn't absorb moisture at all. Like composite, PVC requires minimal maintenance: no staining or sealing needed, and it's far less susceptible to mold and insects than wood.

PVC can be finished to mimic the look of premium wood species like redwood, ipe, and mahogany. It's also straightforward to clean — being all plastic, it can even be pressure washed without any concern.

Capped vs. Uncapped Decking

Both composite and PVC decking are available in capped and uncapped forms. Uncapped options cost less upfront but are more vulnerable to fading and mold growth over time if not well maintained.

Capped decking features a protective polymer shell applied during manufacturing. Many of these shells include UV inhibitors, which extend the life of the deck and help prevent sun-related fading. When comparing composite and PVC, it's important to make fair comparisons — capped products shouldn't be weighed against uncapped ones.

What Composite and PVC Have in Common

Before weighing the differences, it helps to understand what these two materials share. Both are cost-effective, low maintenance, moisture-resistant, insect-resistant, and scratch-resistant, and both come in a wide range of attractive colors. The real question isn't which is superior — it's which one better suits your specific needs.

Advantages of Composite Decking

Because composite boards contain wood fibres, they look and feel closer to natural wood than PVC. That wood grain texture also provides better slip resistance, making composite a safer choice for pool surrounds — especially where children are involved.

Composite also handles temperature fluctuations better. PVC tends to expand and contract more noticeably with rapid temperature changes, which can affect structural stability over time. The wood fibre content in composite makes it more dimensionally stable.

In summary, composite decking offers more realistic wood appearance, better slip resistance, and greater resistance to deformation from temperature changes.

Advantages of PVC Decking

One of PVC's standout benefits is that it's recyclable. When composite boards reach the end of their lifespan — typically 25 years or more — they generally go to landfill. PVC can be recycled and repurposed, making it the more environmentally sustainable option in that respect.

PVC is also more resistant to mold and mildew. While both materials perform well in this area, composite still contains organic wood fibres that can, in certain conditions, support mold growth. PVC has no organic content, so mold has nowhere to take hold.

Finally, PVC is a lighter material, which makes it easier to transport, handle, and install — particularly useful for elevated or hard-to-reach applications.

In summary, PVC decking offers recyclability, superior mold and mildew resistance, and lighter weight.

How to Choose the Right Decking Material

Both materials are high quality, and the right choice comes down to your environment and priorities.

If you live near the ocean or in a high-humidity climate, PVC is the stronger choice given its superior resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew. If your area experiences significant temperature swings or intense heat, composite's greater dimensional stability gives it the edge. And if the look and feel of natural wood is important to you and you'd prefer a low-maintenance alternative, composite decking is likely the better fit.