If you want to build a new deck or replace a current one, it's important to consider all of the materials you could use to construct it. Some of the most popular options available include pressure-treated softwoods, plastic lumber and wood plastic composite lumber, which all come with different advantages and disadvantages that could help guide your decision. Here, we'll break down the differences between plastic lumber and wood plastic composite lumber for decking. While they may sound essentially the same, they actually have several important distinctions!
Plastic Lumber for Decking
Plastic lumber can be made from many different virgin or waste plastics, most commonly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Polypropylene (PP). It is 100% composed of plastic and is, therefore, 100% recyclable when the time comes to replace it. Certain kinds of plastic lumber, in particular PVC decking (also known as synthetic decking), can be "capped," or covered with a protective shell to reinforce its durability and make it look a bit more like real wood. It generally has the same density as popular softwoods like white pine and is quite lightweight, making it easier to work with than heavy planks of wood.
Plastic Lumber Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any material, plastic lumber has certain benefits and drawbacks to consider.
| Pros |
|---|
| Lightweight |
| Colored PVC lumber is available for a wider range of style options |
| 100% recyclable |
| Plastic lumber is one of the lightest decking materials |
| PVC decking is resistant to rot, mildew, mold, insects and stains |
| Never needs to be finished/refinished, sanded or sealed |
| Extremely durable |
| PVC decking offers a crisp, clean aesthetic |
| Very low-maintenance |
| Cons |
|---|
| Expensive |
| Can get very hot in sunny areas |
| Can expand/contract, causing joints to loosen |
| Requires special fasteners to install |
| PVC decking generally looks the least like wood |
Wood Plastic Composite Lumber for Decking
As the name suggests, wood plastic composite lumber is made of a mixture of wood fibers and plastic materials. Composite decking is usually heavier than PVC decking, but lighter than traditional wood. While it can be made of sawdust and recycled plastic materials, composite decking itself isn't usually recyclable. Because of its blend of wood and plastic, it often looks more like real wood than pure plastic lumber, especially from a distance. Like plastic lumber, it can be capped with an extra shell of protective coating to make it last even longer.
Wood Plastic Composite Lumber Advantages and Disadvantages
Composite decking has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, some of which are similar to PVC decking.
| Pros |
|---|
| Wood plastic composite lumber can come in a variety of colors and finishes |
| Composite decking looks more like real wood |
| Can be made of recycled materials |
| Boards won't stain or fade |
| Excellent mold, mildew and insect resistance |
| Easily cleaned with soap and water — low-maintenance |
| No annual sanding, sealing or finishing required to keep it looking good |
| Clean, crisp aesthetic |
| Won't split or splinter |
| Cons |
|---|
| While composite decking is more resistant to rot than wood, it can still be affected |
| Heavier than PVC decking |
| More expensive than wood |
| Not always recyclable |
| Up close, it's easy to tell that composite decking is made with plastic |
| Requires special fasteners to install |
| Joists must be spaced no more than 16 inches apart |
Continue Learning About Plastic Lumber & More
We've barely scratched the surface of how plastic and wood plastic composite lumber can be used in construction. To learn more about these materials and the many other ways that plastic contributes to the wood processing industry every day, check out more of the resources available here at A&C Plastics.
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