Wood vs PVC decks – construction experts reveal which is best for your yard

There are two common choices when building a deck: wood or PVC. These two materials dominate deck construction but have very different attributes that can make or break your outdoor space.

While wood is cheap, it can be hard to maintain, and while PVC is fuss-free it can look a little artificial.

I spoke to construction experts about their experiences with both types of decking and their advice about which is best for your deck ideas.

What's the difference between wood and PVC decks?

Wood decks are exactly as they sound - a deck made from any wood species, whether it cedar, pine, or something fancier like teak or ipê.

PVC decks, on the other hand, are made from 100% polyvinyl chloride, a plastic. It's the same plastic you find in soda bottles and bank cards. PVC decks are different from composite decks, which combine plastic with wood fibers.

Renovation expert Mark Lumpkin explains that: 'Wood decks are made from real wood (gives a warmer, more traditional look and can be refinished/redone over time) while PVC decks are synthetic and are made up to provide uniformity in the look and low maintenance. Take, for instance, the aging process of a wood deck, which develops character over time; a PVC deck retains its sameness after weathering.'

Mark Lumpkin

Mark has decades of hands-on experience in construction, tiling, flooring, cabinetry, siding, and painting. He has set up over 500 market-leading short-term rental spaces.

Which is cheapest material per foot?

There's no competition when it comes to price. Wood is almost always much cheaper than PVC, especially common wood species like cedar and pine.

Contractor Bar Zakheim explains: 'Most decks are made of wood because it's significantly cheaper. While exact pricing depends on which specific material you're using and prevailing market conditions, a good guideline is that PVC is going to cost about double what traditional wood costs.'

However, there are exceptions. Tropical hardwoods like teak, garapa, and ipê will likely cost more than PVC to source.

You also need to consider maintenance. Apart from long-term sun damage, PVC decks need very little maintenance, but wood decks need to be sealed and stained every three years or so.

Mark Lumpkin says: 'In general, wood decks are typically less expensive per foot to install than PVC/average (PVC is often 70% more expensive for deck surfaces), but the price savings upfront usually may not be worth it when you consider the costs behind the sealing, staining, and replacing of wood deck surfaces that would fall later on.'

Bar Zakheim

Bar is a licensed general contractor and military veteran. He co-owns Better Place Design & Build with his brothers, in San Diego.

What are the benefits of a wood deck?

As well as being cheaper, wood decks tend to look much better than PVC decks. PVC decks can look artificial, whereas wood has a rustic charm that feels much more authentic in outdoor spaces. Wood even smells better than PVC, bringing homey, woodsy scents once warmed in the sun.

Wood decks are also more customizable than PVC. While you can't completely change the underlying color, you can experiment with different stains and seals to bring out different characteristics of the wood. You can also paint wood decks in different colors, and painting wood is much easier than painting PVC, which needs specialist paint.

Wood is also much more sustainable than PVC. If you worry about the environment, sustainably sourced wood is much better for the planet than PVC, which is derived from petrochemicals. You can even build decks with reclaimed wood from old barns and pallets for an especially eco-friendly deck.

What are the drawbacks of a wood deck?

The big drawback with wood decks is that they're susceptible to decay. While pressure-treated pine and cedar are designed to resist rot and insect damage, no wooden deck is totally protected from decay. This decay means the deck can warp, ruining the look, and it means the wood can splinter, which can be dangerous to walk on. In the worst cases, wood can rot so badly that it can collapse.

This decay means that wood decks need a lot of work compared to PVC decks. Preserving a wooden deck means resealing and re-staining it every few years. It's simple DIY, but it takes a lot of time. If you don't have the time or ability, hiring a team to maintain your deck can be a big ongoing cost.

Mark Lumpkin gave me a great summary: 'Poor weather resistance, rot, insect damage, and the need for regular maintenance make a wood deck a challenge.'

What are the benefits of a PVC deck?

The big benefit of a PVC deck is that it's incredibly easy to maintain. PVC doesn't need any extra maintenance apart from clearing it from snow or sweeping up leaves.

Bar Zakheim says: 'PVC is much longer-lasting than wood and requires less maintenance. A wooden deck might last a decade or two if you regularly clean it, re-stain it, seal it, and replace broken or rotten parts. A PVC deck will last at least that long with zero required maintenance.'

PVC decks are available in a wide range of colors and prints that are impossible with standard decks. This makes them a good choice for minimalist and contemporary gardens.

What are the drawbacks of a PVC deck?

The big drawback with PVC is that it's expensive to buy and install, as covered above.

On top of that, PVC looks worse than wood. Mark Lumpkin says: 'Not everyone appreciates the unnatural look, which can often make the deck exterior design feel a touch too plastic.'

Not only do they look a little artificial, but the material isn't perfect. Mark adds that 'PVC decks also tend to absorb a lot of heat, which can make them unpleasantly hot to walk on in sunny weather.'

Moreover, while PVC decks need little maintenance, cheaper options can still take on sun damage and fade over time, which may need some maintenance with a PVC cleaner and PVC stain.

In the end, wood is a great option if money is tight and you don't mind a little DIY. However, if you have a bigger budget and dislike maintenance, PVC is a better option. But picking between these two materials is only the start. Considering the differences between different species of wood is the only way to find the best wood for your deck.