Composite patio or PVC membrane?

You have a patio construction or renovation project; should you opt for composite wood planks or turn to Bestdeck PVC membrane?

When the time comes to make a choice about the material to use for the surface of a patio, a terrace or a balcony, there are several important factors to evaluate. There are pros and cons associated with each option, and it's not always easy to navigate all the alternatives offered.

One of the options on the market is composite wood planks. These are composed of an aggregation of wood fiber residues, recycled plastics and artificial polymers. They offer certain advantages that have made them a popular choice for the past 10 years.

In this article, we will discuss some of the positive aspects of composite and compare them with what PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membrane can offer. Next, we will dwell on the elements that make Bestdeck an advantageous option.

Comparable aspects between the composite and the PVC membrane

When people choose composite boards, they do so for certain specific aspects that this material can offer.

Maintenance

Another undeniable advantage of composite wood planks is the fact that they require very little maintenance.

The PVC membrane competes perfectly with the composite for those who want to enjoy their patio and not waste too much time cleaning and maintaining their exterior surface. It only requires an occasional simple cleaning and a quick inspection in the spring and fall.

Resistance

Due to its composition, the composite offers great resistance to humidity, rot, fungi and insects.

The PVC membrane rivals patios made of composite wood planks. The components of PVC make it a perfectly waterproof coating, which protects your terrace from all the effects that water and humidity can cause. Installers are trained to provide you with a sealed finished product.

Composite does not warp or crack like some other materials.

The flexibility of the PVC membrane ensures that it adapts perfectly to the surface. So no worries; you will not have to repair cracked boards.

Installation near a water point

The plastics included in the composite in addition to its generally non-slip texture make it an interesting choice for those who wish to have a patio near a water point such as a swimming pool or a spa.

For its part, the PVC membrane is an option of choice for all owners of in-ground or above-ground pools who want to circulate safely and people who want to install a spa on a non-slip and waterproof exterior surface.

The advantages of Bestdeck PVC over composite

On several aspects, the coating offered by Bestdeck is a better choice than the composite; here's why:

General appearance

Composite boards can tend to expand, which can cause long-term issues, primarily for the appearance of your exterior surface.

The products offered by Bestdeck keep their initial shape, and its impermeability protects the material it covers, preventing any expansion that could be caused by humidity.

Choice of colors

The composite offers an interesting range of colors that mimic natural wood. But for some, the choice may seem limited.

However, if you turn to the Bestdeck membrane, not only will you have several colors to choose from reminiscent of natural wood, but you will have options from a large assortment of different colors, patterns and textures.

The price

An essential factor when the time comes to make a decision concerning the construction or renovation of the elements of our home, it is important to evaluate the price of the different options as well as the reasons which justify the amounts requested.

The usual price for a composite plank installation is between $25 and $40 per square foot. As you can see, this is a rather expensive option, especially if you have a large area to build.

The PVC membrane will usually cost around $12 per square foot. This can correspond to a saving of 50% to 200% for the consumer; an undeniable economy for a comparable alternative.

Installation

Renovation projects are never easy, even if they are outside. As soon as they start, we can't wait for them to end.

Installing a PVC membrane on your patio can be up to 2 to 4 times faster than that of composite, which limits the inconvenience for you and your family.

Other advantages for those wishing to avoid large construction sites and what entails are the fact that only one worker can generally do the job, few tools are needed and the job produces little mess, while the Installing composite usually requires 2-3 workers, requires a lot of tools and a large trailer, and creates more dirt and residue.



What to choose?

Although composite wood planks have undeniable advantages, none of them is superior to what PVC coating can offer. Maintenance, resistance and use near water points are rather comparable.

However, the Bestdeck membrane is a superior choice in other important aspects; the general appearance of the product, the choice of colors, the price and the installation.

This explains the fact that more and more homes in North America are opting for PVC membrane to beautify their outdoor environment and offer their family and friends a pleasant place to enjoy during three seasons (some installations sometimes allow it to be used even in winter).

Do you have questions, would you like to know more about the advantages of the Bestdeck membrane over composite, or would you like a quote for your patio? Contact us today!

Author: Lawrence Labbé

Posted on April 19th, 2023