Composite Decking vs. PVC Decking vs. ASA Decking: A Complete Decking Comparison

• Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, offering a natural wood look with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance.

• PVC decking is made entirely from plastic (polyvinyl chloride), making it highly resistant to moisture, insects, and rot, but it may lack the natural look of wood.

• ASA decking is a type of plastic decking similar to PVC, but with added resistance to UV rays, better color retention, and superior fire resistance. It’s a most expensive and premium choice with excellent durability.

The prices for composite, PVC, and ASA decking can vary depending on the brand, style, and design, but here’s a general breakdown:

• Composite decking is typically made from recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic, which can make it more affordable upfront than PVC and ASA, but may require more maintenance over time.

• PVC decking is made entirely of plastic, which makes it resistant to moisture and insects, but tends to be more expensive than composite while offering lower long-term maintenance costs.

• ASA decking tends to be the most expensive option because it’s a premium material. It offers superior UV-stability, color retention and fire resistance compared to the other two options. Because of its high-end quality, it can be pricier.

So, if budget is a major consideration, composite decking will generally be the least expensive. But if you want higher performance and durability, ASA

ASA decking is the most fire-resistant, followed by PVC decking. Composite decking tends to be less fire-resistant, as it’s a mix of wood and plastic, and can catch fire more easily.

• Composite Decking: Varies depending on the manufacturer, but typically, composite decking made from wood and plastic is more prone to burning than PVC or ASA. Most composites are classified as C-Class or D-Class fire rated. Some manufacturers treat their composites with flame retardants to achieve B-class rating, but they still tend to catch fire more easily than non-combustible materials.

• PVC decking: it is generally more fire-resistant than composite decking. It’s made from a plastic material, which is inherently less likely to catch fire compared to wood or composite options. However, PVC can still melt or warp under extreme heat.

• ASA Decking (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) often combines the benefits of plastic with enhanced durability and weather resistance. While ASA decking is generally considered to have good fire-resistant properties, specific fire ratings may not be as widely reported or standardized compared to PVC and composite options.

PVC and ASA decking are both highly resistant to mold and mildew because they are non-porous. Composite decking can be prone to mold growth if not maintained properly, as the wood fibers can retain moisture.

Composite decking often provides a more natural wood-like appearance compared to PVC, which can look more plastic-like.

ASA decking is known for its superior aesthetic appeal, closely resembling natural wood without the drawbacks of fading or moisture absorption.

Yes, composite decking generally has a lower thermal expansion coefficient compared to PVC, making it less susceptible to warping in high temperatures. PVC can expand significantly under heat, which may lead to structural issues over time.

PVC and ASA decking are both low-maintenance materials. PVC requires the least maintenance since it doesn’t need staining or sealing and is resistant to mold and mildew. Composite decking requires occasional cleaning, as it can accumulate dirt and debris in the wood fibers.

• Composite decking is typically considered the most eco-friendly option because it’s made from recycled wood fibers and plastics.

• PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, which can be less environmentally friendly.

• ASA decking is also a plastic-based material, but its environmental impact will depend on the manufacturing process.