Over the last decade, the decking industry has seen big advancements in the design and innovation of decking materials. Substitutes for timber decking have been introduced with longer lifespans and a range of beneficial properties. Both composite decking and PVC decking have a longer life than traditional timber decking but different properties and costs.
The style, size, use and budget for your outside decking area will determine if a Nordeck PVC or composite decking board is best suited to your needs. This article will explain in detail the differences between our Nordeck PVC and composite decking materials, differing properties and prices, benefits, and samples.
WHAT IS COMPOSITE DECKING?
Composite decking refers to an amalgamation of part wood and part plastic. Our composite mix is made from 60% recycled wood fibres and 40% recycled plastics, together with bonding agents and additives. The result is an eco-conscious and durable decking board that has a natural timber appearance. As there is no need to stain, varnish or sand our composite boards they are attractive and require minimal maintenance.
Cladco Signature composite decking boards come with either a hollow or solid core, with the hollow composite boards being designed to be lightweight and durable. Finish these boards with our end caps to ensure bugs, debris and water do not enter the hollow interior. Solid core composite boards are ideal for commercial areas with higher footfall.
Our ProDeck composite decking range has the same hollow composite material core as the Signature board, with the added capping to increase resistance.
COMPOSITE DECKING PROS & CONS
Advantages of Composite Decking
- Available in a range of colours: Can be designed to match or contrast with your home and garden design.
- Versatile: Hollow or solid core boards are available, ideal for gardens and high-traffic areas respectively.
- Minimal maintenance: due to the material used for composite decking boards, they do not need to be sanded, stained or varnished.
- Low-slip properties: When installed with the narrow grooves facing upwards, both our Signature and ProDeck boards benefit from being low-slip.
- Insect resistant: Due to the dense make-up of these decking boards, insects are unable to burrow into the material.
- Environmentally friendly: The composite makeup is manufactured from 100% recycled components.
- Warranty: Our Signature composite boards have a 15-year warranty, while our ProDeck composite boards have a 20-year warranty.
Disadvantages of Composite Decking
- Aesthetic: These boards are not 100% natural wood and can look slightly synthetic compared to natural wood.
- Price point: They are more expensive than timber boards due to their increased life, and range of benefits.
- Load bearing: Our composite decking boards cannot withstand heavy loads, such as hot tubs, statues and heavy water features.
What is Nordeck PVC Decking?
Nordeck PVC decking is an 100% plastic product - manufactured to look like natural wood, but made from non-wood materials. Designed to require little maintenance with anti-fade and low-slip properties.
Nordeck decking is made from Polyvinyl chloride, a durable synthetic material, and is often paired with an ASA (acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile) core, to create one of the strongest decking boards on the market. Cladco Nordeck decking boards boast these material features to combine a high-quality wood aesthetic with resistant properties.
NORDECK DECKING PROS & CONS
Advantages of Nordeck Decking
- Premium look and feel: Precision-engineered to replicate the texture and finish of real timber
- Available in a range of six natural colours: Can be designed to match or contrast with your home. Nordeck decking can all be one colour, or have a 'picture frame' edging in an alternative colour.
- Structural integrity: Nordeck decking is able to support heavy loads such as hot tubs, statues and water features.
- Low maintenance: This decking does not need to be sanded, varnished or stained, with little general upkeep needed.
- Long-lasting: Nordeck decking boards are made from high-quality materials that give a longer life than both timber and composite boards.
- Resistance: Due to the hard exterior, these boards are scratch and stain resistant, as well as having superior resistance to UV rays, and will not fade over time.
- Solid board: Offering a highly robust board with no need for end caps.
- Warranty: Nordeck decking boards have a 20-year warranty.
Disadvantages of Nordeck Decking
- Man-made: Manufactured from 100% man-made materials and not environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Price point: Nordeck PVC decking boards are more expensive than composite decking boards due to the premium finish, superior properties and longer life span.
COMPOSITE AND NORDECK DECKING PRICES
The cost per square meter for our Signature composite decking boards starts from approximately £42 - not including fixings or accessories.
The cost per square meter for our ProDeck composite decking boards starts from approximately £54 - not including fixings or accessories.
The cost per square meter for a Nordeck PVC decking board is approximately £95 - not including fixings or accessories.
Nordeck decking is a longer lasting, more durable, luxury style of decking with an improved wood like appearance. This is reflected in the difference in prices - you get what you pay for after all.
Composite Decking Board Prices (per board)
Cladco has a wide range of composite decking boards available with prices ranging from £13.90 – £45.54 depending on the length, the hollow or solid core-type and style, varying from original to woodgrain.
| Board | Finish | Price (Per Board) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4m Signature Composite Decking Board | Woodgrain or Narrow Grooves | £13.90 |
| 4m Signature Composite Decking Board | Woodgrain or Narrow Grooves | £23.16 |
| 4m Signature Solid Composite Decking Board | Woodgrain or Narrow Grooves | £33.60 |
| 4m Signature Solid Bullnose Composite Decking Board | Woodgrain or Narrow Grooves | £43.20 |
| 2.4m ProDeck Composite Decking Board | Woodgrain or Narrow Grooves | £17.96 |
| 4m ProDeck Composite Decking Board | Woodgrain or Narrow Grooves | £29.95 |
| 4m ProDeck Bullnose Composite Bullnose Decking Board | Narrow Grooves | £45.54 |
Nordeck Decking Prices (per board)
Nordeck decking boards are a high-quality premium product, with a premium price to match. The 3.6m PVC boards are £64.80 per board and the matching bullnose edging boards are the same price.
| Board | Finish | Price (Per Board) |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6m Nordeck Woodgrain Effect Decking Board | Woodgrain | £64.80 |
| 3.6m Nordeck Woodgrain Effect Bullnose Board | Woodgrain | £64.80 |
WHICH IS BETTER - NORDECK PVC DECKING OR COMPOSITE DECKING?
Perhaps a better question is 'which is better suited to your needs?'. This depends on a number of factors - how you intend to use your decking, the look you want to achieve, what length of time you're investing in and how much budget you have.
Both of our Nordeck decking and composite decking options have a range of similar properties, such as a low-slip surface and resistance to insect infestation.
However, if your deck is going to be withstanding heavy loads, and a large amount of footfall, Nordeck decking would be the better investment, due to its durability and strength.
For those looking for a sustainable and more eco-conscious decking board solution, or a cost-effective product, our range of composite decking is perfect. Our Nordeck decking is a premium quality board, with a 20-year warranty, perfect for those who have found their long-term/forever home and are wanting to get the most out of their outside space.
You can explore and order a sample of our Signature, ProDeck or Nordeck decking boards here.
