The Surprising Virtues of PVC Decking

Nearly Maintenance-Free, this Decking Offers the Appearance of Wood but Won't Crack, Split, Fade or Stain.

This post is in partnership with Genova Products. All opinions are my own.

If there’s a deck in your future plans, one decision you’ll need to make is what kind of material you’ll use.  There are several from which to choose:  softwood (pine, cedar, redwood), tropical hardwood, composite (mixture of wood and resin) and PVC (plastic).  There are, of course, pros and cons to each of these. The solid PVC option may not be as well-known as some of the others, so let’s take a closer look.

While visiting the International Builder’s Show recently, I stopped by the Genova Products booth.  I didn’t know this, but Genova was among the first companies in the U.S. to introduce PVC plumbing pipe and has a long history with PVC decking.

Lightweight Yet Strong
One big advantage of PVC decking is its light weight.  Whereas, composites and wood are solid, PVC is hollow relying on an I-beam type of construction for strength.  The hollow design also keeps the deck surface cooler to the touch.

Another PVC plus is the fact that the material will not absorb water, making it highly resistant to mold and mildew as well as virtually stain proof.  Also, the material will not rot, warp or crack.

While these are all important pluses, I was concerned about PVC decks being slippery when wet.  However, Genova has developed a surface texture that provides excellent traction despite damp conditions. 

Tongue and Groove Installation
The Genova product installs easily.  Each piece interlocks with the next using a tongue and groove design that guarantees uniform spacing between planks.  All fasteners are concealed insuring a barefoot friendly surface with no visible nail or screw heads.  The boards are available in lengths up to 24 feet, which makes it possible, in many cases, to completely avoid butt joints.

For more information visit genovationsdeck.com