Composite and PVC decks
Decking that doesn't need a weekend of scrubbing and sealing every few summers, and what to ask before you pick a board.
Composite decking is a blend of wood fiber and plastic; PVC decking is all plastic. Both are made to hold up to moisture without rotting and to skip the staining routine. In the Chippewa Valley, where decks spend months under snow and summers in humid air, that's the main draw.
What are the pros and cons?
- Price. Composite and PVC cost more than treated wood up front. Owners usually compare that against years of cleaning, sealing and replacing split boards.
- Mildew. Composite doesn't rot, but a shaded deck under trees or near water can still grow mildew on the surface. It cleans off, and some product lines resist it better than others.
- Expansion and contraction. Boards grow and shrink with temperature, and Eau Claire goes from below zero to the 90s. Gaps and fasteners have to follow the manufacturer's instructions or boards can buckle or open up.
- Surface heat. Darker colors get hot in full sun. Lighter shades help on a south- or west-facing deck.
- Snow removal. Many manufacturers specify plastic shovels and approved ice melt. Ask what your board's warranty allows.
Can composite go on my existing frame?
Sometimes. If the footings reach frost depth and the posts, beams and joists are solid, a builder may re-deck over the existing frame. But many composite boards call for closer joist spacing than older wood decks used, and the frame now has to last as long as boards that carry long warranties. Expect the builder to probe the joists, check the ledger and hangers, and possibly recommend new framing.
Protecting the frame underneath
A composite deck still sits on treated lumber, and that lumber is where these decks fail. Joist tape over the tops of joists and beams, proper flashing at the ledger, and hardware rated for treated wood all help the framing keep up with the boards.
Matching railings
Most composite lines sell railings to match, and aluminum or cable railings pair well too. See railings and stairs for Wisconsin's guard rules.
Pricing comes from the builder after they've walked the yard, measured, and talked through materials and layout with you. We don't quote prices, and any figure you hear before a site visit is a ballpark at best.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is composite worth it in Eau Claire?
For many owners, yes, because it avoids the cleaning and sealing that wood needs after long, wet winters. It costs more up front, so weigh the total over the years you plan to stay.
Can I shovel a composite deck?
Usually, with a plastic shovel and an ice melt the manufacturer approves. Metal blades and some de-icers can scratch or stain boards, so check your product's care guide.
Related services
More background: Eau Claire deck guide.
Spongy boards, a railing that gives, or a deck you've sketched on a napkin?
Call now and a Chippewa Valley deck builder will help you figure out the next step.