Composite Decking vs PVC Decking: Which is Right for You?

Key information

• Composite decking (Good Life, Escapes, Select) is best for general outdoor living areas, al fresco spaces and decks surrounding a pool, offering realistic wood-grain textures and shades that resist fading, staining and splintering.
• PVC decking (Promenade) contains no organic material, making it better for marine and waterside applications like pool steps, jetties and marinas where boards are submerged some or all of the time.
• NexGEN composite and PVC decking is manufactured by Fiberon in North America and backed by up to 50-year stain and fade warranties, with lifetime structural warranties on selected ranges.

Capped composite decking and PVC decking are both low-maintenance alternatives to traditional timber decking, with great longevity and durability for years of fuss-free use.

Which one is right for you will ultimately come down to how it will be used, and the conditions it will be exposed to: The vast majority of residential decking jobs can use composite, whereas PVC is best in high-moisture environments, such as pool steps and jetties, or higher bushfire-prone areas.

Composite decking explained

Composite means ‘made from more than one material’. Composite decking is made from wood fibres and recycled plastics. The quality of the wood materials used will impact the final product; if you want something that lasts, opt for hardwood, solid-filled capped composite boards.

You can use composite decking on a wide range of projects, from low profile decking to poolside set-ups. Splashes and rainfall are fine; full submersion requires a specialty solution like PVC decking for longevity.

Related: What is PermaTech® Composite Decking?

Capped composite vs uncapped composite

Capped composite decking has better protection and durability. For example, PermaTech® boards have a non-porous surface coating that’s like the coating on a golf ball. This creates an extremely hard-wearing layer that’s bonded to the composite core during the manufacturing process. Uncapped composite does not have this layer, making it much less durable or weatherproof – not ideal for an outdoor setting.

NexGEN composite decking ranges are capped for durability and weather resistance. Good Life and Escapes use proven 3-sided PermaTech® capping, protecting the top and sides of every board, while Select is encased in reversible 4-sided capping for maximum protection and extra design flexibility.

While you’ll typically pay more up front for premium capped composite than uncapped options, the value savings and minimal upkeep over time more than make up for it.

Related: Capped vs Uncapped Composite Decking Explained

PVC decking explained

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is a strong synthetic material also used in things like window cladding and trims. However, PVC decking materials have no organic content. They excel in marine applications like pools and jetties where the boards will be submerged some or all the time.

Does PVC look fake?

Not if you buy the right product. In earlier or cheaply made iterations found on the market, using synthetic materials can result in a synthetic look as well. Thankfully, you can find premium options (like our Promenade range) that combine a more convincing natural wood look with PVC’s characteristic ultra-durability.

Is PVC decking worth the extra cost?

It depends on the application. For jetties, marinas, pool steps and other constantly wet environments, PVC’s moisture resistance justifies the higher price. For general outdoor living areas, composite typically delivers comparable looks and durability at better value.

Which one is right for your project?

As a rule of thumb:

Composite decking for outdoor living

Composite suits the majority of residential outdoor living areas, where appearance, value and durability are the priorities. It’s perfect for everyday outdoor living. You get the timber look without the constant upkeep, for a hard-wearing option that stands up to bikes, pets and regular foot traffic. We offer a wide range of composite decking colours in varied wood grain that looks like natural timber.

Composite decking is best for:

• Alfresco entertaining
• Pool surrounds
• Walkways
• Verandahs
• Patios

Related: Composite Decking Colours 101: Everything You Need to Know!

PVC decking for marine applications or higher BAL rating

PVC decking excels where outdoor living meets water – pool steps, jetties, marinas and beachfront properties – and moisture resistance is key to long-term performance. There’s no organic material present to promote mould or mildew growth. Advanced PVC products are typically the stronger option in bushfire-prone areas; our Promenade range is rated to BAL-29.

PVC decking is best for:

• Pool steps
• Jetties
• Marinas
• Beachfront properties

How much do composite and PVC decking cost?

For most residential projects, composite decking represents the best balance of performance and value. It delivers the low-maintenance, long-lasting benefits homeowners want without the price premium of specialist materials.

PVC decking typically starts at a higher price, which reflects its specialist performance in demanding, high-moisture environments rather than everyday outdoor living areas. If your project doesn’t call for that level of moisture resistance, composite is typically the more cost-effective choice.

For a project-specific estimate, try our Composite Decking Price Calculator.

Which gets hotter in the Australian sun, composite or PVC decking?

Darker colours absorb more heat regardless of material, so shade selection matters more than choosing composite vs PVC. For guidance on choosing the right colour and product for full-sun areas, see our article on what to consider when choosing decking for full sun.

Why choose NexGEN?

Our products offer a natural wood-like appearance and are engineered for decades of low-maintenance performance. They solve many pain points of timber decking with:

1. Ultra-low maintenance requirements.

No more oiling, staining, sanding, painting, replacing compromised boards – the right composite decking can give you back your time on the weekends, so you can spend it enjoying your al fresco area rather than maintaining it.

2. Incredible durability compared to other decking materials.

In Australian conditions where extreme heat and extreme cold can both be factors (depending where you live), you need decking that won’t warp, swell, or degrade. Our composite and PVC options are also resistant to insect damage from termites, borers or other wood pests.

3. A weather-resistant finish that doesn’t fade.

Premium composite or PVC decking is designed to withstand UV fading and retain its appearance for years after installation.

Decking made for Australian conditions

NexGEN composite decking and PVC decking is manufactured by Fiberon in North America. Fiberon products are made to the highest QA/QC international standards and sold in over 30 countries, making it a trusted name in manufacturing – not just another white-label import.

NexGEN’s range is specifically designed and tested for Australian conditions. We’ve put our products through their paces so we can promise durability, function and style in any environment – from the humid climates of the top end to the icy winters of the south coast, and everywhere in between.

Related: Composite Decking vs Timber – Costs, Durability & Sustainability

Industry-first warranties and guarantees

NexGEN backs its ranges with up to 50-year stain and fade warranties, and lifetime structural warranties on selected ranges, reflecting the confidence we have in the manufacturing process behind every board.

Start your next decking project with confidence

Your home is your castle. Build your next deck with materials proven to stand the test of time – without compromising on style – when you choose NexGEN’s composite boards or PVC decking.

You can request a free sample to see the colours and textures in your own space or get in touch with our team today for product information or technical advice. We would love to help you find the best composite or PVC product to make your outdoor living dreams a reality.