Homeowners cross-shop vinyl decking against composite decking all the time. These aren't the same product. They solve different problems. Understanding which one fits your project is more important than comparing prices.
The big difference in one sentence
Vinyl decking is a waterproof membrane. Composite decking is a board.
That's the fundamental distinction. Everything else follows from it.
Vinyl decking (what this site is about)
A continuous sheet of PVC membrane that's adhered to a plywood or concrete substrate and heat-welded at the seams. The surface is waterproof. Whatever is under the deck stays dry.
When vinyl makes sense:
- Balconies over living space (you need waterproofing under your feet)
- Rooftop decks (waterproofing is load-bearing, literally)
- Any deck where what's underneath matters more than what's on top
When vinyl doesn't:
- Ground-level patios with good drainage
- Decks you want to look like wood boards (vinyl has plank-look patterns but it's still a continuous surface, not gap-between-boards)
Composite decking
Wood fibre blended with plastic (usually HDPE), molded into individual deck boards. Installed on joists like traditional lumber. Water drains between the boards.
When composite makes sense:
- Ground-level or elevated decks where water passes through
- Projects where you want the look and feel of individual planks
- Backyard entertaining decks
- Anywhere the substructure doesn't need to stay dry
When composite doesn't:
- Balconies over living space (water gets under it)
- Rooftop decks (same problem)
- Any application requiring a continuous waterproof surface
Cost comparison
Roughly similar per square foot for mid-range products:
- Vinyl: $12-$22/sq ft installed
- Composite: $15-$30/sq ft installed
Composite is often more expensive at the higher end because premium brands (Trex, TimberTech) have pushed pricing up. Vinyl has less brand premium — the gap between cheap and expensive isn't as wide.
Both are significantly more expensive than pressure-treated lumber ($6-$12/sq ft) and cheaper than tropical hardwoods ($20-$40/sq ft).
Lifespan
Both last twenty to thirty years with proper installation. Composite holds up better to UV fade than some vinyl patterns. Vinyl holds up better to pooling water than any composite. Neither one will last forever.
The decision
If your deck is over a garage, over living space, or on a roof, you almost certainly want vinyl. If your deck is ground level or elevated above unused space (no room below), composite is probably better.
Both are legitimate products. They're just answers to different questions.
Read my scored reviews of vinyl deck brands if you've decided vinyl is right for your project.
