PVC Decking: Pros, Cons, and Maintenance
By Editorial Team
Updated on November 7, 2023

While our Western Canadian counterparts have been using PVC deck boards for a long time, this outdoor flooring material is not quite as established in these parts of the country. To turn this situation around, and give homeowners an alternative when renovating their deck or balcony, take a closer look at the pros and cons of using PVC deck boards and the best maintenance tips.
PVC Decking
Benefits of PVC Deck Boards

Photo: Unsplash
First and foremost, PVC decking is both water- and slip-proof, which gives it a certain advantage against other deck or balcony coatings such as wood or cement on which, when wet, it can get rather perilous to walk on.
Since it is a flexible material, it is easy to install on numerous surfaces such as wood, fibreglass, and even cement; it is a remarkably versatile material. Its multipurpose trademark is also reflected in its wide variety of colours, and the possibility of obtaining it in a transparent, opaque, rigid, or flexible form.
On another note, PVC deck boards have a soft texture, are nice to the touch, and are not uncomfortable to tread on, barefoot. This fact is all the more true since it does not become excessively warm in direct sunlight.
What more can be said about this decking material? First of all, note that a PVC deck board is resistant to chlorine and calcium, thereby making it a durable deck or balcony coating from which you can benefit for years to come. And, for all those animal lovers out there, note that this type of deck board is scratch-resistant, so there is nothing to fear on that side of things. Furthermore, PVC deck boards are designed to allow moisture to filter through, thus preventing the growth of mould and mildew beneath the surface.
Another important factor to keep in mind is that this type of deck board is resistant to UV rays. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the coating fading within the next 10 to 15 years. As for the durability of the material itself, it averages 25 years, which is quite a decent amount of time.
Better Than Ripping Out Everything

Photo: Unsplash
Whenever a deck or balcony begins to show signs of wear and tear, and some minor damage, the first option that usually comes to mind is to completely redo it, which can be quite costly. However, in such circumstances, the possibility of preserving the original structure makes the installation of PVC decking the ideal solution.
Downsides of PVC Deck Boards
Just like every coin has a flip side, PVC decking is not the most resistant material to cold weather. Furthermore, its appearance cannot be altered by applying a coat of dye or paint. For this reason, carefully choose the colour of the boards at the time of purchase, otherwise, you will have to live with the dissatisfaction for a relatively long time.
PVC Decking Maintenance
Let us just simply stress the fact that this type of flooring is relatively easy to maintain; it can be cleaned with a brush and soapy water. However, for those who wish to thoroughly clean the surface, you can also pressure wash it. Clean the surface on average three times a year to keep it looking its best.
Ideal Width of a Deck Board
When it comes to purchasing your PVC decking, note that it is available in various widths, which can range from 30 to 60 millimetres. For a ground application, it is preferable to purchase a 40-millimeter deck board. PVC decking with a greater width is generally reserved for flat rooftops and requires the services of a certified roofer with a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
While some laymen may think they can, without fail, install PVC decking on a balcony or deck, it is recommended that a professional perform the installation. Keep in mind that a shoddy installation may compromise the decking's water resistance, which can eventually lead to a build-up of moisture beneath the material.
Get 3 renovation quotes for your deck and balcony project
RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your deck and balcony project. By submitting your project, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will get estimates from trusted professionals.
Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.
Looking for something else?
Table of contents
4 min read
Download the price guide for renovations
We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

Editorial Team
•14 Nov 2024
Have you heard about heat pumps? These innovative and energy-efficient systems are not only environmentally friendly, but they require little maintenance to provide long-lasting heating and cooling to your home.

Editorial Team
•07 Nov 2023
We can’t deny that painting usually turns out to be a time-consuming activity. Most homeowners love the idea of a fresh coat of paint, but the process of getting there can be tricky. This labour-intensive job needs attention to detail and perseverance, especially if you’re dealing with the age-old debate of how many coats of paint are necessary.

Editorial Team
•21 May 2025
Good indoor air quality in your home is essential for living well, especially if your family members have allergies. This is even truer if your windows stay closed for most of the year.
Amanda Harvey
•04 Sep 2024
As one of the most frequented rooms in the home, the bathroom needs a little bit of TLC every once and a while. As a result, it's necessary to offer up a bit of modern love as well as tend to the rougher edges that face wear and tear over the years.

Léa Plourde-Archer
•02 Oct 2024
The decor and layout of a bedroom are more important than one might think. Given the role of this room, which is to serve as a place dedicated to rest, it is important to feel comfortable and to make sure that the room fulfils our needs. If you have landed on this article, this probably means that you are looking for a change!