Cellular PVC is the newest decking material on the block

You’ve planned, you’ve designed and you’ve dreamed. Now that it’s time to execute on your outdoor living space, it’s time to research and choose the materials that match your vision. With a few widely-used options to choose from, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of each to make the decision that fits your aesthetics, lifestyle and budget.

Let’s take a look at the decking materials available to even the most discerning homeowner today:

Pressure-Treated Lumber:

The choice of deck-builders for decades because of its ease of use and attractive initial price tag. The reputation as a highly-toxic substance has been quieted over the years as it is now made with materials that are considered less harmful. In the long-term, pressure-treated decks require significantly more maintenance and even board replacements due to splintering, splitting, cracking and warping, which could negate the allure of the initial investment.
 

Cedar or Redwood:

The choice of traditionalists, cedar or redwood offer more stability and strength than their pressure-treated lumber counterparts. Cedar, a soft wood and redwood, a harder option, both contain tannins and oils that make them resistant to rot and decay, while providing a deeper initial wood colour. Without the application of a stain, they will weather to a silver-grey over time. Despite their strength, they both require annual maintenance and regular stain applications to help reduce cracking, splintering, warping and fading. They do smell great when building though.  
 

Tropical Hardwoods:

An expensive choice and a lesser-known option, are the tropical hardwoods such as Ipe. These hardwoods are extremely durable and, as the name suggests, an incredibly hard and durable option. In fact, they are so dense that they are hard to cut and it is nearly impossible to use screws or nails without first boring a pilot hole. Unlike cedar or redwood, tropical hardwoods do not accept stain well and will eventually fade to that typical silver-colour of weathered wood.
 

Composite:

One of the fastest growing choices for decks due to its low maintenance profile. Typically made of wood fibres and recycled plastic, composite decking, is a strong durable choice that was created to address issues apparent with more traditional wood materials; specifically cracking, fading, splintering, splitting, molding and rotting. While a more stable and longer-lasting option than wood, composite still does have an element of wood fibers, meaning that it isn’t completely resistant to moisture issues, such as mold and mildew.
 

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

The newest player on the block is cellular PVC decking. Made of 100% solid cellular plastic, PVC is a non-porous, dense decking material, that is free from any and all wood ingredients, meaning that it truly does resist moisture-based issues.

When looking at TIVADEK boards, you will notice that they have a strong core wrapped in a protective shell that has a realistic wood-like appearance. The shell, or cap, surrounding the board uses ASA Technology, which provides an outstanding stain and fade resistance quality to all the boards. This well-known technology got its roots in the automotive industry and was used on dashboards to protect from the wear of the sun, even when strengthened and magnified through the windshield.

That said, when you select your composite or PVC decking, you are tied to the colour and look that you’ve selected, so be very certain before you buy. It cannot be stained or painted if you want to change your colour palette. However, PVC is significantly more comfortable under-foot than its wooden counterparts and allows the homeowners to simply install and enjoy, with little annual maintenance required. If anything does go wrong, PVC decking companies, such as TIVA Building Products, often provide optimal warranties. TIVADEK comes with a limited-lifetime warranty and a 50-year warranty against fading and staining, something you won’t get with wood.

When PVC Decking is Your Choice

So, you’ve decided to go with the more modern choice of PVC decking and now have some decisions to make. Whether you are choosing to do-it-yourself or hiring a contractor, you control the look and feel of your overall design and that starts with choosing the deck boards that are right for the job and the aesthetics of your home.

It’s as simple as 1-2-3…

Step One: Pick your preferred style

Knowing that you won’t have to worry about wear and tear or maintenance, the hardest choice will be what style to select. With a multitude of options that are meant to replicate the look of natural woods, TIVADEK offers three categories, each with a multitude of looks and colours:

• Architectural Series: A solid colour palette for your classic style.
• Designer Series: Multi-tone design to reflect your unique style.
• Modern Series: A more bold and edgy look for those who like to make a statement.

Step Two: Place your order

When you work with an experienced team, or buy from a reputable supplier, they can help you secure the decking materials you need for the job, with little waste.

Step Three: Install

PVC boards are meant to be easy enough for any D.I.Y.er to install, but if that’s not your expertise, leave it to the professionals. The professional edging and access to risers, fascia and fastening systems, ensure that the finished product looks like it was professionally-installed.

The TIVA Difference

If you have any questions about TIVADEK or are looking for a TIVA-approved contractor, call our team at 289.772.7497 and let us help you get started on creating your perfect outdoor living space.

At TIVA Building Products, we invested years in plastics’ research, development and testing. We took time to focus on quality, performance and features. And then we took more time to perfect them. When you purchase any of our TIVA Building Products, you can rest-assured that you can enjoy your deck for years to come with little maintenance required. All enjoyment, little work. That’s the TIVA promise.

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