WPC Decking vs PVC Decking — Breaking Down the Key Differences

When planning your outdoor living space, choosing the right decking material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Two popular engineered options are WPC decking (Wood-Plastic Composite) and PVC decking (Polyvinyl Chloride) — each with strengths and trade-offs.

This guide explains the key differences between these two materials, how they perform in Australian climates, and which option aligns best with your lifestyle and environment — especially when paired with shade structures like pergolas, alfresco areas, and outdoor lounges.

What Is WPC Decking?

WPC decking (Wood-Plastic Composite) combines:

✔ Wood fibres or sawdust
✔ Recycled or virgin thermoplastic resins
✔ Stabilisers, pigments and performance additives

The result is a deck board that mimics the warm look of timber while improving durability, moisture resistance, and dimensional stability.

Most high-performance WPC boards — such as PureSolid composite decking — are designed for:

• Low maintenance

• High weather resistance

• Consistent colour retention

• Moderate structural stiffness

WPC boards offer a balance between natural aesthetics and engineered durability.

What Is PVC Decking?

PVC decking is made of 100% polyvinyl chloride plastic — without wood fibres. It belongs to the broader category of polymer decking and offers:

✔ Excellent moisture resistance
✔ Highly consistent material performance
✔ No organic content (less rot risk)
✔ Very low maintenance

PVC decking tends to have a uniform plastic look, but modern textured profiles and pigment technology help make boards more attractive and slip-resistant.

Side-by-Side: WPC vs PVC Decking

Australian Conditions: Which Performs Better?

Australia’s climate varies — from intense UV sun in Queensland, coastal salt air in WA and SA, to rain and temperature swings in Victoria and NSW. Here’s how each material performs in typical Aussie conditions:

☀ UV Exposure

Australian sun can be harsh.

• PVC decking often has excellent UV fade resistance due to its uniform polymer structure and surface treatment.

• WPC decking with UV-stable pigments also performs strongly — especially when colour is through-board rather than surface-only.

💧 Moisture & Rot

• PVC decking is 100% plastic, meaning very low moisture absorption.

• WPC decking has slightly higher water absorption due to wood fibres, but engineered boards like PureSolid use waterproof cores and textures to minimise risks.

🌊 Coastal Environments

Salt air accelerates corrosion and material breakdown.

• PVC performs exceptionally well in salt environments due to the lack of organic content.

• WPC also performs very well if fixed with corrosion-resistant hardware.

❄ Temperature Variation

Both materials expand and contract with temperature, but spacing and installation details manage this effectively.

Installation & Substructure Considerations

Both WPC and PVC decking install similarly, using:

• Concealed fixing clips for clean aesthetics

• Corrosion-resistant screws were required

• Appropriate joist spacing to prevent bounciness

Important:
PVC decking can have slightly higher thermal movement than WPC, so follow manufacturer recommendations for spacing and clip systems to accommodate expansion.

Choosing the right subframe — timber or aluminium — and proper drainage under the deck helps both materials perform long-term.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintenance expectations differ slightly:

🧼 Cleaning Tips (Both Materials)

✔ Regular wash with mild detergent and soft brush
✔ Remove leaves and debris from board gaps
✔ Rinse off salt spray near coastal sites

🔧 PVC Decking

• Very low maintenance

• Resists stains, mould and mildew very well

• Rarely needs deep cleaning

🪵 WPC Decking (e.g., PureSolid)

• Low maintenance

• May show light surface chalking over very long periods in extreme sun

• Best cleaned seasonally to retain a fresh appearance

Aesthetics & Design Flexibility

WPC Decking

✔ Warmer, more natural wood-like look
✔ Designed textures that resemble grain
✔ Easier to integrate with outdoor furniture and landscape tones

PVC Decking

✔ Very consistent colour and finish
✔ Modern design aesthetics
✔ Excellent for minimalist or contemporary architectural styles

PureSolid composite decking options offer stylish finishes and a balanced blend of wood warmth and engineered durability — ideal for a wide range of outdoor design styles.

Cost Comparison

While PVC decking can be premium-priced, its long-term ease of care and resistance to staining and rot make it a compelling choice for high-end builds.

WPC decking — including PureSolid composite decking — offers strong performance and design flexibility at an excellent overall value.

Which Is Best for Your Outdoor Space?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

Choose WPC Decking if:

• You want a warmer, wood-like appearance

• You prefer a balanced option with good all-around performance

• You enjoy low maintenance with an aesthetic edge

Choose PVC Decking if:

• You prioritise maximum moisture & UV resistance

• You want a very low-maintenance decking solution

• You favour a modern, consistent surface finish

Both materials outperform traditional timber in climate resilience and ease of care — ideal for alfresco living spaces, patio decking, pool surround decks and pergola integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PVC decking better than WPC?
PVC excels in moisture and UV resistance, while WPC delivers a more natural aesthetic — so “better” depends on your priorities.

Does evaporation affect PVC decking?
No — PVC’s plastic nature resists water absorption and evaporation impacts.

Can I use WPC or PVC decking around pools?
Yes — both materials are excellent around water, provided proper drainage and slip-resistant textures are chosen.

Does PVC decking scratch easily?
PVC is durable, but sharp objects can leave marks on surfaces — normal care and furniture pads help prevent scratches.

Final Thoughts

Both WPC decking and PVC decking are strong contenders for Australian outdoor living areas, each bringing unique strengths.

• WPC (e.g., PureSolid composite decking) — warm feel, excellent performance, versatile design

• PVC — outstanding moisture & UV resistance, premium low-maintenance living

Choosing the material that aligns with your climate, lifestyle and aesthetic goals ensures your outdoor space performs beautifully for years.

Whether you’re planning an alfresco entertaining zone, a poolside retreat, or a shaded pergola patio, understanding the differences helps you make a smart, confident decision.