Choosing the Right Vinyl Decking Brand for Your Project

When it comes to protecting your outdoor living space, the vinyl decking brand you choose makes all the difference. The right product enhances your deck’s appearance while ensuring long-term performance, safety, and value. With several options available, here’s what to know before you choose.

Professional Installation Matters

Even the best vinyl decking can fail if it isn’t installed correctly. That’s why Duradek is available only through trained and authorized installers who specialize in waterproof deck systems.

Vinyl decking is not a DIY product, it’s a specialty trade that requires technical skill, experience, and the right tools. Installers must understand:

• Substrate preparation and slope requirements
• Adhesive compatibility and curing times
• Proper seam welding and flashing techniques
• Building code compliance for waterproofing and guard systems
• Heat-welding techniques and proven waterproofing details

Unlike simple deck coverings, vinyl membranes are integrated as part of the building envelope. Any mistake can lead to leaks, structural damage, or voided warranties. Our trained installers ensure the job is done right the first time, keeping your deck watertight for decades.

Longevity and Warranty Coverage

A strong warranty reflects confidence in a product’s quality and performance. Look for coverage that includes waterproofing integrity, UV resistance, and material defects.

Duradek offers industry-leading warranties that back both the material and installation; something most DIY products can’t match. We have been manufacturing vinyl decking for over 51 years and have gone through multiple warranty cycles, demonstrating a consistent commitment to product improvement and customer satisfaction.

Our 15-year warranty covers waterproofing performance and material integrity, providing peace of mind long after installation. Unlike many competitors, our warranty is transferable to new homeowners, an added value that helps protect your investment if you sell your home.

Proven Manufacturing History and Real-World Results

When evaluating vinyl decking brands, consider how long the company has been manufacturing and how their products have performed in real-world conditions.

Duradek has been producing waterproof vinyl decking membranes since 1974, with installations across North America in every kind of climate, from freezing winters to coastal humidity. That long history and proven track record show that the product performs where it matters most: on actual decks, year after year.

Strength and Flexibility

When it comes to vinyl membranes, many assume that stronger means better—but that’s not always the case. Extreme tensile strength is important for traditional roofing systems that are mechanically fastened, since the material must resist tearing around fasteners.

However, vinyl decking is a fully adhered system, meaning it’s glued directly to the substrate. It needs to move naturally with the building, expanding and contracting as temperatures change. If it’s too rigid, it can pull against the substrate and compromise the waterproof seal.

Some vinyl brands sacrifice one quality for the other, either just meeting minimum breaking strength or offering limited flexibility. The best vinyl decking needs both. Duradek provides the ideal balance, exceeding breaking strength requirements by 40% while offering nearly 15 times the required elasticity to move with the substrate.

Thickness

Duradek strikes that balance with vinyl decking engineered at 60 mils thick, which is considered the sweet spot in the industry. Thicker membranes can make seams bulky and harder to heat-weld and more visible, while thinner ones may not hold up over time. Our membrane’s 60-mil thickness provides reliable seam strength, flexibility for installation, and long-term durability without unnecessary bulk.

Types of Vinyl Decking Products

Not all vinyl decking is created equal. The three main types, non-woven, woven, and PVC-backed, each serve different needs.

Non-Woven (Fuzzy Back)

This is the most basic type of vinyl decking membrane, often used in entry-level applications or where budget is a priority.
Pros: Budget-friendly.
Cons: Lower warranty coverage.

PVC-Backed (Slick Back)

A step up from the non-woven option, PVC-backed (or slick-back) vinyl uses a solid PVC base instead of a fabric one. It’s popular with some roofing professionals for its familiar construction.
Pros: Less contaminants in the weld.
Cons: Can delaminate over time; only the top layer often includes UV and mold inhibitors; visible bleed out at welds; hard to hide substrate imperfections. Details tend to be bulkier. 

Woven Back

A step up from the non-woven option, woven-back vinyl features a fabric reinforcement that adds strength and stability.
Pros: Durable, versatile, details can be cleaner/sleeker than PVC-backed, full warranty coverage, bleed out at welds is less noticeable.
Cons: Slightly higher cost than fuzzy-back.

Find a Duradek Dealer Today

Your deck is more than just an outdoor surface – it’s an investment in your home’s comfort and value. Choosing the right vinyl decking brand ensures lasting peace of mind that your outdoor space will stay beautiful, functional, and protected for years to come.

Request a quote and connect with an authorized Duradek dealer to learn more about vinyl decking and find the perfect fit for your outdoor living space.