What’s the Best Decking for Your Home in 2025? Why More Homeowners Are Choosing PVC Vinyl

Thinking about adding or upgrading your deck this year? You’re not alone. In 2025, outdoor living continues to be a top priority for homeowners, and for good reason. A well-designed deck extends your living space and adds real value to your home.

But before you start picking out furniture or planning barbecues, there’s one big decision to make: what kind of decking material is right for you?

Let’s break it down.

Option 1: Wood – Classic but High Maintenance

Pressure-treated wood is often the default choice. It’s familiar, it looks good when it’s new, and the upfront cost is relatively low. But that’s just the beginning of the story.

Wood decks need regular maintenance, staining, sealing, sanding, to keep them from splintering, warping, or rotting. Skip the upkeep, and they break down fast. Over time, the cost (and hassle) of maintaining a wood deck adds up more than most people expect.

In a nutshell: Wood is the cheapest to install but the most expensive to keep looking good.

Option 2: Composite – Less Work, Still Some Worries

Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibers and recycled plastics. It’s designed to be more durable than wood and needs less upkeep, but it’s not zero-maintenance. It can still fade, stain, or grow mildew, and not all brands perform the same.

Good to know: Composite holds up better than wood, but it can be hot underfoot and doesn’t always handle moisture as well as it should, especially if you’re in a rainy climate.

Option 3: PVC Vinyl – Waterproof, Worry-Free, and Built to Last

PVC vinyl decking is a fully waterproof option that gives you a finished walking surface and protects the structure underneath, especially helpful if your deck is over a living space like a garage or lower patio.

With products like Duradek, you get a walkable, slip-resistant surface that doesn’t need staining or sealing. You clean it with a hose or mild detergent, and that’s it. Many homeowners go 20+ years without needing to replace or resurface it.

Bottom line: If you want a deck that looks great, lasts a long time, and doesn’t demand your weekends, PVC vinyl is the way to go.

Comparing the Numbers for the Best Decking

Here’s how the materials stack up over time for a 300 sq. ft. deck:

So, What’s the Best Choice for Decking?

If you love the look of wood and don’t mind the upkeep, it might still make sense. If you’re looking for something a little more durable with less maintenance, composite is a solid option.

But if you want a deck that’s clean, safe, waterproof, and lasts for decades with minimal effort, PVC vinyl decking is the clear winner.

It’s especially worth considering if:

• Your deck is over living space
• You live in a wet or snowy climate
• You’d rather spend your time enjoying your deck—not working on it

Want to see how it looks or get a quote? Talk to a Duradek dealer near you. They’ll help you find the right style and walk you through the options.