How much does a PVC deck cost per square foot installed in 2026?

Installed: $40-75/sqft, all-in. The variance is driven by line tier (entry Wolf Serenity ~$40/sqft total project / premium Advanced PVC Vintage ~$75/sqft), railing inclusion (+$8-12/sqft if matching PVC rail), stairs (+$2-4/sqft if 3-5 step run), color tone (dark +5% on boards), and regional labor (Northeast 1.22× / West 1.28× / South 0.92× / Midwest 1.00×). A 16×12 (192 sqft) AZEK Vintage medium-tone deck with matching railing + 4 stairs in PA runs ~$11,500-13,800 installed.

What's the difference between AZEK PVC and Trex composite?

Different core technologies. AZEK PVC has a 100% PVC core (no organic content) wrapped in a hard PVC cap. Trex composite has a wood-fiber + recycled-plastic core wrapped in a polymer cap. Practical differences: AZEK runs 7-10°F cooler underfoot, weighs 25-30% less, and lasts 35-45 years vs Trex composite 25-32 years. AZEK is fully waterproof (pool/coastal-ready); Trex composite cap can crack and expose the wood core to moisture over time. AZEK costs ~$1-3/lf more upfront. Trex's PVC-class answer is Trex Signature (mineral-polymer, $11.50/lf, competes directly with AZEK Vintage/Advanced PVC).

Is PVC decking worth the extra cost over composite?

Yes for: (1) Pool/coastal/humid environments — PVC's mold immunity is non-negotiable; the ~$1,500-3,000 PVC premium pays back in lifespan + zero remediation. (2) 20+ year ownership — PVC's 35-45 yr lifespan crosses your horizon; composite needs replacement. (3) Midday-sun decks — PVC's 6-10°F cooler underfoot temp matters daily. (4) Longest warranty needed (Advanced PVC Vintage 50-yr fade/stain). No for: tight budget, shaded/north-facing decks, short ownership (<10 yrs), or if maximum color choice matters (premium composite still leads at 12-13 colors vs PVC's 4-7).

How long does PVC decking last?

35-45 years for full-PVC lines. AZEK Vintage 40 years (field-confirmed by 30-yr installs still in service). AZEK Advanced PVC Vintage 45 years projected (50-yr fade warranty). Wolf Serenity 30-35 yrs (foamed PVC core slightly shorter than rigid PVC). Trex Signature 40 years (mineral-polymer, PVC-class). Real-world dependent on UV/coastal exposure + cleaning discipline. Unlike composite, PVC has no organic content to degrade — lifespan is limited only by UV stabilizer breakdown + physical wear. Cleaning every 2 years (soap-wash) extends lifespan and warranty validity.

Is AZEK or Zuri better for a deck?

AZEK for spec-driven buyers, Zuri for aesthetic-driven buyers. AZEK PVC has 30-50yr fade warranties, 4-7 colors per line, and the longest field track record (Wilmington OH manufacturing since 1983). Zuri uses a unique photo-cap technology — a high-res digital wood-grain image printed under a clear PVC cap, delivering the most realistic wood look of any synthetic deck. Zuri's 25-yr warranty is shorter than AZEK's 30-yr fade. Pricing: AZEK Vintage $9.50/lf vs Zuri Premium $10.50/lf — Zuri ~10% premium for visual realism. For barefoot pool decks: AZEK. For maximum 'looks like real wood' wow factor: Zuri.

What's cheaper, PVC decking or pressure-treated?

PT, by a wide margin upfront. PVC boards run $7.50-13.50/lf vs PT at $1.85-2.15/lf. Total installed: PVC $40-75/sqft vs PT $25-45/sqft. For a 192 sqft deck: PVC ~$11,500-13,800 vs PT ~$5,500-8,500. The gap closes on 30-year TCO once you factor PT maintenance: biennial sealer + every-5-yr stain + year-20 board replacement = ~$2,500-4,000 added to PT total. PVC near-zero maintenance ($150-250 over 30 years). The 30-yr TCO crossover (where PVC becomes cheaper) hits around year 27-32 for premium PVC vs maintained PT. For shorter ownership (<15 yrs), PT wins decisively.

Does PVC decking get hot in the sun?

Less hot than composite, but still warm in direct sun. At 90°F ambient direct sun, PVC light colors hit 99-101°F (~+9°F over PT baseline). PVC dark colors hit 108-115°F (~+18°F). Composite light colors ~+18°F; composite dark ~+22°F. For comparison: PT untreated ~+0°F (it's the baseline). Stone/concrete pool decks can hit +30°F or more, so PVC is still cooler than many alternatives. For barefoot midday use, pick light/medium PVC tones (Coastline, Sand Dune, Sandstone, Hickory) — adds 10-12°F over PT, vs 18-22°F for dark Dark Hickory / Mahogany.

What's the maintenance schedule for a PVC deck?

Essentially zero structural maintenance. Biennial cleaning recommended: scrub with mild soap (Dawn or Simple Green) + soft brush + low-pressure rinse (no high-pressure or it damages the cap). Costs ~$0.03-0.05/sqft DIY material (a 192 sqft deck = $6-10 cleaner per biennial wash). No staining, sealing, oiling, painting, sanding, or refinishing — ever. For wine/oil/sunscreen spills, clean within 24 hours with the same soap-wash. Manufacturer warranties usually require maintaining cleaning records — keep dated photos every 2 years. Over a 30-year ownership: $90-150 total maintenance for a 192 sqft PVC deck vs ~$4,000 PT and ~$350 composite.

Can I install PVC decking myself (DIY)?

Yes — full DIY install is feasible if you have intermediate woodworking + framing experience. Process: (1) Build PT substructure (joists at 12-16″ o.c., ledger to band rim, posts on footings — IRC R507 framing rules apply identically to PVC and PT decks). (2) Install starter strip + first board with hidden fastener clips (TimberTech CONCEALoc, AZEK Cortex, brand-specific). (3) Place boards using proprietary clips between grooves. (4) Use jigsaw + composite-rated blade for cuts (PVC dust is fine — wear N95 mask). (5) Finish with picture-frame border + matching trim screws. DIY install saves ~$3,000-5,000 in labor on a 200 sqft deck. Tools needed: jigsaw, miter saw, drill/driver, level, square, tape measure, ~$200 in clip system + screws.

Does PVC decking expand and contract in temperature?

Yes, ~0.05% per 100°F temp swing — about 1/16″ on a 16-ft board between freezing winter and summer heat. Manufacturer installation guides specify expansion gaps: 1/8″ end-to-end gaps between board butts, 1/16″ side-to-side for clip systems (clips have built-in spacing). Solid-color PVC expands more than wood-look photo-cap PVC. For decks under 24 ft long, gaps handle expansion invisibly. For longer runs (24+ ft single-direction), install a deliberate expansion break (intentional cut + matching trim cover) every 16-20 ft to manage cumulative expansion. Failure to gap: cupping, end-grain pop-up, occasional board buckling in 100°F+ direct sun — all warranty-voiding installer error.

full-PVC · 5 brands · 10 lines · 2026 retail

PVC Deck Cost Calculator

Q: How long does PVC decking last?

35-45 years for full-PVC lines. AZEK Vintage 40 years (field-confirmed by 30-yr installs still in service). AZEK Advanced PVC Vintage 45 years projected (50-yr fade warranty). Wolf Serenity 30-35 yrs (foamed PVC core slightly shorter than rigid PVC). Trex Signature 40 years (mineral-polymer, PVC-class). Real-world dependent on UV/coastal exposure + cleaning discipline. Unlike composite, PVC has no organic content to degrade — lifespan is limited only by UV stabilizer breakdown + physical wear. Cleaning every 2 years (soap-wash) extends lifespan and warranty validity.

Q: Is AZEK or Zuri better for a deck?

AZEK for spec-driven buyers, Zuri for aesthetic-driven buyers. AZEK PVC has 30-50yr fade warranties, 4-7 colors per line, and the longest field track record (Wilmington OH manufacturing since 1983). Zuri uses a unique photo-cap technology — a high-res digital wood-grain image printed under a clear PVC cap, delivering the most realistic wood look of any synthetic deck. Zuri's 25-yr warranty is shorter than AZEK's 30-yr fade. Pricing: AZEK Vintage $9.50/lf vs Zuri Premium $10.50/lf — Zuri ~10% premium for visual realism. For barefoot pool decks: AZEK. For maximum 'looks like real wood' wow factor: Zuri.

Q: What's cheaper, PVC decking or pressure-treated?

PT, by a wide margin upfront. PVC boards run $7.50-13.50/lf vs PT at $1.85-2.15/lf. Total installed: PVC $40-75/sqft vs PT $25-45/sqft. For a 192 sqft deck: PVC ~$11,500-13,800 vs PT ~$5,500-8,500. The gap closes on 30-year TCO once you factor PT maintenance: biennial sealer + every-5-yr stain + year-20 board replacement = ~$2,500-4,000 added to PT total. PVC near-zero maintenance ($150-250 over 30 years). The 30-yr TCO crossover (where PVC becomes cheaper) hits around year 27-32 for premium PVC vs maintained PT. For shorter ownership (<15 yrs), PT wins decisively.

Q: Does PVC decking get hot in the sun?

Less hot than composite, but still warm in direct sun. At 90°F ambient direct sun, PVC light colors hit 99-101°F (~+9°F over PT baseline). PVC dark colors hit 108-115°F (~+18°F). Composite light colors ~+18°F; composite dark ~+22°F. For comparison: PT untreated ~+0°F (it's the baseline). Stone/concrete pool decks can hit +30°F or more, so PVC is still cooler than many alternatives. For barefoot midday use, pick light/medium PVC tones (Coastline, Sand Dune, Sandstone, Hickory) — adds 10-12°F over PT, vs 18-22°F for dark Dark Hickory / Mahogany.

Q: What's the maintenance schedule for a PVC deck?

Essentially zero structural maintenance. Biennial cleaning recommended: scrub with mild soap (Dawn or Simple Green) + soft brush + low-pressure rinse (no high-pressure or it damages the cap). Costs ~$0.03-0.05/sqft DIY material (a 192 sqft deck = $6-10 cleaner per biennial wash). No staining, sealing, oiling, painting, sanding, or refinishing — ever. For wine/oil/sunscreen spills, clean within 24 hours with the same soap-wash. Manufacturer warranties usually require maintaining cleaning records — keep dated photos every 2 years. Over a 30-year ownership: $90-150 total maintenance for a 192 sqft PVC deck vs ~$4,000 PT and ~$350 composite.

Q: Can I install PVC decking myself (DIY)?

Yes — full DIY install is feasible if you have intermediate woodworking + framing experience. Process: (1) Build PT substructure (joists at 12-16″ o.c., ledger to band rim, posts on footings — IRC R507 framing rules apply identically to PVC and PT decks). (2) Install starter strip + first board with hidden fastener clips (TimberTech CONCEALoc, AZEK Cortex, brand-specific). (3) Place boards using proprietary clips between grooves. (4) Use jigsaw + composite-rated blade for cuts (PVC dust is fine — wear N95 mask). (5) Finish with picture-frame border + matching trim screws. DIY install saves ~$3,000-5,000 in labor on a 200 sqft deck. Tools needed: jigsaw, miter saw, drill/driver, level, square, tape measure, ~$200 in clip system + screws.

Q: Does PVC decking expand and contract in temperature?

Yes, ~0.05% per 100°F temp swing — about 1/16″ on a 16-ft board between freezing winter and summer heat. Manufacturer installation guides specify expansion gaps: 1/8″ end-to-end gaps between board butts, 1/16″ side-to-side for clip systems (clips have built-in spacing). Solid-color PVC expands more than wood-look photo-cap PVC. For decks under 24 ft long, gaps handle expansion invisibly. For longer runs (24+ ft single-direction), install a deliberate expansion break (intentional cut + matching trim cover) every 16-20 ft to manage cumulative expansion. Failure to gap: cupping, end-grain pop-up, occasional board buckling in 100°F+ direct sun — all warranty-voiding installer error.

Full-PVC decking deep-dive — 10 lines across 5 brands (TimberTech AZEK Harvest/Vintage/Landmark/Advanced PVC, Zuri Premium/Standard, Wolf Serenity/Perspective, Fiberon Paramount, Trex Signature mineral-polymer). Set color tone (light/medium/dark — drives heat retention) and get real installed cost plus 30-50 year TCO with biennial cleaning, side-by-side benchmarks against premium capped composite (~$50/sqft, 28-yr life) and pressure-treated (~$30/sqft + every-2-yr stain). Built on 2026-Q1 retail at Lowes/HD + manufacturer technical data. Pool/coastal flag highlights PVC's mold-immunity advantage. Distinct from the Composite Deck Cost Calculator (covers capped composite) and pairs with Composite vs PVC Calculator (material-class).

10 lines · 5 brands30-50 yr warranty35-45 yr lifespanHeat: +7 to +18°Fvs composite + PT TCOPool/coastal flagFree forever

$40-75·Installed/sqft

5 brands·AZEK · Zuri · Wolf · Fiberon · Trex

100%·Mold immunity

+7 to +18°F·Heat over PT

Inputs

Deck dimensions

Lengthlonger side

Widthshorter side

Deck heightfrom grade

Stair countnumber

Effective area192 sqft

Board LF (incl 7% waste)448.2 lf

Railing LF40 lf

PVC line10 lines · 5 brands

Color toneaffects heat retention + price

Scope

Project yearsTCO horizon

State2-letter

Results

AZEK Vintage · medium tone · PA (Northeast, 1.22× labor)

Initial install

Low $14,284

$/sqft installed

$74–92/sqft

30-yr TCO

Maint $230

Heat over PT

Lifespan 40 yr

Guardrail included — required at 36″ height (>30″)

IRC R312.1

IRC R312.1.1 mandates 36″ minimum guardrail above 30″ walking surface. R312.1.3.1 — balusters spaced so 4″ sphere cannot pass.

AZEK Vintage · medium-tone · rigid pvc

ASTM D7032 · ICC-ES AC174

TimberTech AZEK · 7 colors in line · made in Wilmington, OH · 30-yr fade/stain + 50-yr structural warranty.

Heat retention: +13°F over PT baseline

Manufacturer thermal data

Surface temp at 90°F ambient direct sun: ~113°F. PVC light tones run cooler than capped composite by 6-10°F.

40-yr expected lifespan · 55.00000000000001% recycled content

Manufacturer technical data

Solid extruded PVC · no organic content = 100% mold-immune.

Item

Qty

Total

AZEK Vintage medium-tone boards

448.2 lf · standard pricing · rigid pvc

29 × 16′

$4,258

AZEK Vintage medium-tone boards

448.2 lf · standard pricing · rigid pvc

29 × 16′

—

$4,258

TimberTech AZEK brand-matched PVC railing

40 lf × $95/lf · matching color · 36″ guard height (R312.1.2) · 4″ sphere rule (R312.1.3.1)

1.0 system

$3,800

TimberTech AZEK brand-matched PVC railing

40 lf × $95/lf · matching color · 36″ guard height (R312.1.2) · 4″ sphere rule (R312.1.3.1)

1.0 system

—

$3,800

PT substructure (joists + ledger + posts)

192 sqft × $7.5/sqft · 2×8 joists @ 12-16″ o.c., 6×6 posts, ledger to band rim

1.0 system

$1,440

PT substructure (joists + ledger + posts)

192 sqft × $7.5/sqft · 2×8 joists @ 12-16″ o.c., 6×6 posts, ledger to band rim

1.0 system

—

$1,440

PVC stair treads (4 steps)

Matching board on each tread + PVC riser caps · cut stringers (PT) underneath

4.0 step

$1,140

PVC stair treads (4 steps)

Matching board on each tread + PVC riser caps · cut stringers (PT) underneath

4.0 step

—

$1,140

Hidden fastener clips + stainless trim screws

0.95/sqft proprietary clip system · stainless face screws for fascia/trim

1.0 kit

$182

Hidden fastener clips + stainless trim screws

0.95/sqft proprietary clip system · stainless face screws for fascia/trim

1.0 kit

—

$182

Materials subtotal

$10,820

30-year maintenance schedule

Year	Action	Cost
Y2	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y4	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y6	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y8	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y10	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y12	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y14	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y16	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y18	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y20	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y22	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y24	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y26	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y28	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Y30	Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush)	$15
Maintenance total		$230

PVC needs only biennial soap-wash to keep the cap from accumulating organic film/mildew. No staining, sealing, oiling, or refinishing — ever. Over 30 years on this deck, total maintenance is roughly the cost of 15 cans of soap + a soft brush. Compare to PT's ~$4,000 in stain/seal cycles over the same period.

vs composite + PT benchmarks (30-yr TCO)

PVC (this deck)

$17,867

AZEK Vintage

Premium composite

$9,946

$50/sqft × 28-yr life

Pressure-treated

$8,352

$30/sqft + biennial sealer

PVC costs $7,921 more than capped composite over 30 years — composite still ahead at this horizon. Crossover typically at year 28-32. PVC runs $9,515 more than pressure-treated — that's the cost of zero maintenance, 40+ yr life, and mold immunity.

Cost breakdown

Materials (boards + fasteners + framing + railing + stairs): $9,955 – $10,821
Labor (Northeast 1.22×): $4,329 – $5,509
Subtotal: $14,284 – $16,330
Contingency (8%): $1,306
Initial install total: $14,284 – $17,636
Maintenance (30 yr): $230
30-year TCO total: $17,867

2026-Q1 retail. Materials BoM includes deck boards (AZEK Vintage), hidden fastener clips, PT pressure-treated substructure (joists/ledger/posts), brand-matched PVC railing (if scoped), stair caps (if scoped). Labor $16-26/sqft × Northeast regional multiplier (1.22×). Excludes permit, design fees, demolition.

How to use

Three steps. Permit-ready output.

Enter deck dimensions + height

Length × width in feet (longer side first). Shape: rectangle or L-shape (L-shape applies 0.85 area factor + 1.10 complexity premium on perimeter). Deck height in inches drives the railing trigger (>30″ → IRC R312.1 36″ guardrail). PVC railing kits are heavier + pricier ($95/lf) than composite ($65/lf) due to thicker structural-grade PVC tubes.

Pick a PVC line

10 lines from 5 brands. AZEK Vintage ($9.50/lf, 30-yr fade, 50-yr structural) is the industry-flagship. AZEK Harvest ($8.50) is the entry-tier. Advanced PVC Vintage ($13.50) tops with 50-yr fade. Zuri ($10.50-12.95) uses photo-cap technology for most realistic wood grain. Wolf Serenity ($7.50) is cheapest full-PVC. Trex Signature ($11.50) is mineral-polymer (technically PVC-class but not pure PVC). Each line shows brand, core tech, warranty, lifespan, weight, color count, and made-in.

Pick color tone

Light (Coastline, Sand Dune) / Medium (Mahogany, Hickory) / Dark (Dark Hickory, Chestnut). Dark colors add ~9°F surface temperature on a sunny 90°F day (PVC light tone ~+9°F over PT baseline; dark tone ~+18°F). Dark colors also add 5% to board cost (slower-running production lines, less common stock). For pool/coastal/barefoot decks, light tones strongly preferred.

Scope: railing + stairs + pool/coastal

Toggle brand-matched PVC railing (highly recommended for color match — $95/lf installed). Stair count adds matching tread caps at $285/step. Pool/coastal flag surfaces PVC's mold-immunity advantage in the warnings (no warning is informational, not penalty). PVC has zero organic content — splashes evaporate without growing mold or rotting cores.

Read TCO + benchmarks

The headline is initial install ($/sqft + project total) plus 30-50yr TCO. Benchmarks against capped composite ($50/sqft installed, $0.06/sqft/yr maint, 28-yr life) and pressure-treated ($30/sqft installed, $0.45/sqft/yr maint, 22-yr life) show whether the PVC premium pays back. PVC typically beats composite TCO at ~28 years (when composite would need replacement); always more expensive than PT on a per-year basis until the maintenance gap compounds.

How we calculate

The math, fully transparent.

The PVC Deck Cost Calculator is the full-PVC decking deep-dive — pick from 10 PVC lines across 5 brands (TimberTech AZEK Harvest/Vintage/Landmark/Advanced PVC, Zuri Premium/Standard, Wolf Serenity/Perspective, Fiberon Paramount, Trex Signature mineral-polymer), set color tone (light/medium/dark), and get the real installed cost plus a 30-50 year total cost of ownership including biennial cleaning, side-by-side benchmarks against premium capped composite (~$50/sqft installed, 28-yr life) and pressure-treated (~$30/sqft, 22-yr). Built on 2026-Q1 retail at Lowes/Home Depot/specialty PVC distributors + manufacturer technical data sheets. Distinct from the Composite Deck Cost Calculator (which covers capped composite Trex/TimberTech/Fiberon/Deckorators). Pairs with the Composite vs PVC Calculator (material-class comparison) and Trex vs TimberTech (brand-vs-brand).

IRC references

ASTM D7032 — Plastic + composite deck-board standard (load + dimensional stability)
ICC-ES AC174 — Acceptance Criteria for deck-board systems — all PVC lines certified
ASTM D635 — Flammability classification (PVC has higher self-extinguishing rating than composite)
IRC 2021 R301.4 — 40 psf live load on residential decks
IRC 2021 R507.4 — Deck-board spans for synthetic decking (24″ o.c. typical for square-edge, 12-16″ o.c. for grooved-edge hidden-fastener installs)
IRC 2021 R312.1.2 — Guardrail 36″ min height (residential)
ASTM E84 — Surface burning characteristics (Class B fire rating on most PVC lines)

2026-Q1 retail at Lowes/Home Depot/specialty PVC distributors. AZEK Harvest $8.50/lf · AZEK Vintage $9.50 · AZEK Landmark $10.95 · Advanced PVC Vintage $13.50. Zuri Premium $10.50 · Zuri Standard $12.95. Wolf Serenity $7.50 · Wolf Perspective $9.95. Fiberon Paramount $8.95. Trex Signature $11.50 (mineral-polymer). Hidden fastener clips $0.95/sqft. PT substructure $7.50/sqft (same on every PVC deck). Brand-matched PVC railing $95/lf installed. Stairs $285/step. Labor $16-26/sqft × regional multiplier (Northeast 1.22 / West 1.28 / South 0.92 / Midwest 1.00). Maintenance $0.03-0.05/sqft/yr biennial cleaning. Composite benchmark: $50/sqft installed, $0.06/sqft/yr maint, 28-yr life. PT benchmark: $30/sqft installed, $0.45/sqft/yr maint, 22-yr life.

Installed cost

projectHigh = (boards + fasteners + framing + railing + stairs) × 0.92-1.08 + labor × 0.88-1.12 + 8% contingency

Board cost = (area / 0.458) × 7% waste × line $/lf × color-tone multiplier (1.00/1.00/1.05 light/med/dark). Hidden fastener clips $0.95/sqft proprietary system. PT substructure $7.50/sqft (same on every PVC deck — joists/ledger/posts). Brand-matched PVC railing $95/lf (heavier than composite). Stair caps $285/step. Labor $16-26/sqft × regional multiplier (Northeast 1.22 / West 1.28 / South 0.92 / Midwest 1.00). 8% contingency applied to high side.

Maintenance schedule

biennialClean = maintPerSqftPerYear × 2 × area, applied every 2 yrs

PVC needs essentially zero structural maintenance — no staining, sealing, or refinishing. Biennial deep-clean (soap + soft brush + low-pressure rinse) keeps the surface from accumulating organic film/mildew. Cost ranges $0.03-0.05/sqft/yr depending on line (Advanced PVC's cleaner cap = $0.03/sqft/yr; foamed-PVC Wolf Serenity = $0.05/sqft/yr).

TCO total

tco = projectHigh + maintenanceTotal

Project install + 30-50yr maintenance. No replacement reserve modeled — PVC lifespan (35-45 yr) usually matches or exceeds typical homeowner horizon. For 50-yr TCO modeling, consider that AZEK Vintage 30-yr fade warranty + 50-yr structural means cosmetic touch-up at year 30 (~10% replacement reserve).

Heat retention

effectiveDeltaF = lineDeltaF (light) + colorTone × 4 (medium) or × 9 (dark)

Base heat retention varies by line: Advanced PVC +7°F (best), AZEK Vintage +9, Wolf Serenity +11 (foamed cores absorb more heat), Trex Signature +12. Dark colors add ~9°F regardless of line. Result is summed: AZEK Vintage Dark Hickory = 9 + 9 = +18°F over PT baseline. Compare to composite at +15-22°F or PT at +0°F baseline.

vs composite + PT benchmarks

compositeTotal = $50/sqft × area + $0.06/sqft/yr × area × years; ptTotal = $30/sqft × area + $0.45/sqft/yr × area × years

Premium capped composite benchmark uses Trex Transcend-equivalent install ($50/sqft installed, 30-yr deck) + $0.06/sqft/yr cleaning. PT uses YellaWood SYP-equivalent ($30/sqft installed) + $0.45/sqft/yr stain/seal. PVC typically more expensive than composite by $5-15/sqft installed but flips to TCO winner around year 28-32 (when composite would need partial replacement). PT is decisively cheaper short-term but loses on 25-yr TCO once maintenance compounds.

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Composite Deck Cost Calculator

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Composite vs PVC Decking Comparison Calculator

Capped composite (Trex/TimberTech composite) vs full PVC (AZEK/Zuri/Wolf). Heat retention, lifespan, weight, recyclability, cost per sqft + 25-yr TCO. 2026 pricing.

PT Deck Cost Calculator

Pressure-treated deck cost — species + grade + UC treatment + chemistry + brand selectors with 25-yr TCO vs composite. 2026 retail pricing.

Deck Cost Per Square Foot Calculator

All 7 deck materials' installed $/sqft side-by-side: PT, cedar, composite (Trex/TimberTech), PVC, aluminum, tropical hardwood. 25-yr TCO. 2026 pricing.

PVC Deck Cost Calculator

Inputs

Guardrail included — required at 36″ height (>30″)

AZEK Vintage · medium-tone · rigid pvc

Heat retention: +13°F over PT baseline

40-yr expected lifespan · 55.00000000000001% recycled content

30-year maintenance schedule

vs composite + PT benchmarks (30-yr TCO)

Cost breakdown

Three steps. Permit-ready output.

Enter deck dimensions + height

Pick a PVC line

Pick color tone

Scope: railing + stairs + pool/coastal

Read TCO + benchmarks

The math, fully transparent.

IRC references

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