Over the last decade, the decking industry has come a long way with major innovations in material design and performance. While timber decking remains a classic, popular choice, newer alternatives like composite and PVC decking have emerged, offering longer lifespans and a host of practical benefits. Both options outperform traditional timber decking when it comes to durability and upkeep, but each brings its own unique features and price points to consider.
The style, size, purpose, and budget of your outside decking area will help determine whether Nordeck PVC, Signature composite decking, or our premium polymer-capped ProDeck is the right choice for your project. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Nordeck PVC and composite decking, including how they compare in terms of properties, pricing, and benefits, plus how you can order samples to help make your decision easier.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking refers to an amalgamation of part wood and part plastic. Our composite mix is made from recycled wood fibres and recycled plastics, together with bonding agents and additives. The result is an eco-conscious and durable decking board that has a natural timber appearance. As there is no need to stain, varnish or sand our composite boards they are attractive and require minimal maintenance.
Cladco Signature composite decking boards come with either a hollow or solid core, with the hollow composite boards being designed to be lightweight and durable. Finish these boards with our end caps to ensure bugs, debris and water do not enter the hollow interior. Solid core composite boards are ideal for commercial areas with higher footfall.
Our ProDeck composite decking range has the same hollow composite material core as the Signature board, with the added capping to increase resistance.
Composite decking pros & cons
Advantages of composite decking
- Available in eight colours: Composite decking lets you either match or contrast with your home’s style. You can choose a single colour throughout or add a ‘picture frame’ edging in a different shade for a unique finish.
- Can be both solid and hollow: This choice of board construction makes it suitable for various outdoor settings. Hollow core boards are perfect for general decking, while solid composite boards are better suited to high-traffic areas that need extra durability.
- Low-maintenance: Due to the material used in manufacturing composite decking boards, they do not need to be sanded, stained or varnished.
- Low-slip properties: When composite decking boards are installed with the narrow grooves facing up and perpendicular to an entrance or walkway, the customer benefits from a low-slip decking surface.
- Long-lasting: Thanks to the high-quality materials used in the manufacturing of composite decking boards, they have a longer lifespan than natural timber deck boards.
- Insect resistance: Due to the dense make-up of composite decking boards, insects are unable to burrow into the material.
- Environmentally friendly: The boards are made from 100% recycled components.
- Warranty: Signature composite decking boards come with a 15-year warranty, while ProDeck comes with a 20-year warranty.
Disadvantages of composite decking
- Composite decking boards are not 100% natural wood and can look slightly synthetic compared to natural wood.
- Composite decks are more expensive than timber boards due to their increased life and range of properties.
- Composite decking boards cannot withstand heavy loads, such as hot tubs, statues and heavy water features.
What is Nordeck PVC decking?
Nordeck PVC decking is an 100% plastic product - manufactured to look like natural wood, but made from non-wood materials. Designed to require little maintenance with anti-fade and low-slip properties.
Nordeck decking is made from Polyvinyl chloride, a durable synthetic material, and is often paired with an ASA (acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile) core, to create one of the strongest decking boards on the market. Cladco Nordeck decking boards boast these material features to combine a high-quality wood aesthetic with resistant properties.
Nordeck decking pros & cons
Advantages of Nordeck decking
- Premium looks and feel: Despite their timber-free construction, Nordeck precision-engineered boards feature a beautiful woodgrain effect finish.
- Available in a range of six natural-looking colours: Nordeck boards can be designed to match or contrast with your home. Choose a single colour for a uniform look, or add a touch of definition with contrasting edging around the perimeter. This ‘picture frame’ style creates an eye-catching finish that sets your Nordeck decking apart.
- Durable and strong: Nordeck decking is designed to support heavy loads such as hot tubs, statues and water features.
- Low maintenance: Unlike traditional timber decking, Nordeck PVC decking does not need to be sanded, varnished or stained.
- Scratch and stain-resistant: Due to the hard ASA shell, Nordeck possesses a strong wear and scratch-resistant finish.
- Low-slip surface
- Long lasting: Nordeck decking boards are made from high-quality materials that give a longer life than both timber and composite boards.
- Superior UV resistance: Nordeck decking's ASA resin coating ensures superior resistance to colour fade.
- Insect resistant: As the boards are 100% man-made, there is no risk of insect infestation.
- No end caps are required: Unlike with hollow composite decking boards, you will not need to purchase protective end caps.
- Warranty: Nordeck decking boards come with a 20-year warranty.
Disadvantages of Nordeck decking
- Nordeck decking material is 100% man-made and is not environmentally friendly.
- Nordeck PVC decking boards are more expensive than composite decking boards due to the premium finish, superior properties and longer life span.
Composite and Nordeck decking prices
The cost per square meter for our Signature composite decking boards starts from approximately £42 - not including fixings or accessories.
The cost per square meter for our ProDeck composite decking boards starts from approximately £54 - not including fixings or accessories.
The cost per square meter for a Nordeck PVC decking board is approximately £95 - not including fixings or accessories.
Nordeck decking is a longer lasting, more durable, luxury style of decking with an improved wood like appearance. This is reflected in the difference in prices - you get what you pay for after all.
Which is better - Nordeck PVC decking or composite decking?
Perhaps a better question is 'which is better suited to your needs?'. This depends on a number of factors - how you intend to use your decking, the look you want to achieve, what length of time you're investing in and how much budget you have.
Both of our Nordeck decking and composite decking options have a range of similar properties, such as a low-slip surface and resistance to insect infestation.
However, if your deck is going to be withstanding heavy loads, and a large amount of footfall, Nordeck decking would be the better investment, due to its durability and strength.
For those looking for a sustainable and more eco-conscious decking board solution, or a cost-effective product, our range of composite decking is perfect. Our Nordeck decking is a premium quality board, with a 20-year warranty, perfect for those who have found their long-term/forever home and are wanting to get the most out of their outside space.
You can explore and order a sample of our Signature, ProDeck or Nordeck decking boards here.
Last Updated: September 24, 2025
Please note all information is correct at the time of writing. However, we encourage you to do your own research to ensure it remains accurate and relevant to your needs.
