100% synthetic, completely waterproof, and built to outlast every other deck material. The premium choice for poolside, shaded, and high-moisture spaces across Middle and East Tennessee.
If you want the longest-lasting, lowest-maintenance deck available, one that shrugs off water, mold, and Tennessee humidity without a second thought, PVC decking is the premium answer. At Jeff Woods Construction & Roofing, we design and build custom PVC decks for homeowners across Middle and East Tennessee.
This guide explains what PVC decking is, how it differs from composite, why it excels in wet and high-moisture conditions, what it costs, and how our build process works. If performance and longevity top your list, this is the page you've been looking for.
Premium PVC board systems, designed and built for the way you live outdoors.
PVC decking is made from 100% polyvinyl chloride, a fully synthetic material that contains no wood fibers or organic content whatsoever. That single fact sets it apart from composite, which blends wood fibers with plastic. Because there is no organic material in the board, there is nothing for mold, mildew, or insects to feed on, and nothing that can absorb water and rot.
Most quality PVC boards use a cellular construction with foaming agents, which makes them remarkably lightweight, and a tough protective cap that adds slip resistance, UV protection, and rich, wood-like color. The result is a deck board that is completely waterproof, dimensionally stable through temperature swings, and engineered to last longer than any other decking material on the market.
One clarification worth making: PVC decking is not the same thing as "vinyl decking." Vinyl decking is a thin, roll-out waterproofing membrane laid over a plywood surface, not a structural board. PVC decking is a solid, weight-bearing deck board. The two are often confused, but they are entirely different products.
Tennessee throws everything at an outdoor deck: humid summers, heavy rain, shaded damp spots, and freeze-thaw winters. PVC's fully synthetic build is purpose-made for exactly these conditions.
PVC does not absorb moisture, so it never swells, warps, or rots. That makes it the top choice for poolside decks, shaded areas, docks, and any spot that stays wet.
With zero organic content, there's nothing for mold or mildew to grow on, a real advantage in Tennessee's humidity and shaded yards.
PVC outlasts every other deck material, often pushing past 50 years. Premium lines carry lifetime product warranties, so you may never replace the boards.
Quality PVC runs cooler than dark composite in direct sun, especially in lighter colors, which is more comfortable for bare feet on a hot Tennessee afternoon.
The cellular construction makes PVC the lightest decking material, which means a cleaner, faster install and less stress on the structure.
No staining, sealing, or sanding, ever. An occasional wash with soap and water is all a PVC deck asks of you.
PVC and composite are both excellent, low-maintenance alternatives to wood, but they're built differently and suit different priorities. Here's how they compare:
| Factor | PVC | Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 100% synthetic, no wood | Wood fiber + plastic blend |
| Water Resistance | Completely waterproof | Moisture-resistant |
| Lifespan | 50+ years | 25 to 30 years |
| Weight | Lightest | Heavier |
| Heat (dark colors) | Runs cooler | Holds more heat |
| Upfront Cost | Higher (premium) | More affordable |
| Best For | Pools, wet & shaded areas | Budget & natural wood look |
The short version: composite gives you the best balance of cost and a natural wood look, while PVC gives you the ultimate in water resistance, longevity, and the lightest, lowest-maintenance board available, at a higher upfront price. If your deck sits by a pool, in heavy shade, or anywhere moisture is a constant, PVC is hard to beat. Prefer the composite route? See our composite decking page for that side of the comparison.
PVC's performance depends on precise installation. The boards expand and contract with temperature, so correct gapping and fastening matter. Here's how Jeff Woods Construction builds every PVC deck in Tennessee.
We start with your space, your goals, and your budget, selecting the PVC board line, color, and layout that fit your home, and handling any permits.
We prepare the site and set frost-resistant footings that keep the deck level and stable through Tennessee's freeze-thaw cycles.
We build a strong, code-compliant frame with proper joist spacing. PVC may require closer spacing per manufacturer specs, and we follow them precisely.
We install the PVC boards with hidden fasteners and correct expansion gapping, the detail that keeps a synthetic deck flawless for decades.
We install railings, stairs, fascia, and accessories, complete a full cleanup, and walk the finished deck with you.
PVC sits at the premium end of the decking market. It typically costs more per square foot than composite because of its fully synthetic build and longer lifespan. Your final price depends on size, layout, railing choice, deck height, and site conditions.
PVC costs more upfront than composite, but its longer lifespan often offsets that over time. With a deck that may never need board replacement, the long-run math frequently favors PVC in wet or demanding locations.
On any deck, the substructure you can't see, the footings and framing, determines how long it lasts. We build the structure to match the decades-long lifespan of the PVC boards on top of it, never cutting corners underneath premium material.
Most deck companies make you call before they'll talk numbers. We won't. Move the slider, pick your materials, and see a real range right now.
Roughly a 16 ft by 20 ft deck
Or call us direct at (931) 787-7715
This is a planning ballpark built on typical Middle and East Tennessee project costs, not a quote. Your real number depends on deck height, stairs, site access, grade, soil and footing depth, permits, existing deck removal, lighting, and the specific board line and color you choose. We put an exact, itemized number in writing after we walk the site with you.
PVC decking is one part of a complete outdoor living project. Jeff Woods Construction builds the whole space, from the deck surface to the railings and fencing that finish it.
A wood-fiber and recycled-plastic blend that delivers a natural wood look at a more affordable upfront price than PVC.
Composite, aluminum, and cable railing options that match your deck and frame the view the way you want it.
Privacy and perimeter fencing that completes your outdoor space and complements your new deck.
Jeff Woods Construction builds custom PVC decks for homeowners throughout Middle and East Tennessee.
Our service area spans Cumberland, Putnam, Knox, Roane, Fentress, Overton, Loudon, and White counties. Don't see your town? Just contact us to confirm we serve your area.
Jeff Woods Construction started in 1997 as a custom home builder, and that builder's eye shows in every deck we frame. PVC is a premium material, and it deserves a premium install.
We've built across Middle and East Tennessee for over 25 years, so we know how the local climate and terrain affect an outdoor structure.
PVC's expansion and contraction demand exact gapping and fastening. We follow manufacturer specs to the letter so your warranty stays valid and your deck stays flawless.
One complete price covers your entire project, design, materials, and build, with no hidden costs and no surprises before or after.
From design to final walkthrough, you work with the same accountable team. Learn more on the Jeff Woods Construction homepage.
PVC is the longest-lasting decking material available, often pushing past 50 years. Premium PVC lines carry lifetime product warranties, which means you may never need to replace the boards. By comparison, composite lasts 25 to 30 years and wood just 10 to 15.
Neither is universally "better," they suit different priorities. PVC is fully waterproof, lighter, cooler underfoot, and longer-lasting, which makes it the best choice for pools, shaded areas, and wet conditions. Composite offers a more natural wood look at a lower upfront cost. We'll recommend the right fit for your space and budget.
PVC is 100% synthetic, which makes the raw material more expensive than composite's wood-and-plastic blend, and it carries a longer lifespan and warranty. You pay more upfront, but in wet or demanding locations the longer service life often makes PVC the better long-term value.
It's one of the best choices available. Because PVC is completely waterproof and won't grow mold or mildew, it thrives in constant-moisture settings like poolsides and docks where other materials struggle. Many quality lines are also slip-resistant.
Quality PVC actually runs cooler than dark composite in direct sun, and lighter colors stay cooler still. We'll help you choose a color that balances looks with comfort underfoot for your deck's sun exposure.
Almost none. There's no staining, sealing, or sanding, ever. An occasional wash with soap and water keeps it looking new. PVC is the lowest-maintenance decking material you can buy.
No. They're often confused, but they're different products. Vinyl decking is a thin, roll-out waterproofing membrane laid over plywood; it can't bear weight on its own. PVC decking is a solid, structural deck board. When people say "vinyl deck," they usually mean PVC, but the membrane product is something else entirely.
Ready for the longest-lasting, lowest-maintenance deck you can build? Our team is ready to help. You get no pressure, no hidden costs, and straight answers from Tennessee's trusted construction team.
Schedule Your Consultation