Mineral-based composite, traditional wood-plastic composite, and PVC decking are all low-maintenance alternatives to wood, but they differ significantly in how they’re constructed and how they perform over time.

Mineral-based composite decking—like Deckorators Surestone® technology—is made from a blend of advanced plastic polymers and durable minerals, with zero organic material. This construction is engineered for greater dimensional stability, reduced heat buildup, and confident footing.

Traditional wood-plastic composite decking is typically made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers. It offers a natural wood look and low-maintenance performance, but the presence of organic material can contribute to moisture absorption and more noticeable expansion and contraction over time.

PVC decking is made entirely from synthetic plastic with no organic content. It resists moisture, mold, and insects effectively, but its all-plastic composition can lead to higher thermal movement and a lighter, less rigid feel underfoot compared to other materials.

Decking materials typically fall into multiple categories, including wood-plastic composite, PVC, and mineral-based composite. Wood-plastic composite offers a natural wood look with low maintenance. PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, while mineral-based composite combines polymers with durable minerals to deliver enhanced stability, moisture resistance, and reduced thermal movement. Deckorators offers both traditional composite and mineral-based composite options to suit different performance needs and budgets.

Our Voyage and Summit decking lines, both made with Surestone technology, are the best fit for docks, near-water builds, and ground-contact applications because they’re fully submersible and warranted for installation in the ground or water with virtually no moisture absorption.

Within our line of decking made with Surestone technology, Voyage and Summit are designed for confident footing with traction in wet and dry conditions. Within our traditional composite line, Vista decking is designed with a vertical-grain surface for enhanced traction in wet and dry conditions.

For demanding environments (near-water, ground contact, full sun comfort), Voyage and Summit are built for confident footing, are barefoot friendly, and are fully submersible and warranted for installation in the ground or water with virtually no moisture absorption.

If you’re focused on value and everyday performance, Venture is the straightforward traditional composite option.

For wildfire-prone areas or where fire performance matters most, Vista and Altitude both offer Class B flame spread ratings. Visit our Decking Comparison page to get a full breakdown of all the colors, features, benefits, and price ranges.

Voyage and Picture Frame Board are backed by a 50-year Structural Limited Warranty, a 25-year Stain & Fade Limited Warranty, and a 25-year Removal & Replacement Limited Warranty.

Summit, Venture, Vista, and Altitude are backed by a 25-year Structural Limited Warranty, a 25-year Stain & Fade Limited Warranty, and a 25-year Removal & Replacement Limited Warranty (when the eligible product is installed by a Deckorators Certified Pro).