Composite vs. PVC Decking: Which Holds Up Best in North Idaho’s Tough Weather?

If you live in Coeur d’Alene or anywhere in the surrounding areas, you already know — our weather isn’t gentle. Choosing between materials is a big decision, especially when it comes to composite vs PVC decking in North Idaho, where snow, moisture, and freeze–thaw cycles put decks to the test.

The good news—Both are great options!

The better news—One usually performs stronger in CDA’s climate, depending on your priorities!

Let’s break it down so you can choose the right material for your home, your lifestyle, and our North Idaho weather.

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How Composite Decking Holds Up in North Idaho Weather

When evaluating composite vs PVC decking for North Idaho weather, composite stands out for homeowners who want durability with a more natural wood appearance. Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and a major upgrade from traditional wood. After lots of research, our go-to composite decking of choice is the TimberTech Legacy Collection. The 30 year warranty, and wide selection of colors make it an ideal choice for homeowners.

Composite Decking Pros

✔ Great in snow — Handles weight well and doesn’t splinter or rot

✔ More natural wood look — Many homeowners prefer its texture and warmth

✔ Budget-friendly — Usually more affordable than PVC

✔ Cooler underfoot compared to PVC

Composite Decking Cons

• Absorbs some moisture — Not enough to rot, but enough to expand and contract a bit in freeze–thaw cycles.

• Slightly heavier and denser — Not a dealbreaker, but it can make a difference for elevated decks.

Composite Decking is best for:

Homeowners who want a natural look, good durability, and strong performance without going to the very top of the price range.

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How PVC Decking Performs in North Idaho Weather

For many homeowners comparing composite vs PVC decking in North Idaho, PVC offers unmatched resistance to moisture and freeze–thaw cycles. It is made from 100% plastic — no wood fibers at all. Because of that, it reacts differently to moisture, temperature swings, and sun exposure. When it comes to PVC decking, our top choice we recommend is always the TimberTech Vintage Collection. It comes with a 50 year warranty, so you have peace of mind with your investment.

PVC Decking Pros

✔ Excellent in freeze–thaw cycles — Doesn’t absorb moisture, so it’s extremely stable

✔ Best resistance to mold, rot, and water

✔ Most durable option for heavy snow loads

✔ Fire-resistant and great for hot summers

✔ Very lightweight

PVC Decking Cons

• Higher cost — PVC is usually the premium option.

• Can run hotter in direct sun — Especially on decks with no shade.

PVC Decking is best for:

Homeowners who want maximum performance, zero moisture absorption, and the longest lifespan — especially in yards with heavy shade/snow, or lakefront properties like in Harrison, Hayden Lake, Spirit Lake or even Hauser Idaho.

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Which Performs Best in CDA?

For most CDA homes, PVC is the top performer because it handles our freeze–thaw cycles and moisture better than anything else. But high-quality composite is still an excellent choice — especially if you want the most natural wood appearance or a slightly cooler deck surface in summer.

If you want help choosing the right material for your home, explore our custom composite and PVC deck options to see how we design and build decks specifically for North Idaho conditions.

Composite vs PVC Decking: Side-by-Side Comparison

Below is a side-by-side comparison of composite vs PVC decking in North Idaho, based on real climate performance factors homeowners care about most:

Climate Factor	Composite	PVC
Heavy Snow	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Freeze–Thaw	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summer Heat	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Fire/Ember Resistance	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost	$$–$$$	$$$–$$$$
Natural Look	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

So… Which Decking Material Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the right choice between composite vs PVC decking in North Idaho depends on your priorities — appearance, budget, and long-term durability.

Choose Composite if you want:

✔ A natural, wood-like appearance

✔ A cooler deck surface

✔ Great durability at a lower price point

Choose PVC if you want:

✔ Maximum weather protection

✔ Best long-term performance

✔ A deck that handles moisture, snow, and freeze–thaw cycles effortlessly

At Wood Outdoor Living, our goal is to get you outdoors with the people you love—and choosing the right material helps make sure your deck will last! Working with experienced deck builders in Coeur d’Alene ensures your deck material is selected and installed to handle snow, moisture, and freeze–thaw cycles.

We’ve done the homework for you, carefully selecting trusted brands and collections that we’re proud to stand behind. When we build for you, we treat your space just like we would our own home, with a strong focus on safety, durability, and lasting quality.

If you’re trying to decide between materials, we’re always happy to look at your space, walk you through real samples, and help you make the right call for CDA’s climate! You can also view real deck projects we’ve built to see how composite and PVC perform for actual homes.