Materials · Vinyl membrane
Vinyl membrane decks
Vinyl decking isn't a board at all. It's a tough, waterproof membrane laid over sloped plywood, sealed at the edges and drained to a scupper or gutter. That makes the deck a roof as well as a floor, which is why it's the standard choice for decks over bedrooms, garages and other living space.
- Installed
- $45–85 per sq ft new, $15–35 to re-cover
- Lifespan here
- About 15–20 years
- Upkeep
- Wash, check seams and drains yearly
- Upkeep cost
- About $0–200 a year
Common brands: Several BC-made and national membrane brands
Pros
What it does well
- Waterproof, protects the room below
- Low maintenance
- Slip-resistant textures
- Many colours and patterns
Cons
What to weigh up
- Needs dry weather to install
- Can be punctured by sharp objects
- Seams and flashing need yearly checks
- Not a wood look
In our climate
Dry weather to install, a quick check every fall
Vinyl has to go down on dry plywood in reasonable temperatures, so installs and re-covers cluster between spring and early fall. Booking early matters.
Once it's down, most problems start at the edges: door sills, wall flashing, railing posts and drains. A look at those every fall, before the heavy rain, catches small issues while they're still cheap to fix.
Rough budget
A 300 sq ft low vinyl deck
- Installed
- $13,500 – $25,500
- 10 years of upkeep
- $0 – $2,000
- 10-year total
- $13,500 – $27,500
Before railings, stairs, permits and GST. Raised decks cost more.
Price your own deck →Questions
Vinyl membrane questions
Can vinyl decking go on a ground-level deck?
It can, but it's usually chosen where waterproofing matters, such as decks over living space and balconies. For a ground-level deck, boards are usually simpler and cheaper.
How much does a vinyl re-cover cost?
Roughly $15–35 per sq ft on sound plywood, so about $3,000–7,000 for a typical 200 sq ft deck. New plywood or railing work adds to that.
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