Vinyl Decking vs. Polyurea

Why Polyurea Is the Superior Choice for Deck Protection

Most vinyl decking comes in sheets 6' wide and has seams which are heat welded or glued-together, This photo shows what the seams of a 10 year old deck looked like when we were called to strip off the vinyl and redo this deck with polyurea and a decorative flake system

When choosing a protective coating for decks and patios, many homeowners and builders have traditionally relied on vinyl decking systems like Duradek. However, polyurea coatings are quickly becoming the preferred choice due to their superior performance in durability, tensile strength, flexibility, and long-term waterproofing. Let’s explore how they compare.

The Weaknesses of Vinyl Decking

Vinyl decking is often seen as the only option for a solid deck surface, but it comes with significant drawbacks that can lead to problems over time, especially in climates with extreme weather like Alberta:

Seam Failure: Vinyl relies on heat-welded or glued seams that degrade with exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. As seams break down, leaks become inevitable.
UV Vulnerability: Although vinyl includes UV inhibitors, it’s prone to fading, cracking, and becoming brittle after prolonged exposure.
Limited Lifespan: Even with maintenance, vinyl typically lasts 10-15 years, and repairs can be costly once it starts to fail.
Higher Maintenance: Frequent inspections and repairs are become necessary to catch and prevent further seam failure and water damage. Not only do those repairs often stick out like sore thumb, but they are also prone to further failure.

Why Polyurea Outperforms Vinyl

Polyurea coatings offer seamless, long-lasting protection that vinyl simply can’t match. Spray-applied as a hot liquid, polyurea forms a monolithic, continuous membrane that bonds directly to the surface, eliminating weak points. Here’s why polyurea stands out:

Seamless Waterproofing: Unlike vinyl, polyurea has no seams. This prevents leaks and ensures reliable protection, even in high-moisture areas or decks over living spaces.
Superior Durability: Polyurea resists UV rays, extreme temperatures, and heavy foot traffic without cracking or peeling. It maintains flexibility, expanding and contracting with the surface.
Longer Lifespan: With proper installation, polyurea can outlast vinyl by decades with minimal maintenance.
Custom Finishes: Decorative finishes can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the project - from normal foot traffic up to heavy vehicle or industrial traffic. Solid colours, decorative flake system options, variable anti-slip textures, finishes from gloss to matte—whatever your vision, we have the expertise to bring it to life.

This deck sits overtop a garage space. The polyurea membrane provides premium waterproofing, while the finish composed of decorative flake and a polyaspartic topcoat adds ultimate UV resistance and beauty.

The Better Choice for Dependable, Long-Term Deck Protection

You're looking to spend time relaxing on your deck, not fixing it. For a solution that lasts, polyurea is the clear winner. Its true fully seamless design, UV resistance, long-term durability, and customizability make it the ideal choice for decks in our climate. Vinyl may seem like the only cost-effective option at first, but polyurea truly delivers on functionality, beauty, and long-term cost competiveness,

Request a Free Estimate or View Our Past Deck Projects to see why polyurea is the future of deck waterproofing.