PVC vs Timber Fascia: Why Plastic Wins Every Time
PVC-U fascia is better than timber for the vast majority of UK homes because it does not rot, does not need painting, resists UV degradation, and lasts 30+ years with zero maintenance. Timber fascia boards need painting every 3–5 years, are vulnerable to rot (especially at the joints and lower edges where water collects), and typically last 15–25 years before needing replacement. Over a 30-year period, PVC-U costs significantly less than timber when you factor in painting, repair, and eventual replacement costs. The only scenario where timber might be preferred is on listed buildings where conservation requirements mandate natural materials.
The PVC versus timber debate was settled decades ago in practical terms — over 85% of UK roofline replacements now use PVC-U — but homeowners still ask the question, usually prompted by a concern about “plastic” aesthetics or environmental impact. Both are legitimate considerations, and this guide addresses them honestly alongside the hard numbers on cost, performance, and longevity.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Timber Fascia | PVC-U Fascia |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Softwood (typically redwood or whitewood) | Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride |
| Lifespan (without maintenance) | 5–10 years | 30–40 years |
| Lifespan (with maintenance) | 15–25 years | 30–40 years (same — no maintenance needed) |
| Painting | Every 3–5 years (2 coats exterior gloss) | Never |
| Rot risk | High — especially joints, end grain, bottom edges | None |
| Insect damage | Possible (woodworm, carpenter bees) | None |
| UV resistance | Depends on paint quality and repainting frequency | Built-in UV stabilisers |
| Colour options | Unlimited (paintable) | Standard range (white, grey, black, woodgrain, etc.) |
| Weight | Heavier (2.5–4.0 kg/m for 200 × 25 mm) | Lighter (1.0–1.5 kg/m for 200 × 16 mm) |
| Cost per metre (material) | £3–8 | £5–11 |
| Fire performance | Combustible (Class 3) | Class 1 surface spread of flame |
| Environmental | Renewable resource (if sustainably sourced) | Recyclable; long lifespan reduces waste |
| Thermal expansion | Minimal | Moderate (expansion gaps required) |
The True Cost Comparison
The upfront material cost of PVC-U is slightly higher than timber, but the lifetime cost tells a very different story.
30-Year Cost: 3-Bed Semi-Detached
| Cost Item | Timber | PVC-U |
|---|---|---|
| Initial installation (materials + labour + scaffold) | £1,600–2,800 | £2,000–3,500 |
| Painting (every 4 years × 7 cycles) | £1,400–3,500 | £0 |
| Minor repairs (filler, rot patches) | £200–600 | £0 |
| Full replacement at year 15–20 | £1,600–2,800 | £0 |
| Second painting cycle after replacement | £600–1,500 | £0 |
| 30-year total | £5,400–11,200 | £2,000–3,500 |
PVC-U saves £3,400–7,700 over 30 years on a typical semi-detached house. Even at the most conservative estimate, PVC pays for itself within a decade.
Painting Costs in Detail
A professional painter charges £500–1,000 to paint the fascia, soffit, and bargeboards on a semi-detached house, including scaffold tower hire and preparation. That is every 3–5 years for the life of the timber. DIY painting still costs £50–100 in materials per cycle plus a weekend of your time on a ladder.
Why Timber Rots (And PVC Doesn’t)
Timber’s Weakness
Softwood fascia boards are vulnerable at specific points:
- End grain — where the board is cut to length, water enters the porous end grain and wicks into the interior
- Bottom edge — water runs down the fascia and collects at the bottom, especially if the soffit joint is not sealed
- Behind the gutter — the space between the back of the gutter and the face of the fascia traps moisture against the paint surface
- Joints — where two boards meet, water penetrates the gap and sits between the cut ends
- Under bracket fixings — screw holes through the paint surface admit water directly into the timber
Once rot starts, it progresses inside the board even if the surface paint appears intact. By the time you see paint blistering or soft spots, the interior is already significantly compromised.
PVC-U’s Immunity
PVC-U is a non-porous, non-organic material. It does not absorb water, does not provide food for fungi or insects, and does not rot under any circumstances. Water sits on the surface and runs off. Frost, rain, UV exposure — PVC handles them all without internal degradation.
The only degradation mechanism for PVC-U is UV radiation causing surface chalking and eventual brittleness over many decades. Quality PVC-U with UV stabilisers (titanium dioxide for white, carbon black for dark colours) resists this for 30+ years.
Appearance: Does PVC Look Like Plastic?
This is the most common objection. The answer depends on the product:
Budget PVC-U
Cheap, thin (9 mm) PVC boards can look and feel like plastic. They flex, sound hollow when tapped, and may have a shiny surface finish that does not replicate timber convincingly.
Quality PVC-U
Premium 16 mm boards from manufacturers like Kalsi Plastics have:
- A matt or satin finish that avoids plastic shine
- Through-colour pigmentation — the colour penetrates the full thickness
- Woodgrain emboss options (rosewood, light oak, mahogany) that replicate timber grain realistically
- Substantial weight and rigidity — 16 mm boards feel solid, not flimsy
From ground level (3+ metres away), quality PVC-U fascia is indistinguishable from painted timber. Even close-up, woodgrain PVC is remarkably convincing.
Browse the Kalsi roofline range to see the available finishes.
Environmental Comparison
This is where the debate gets nuanced:
Timber: The Arguments
For: Timber is a natural, renewable resource. Sustainably sourced softwood (FSC or PEFC certified) has a low carbon footprint at the point of manufacture. It sequesters carbon.
Against: The lifecycle includes preservative treatment (often copper-chrome-arsenic or water-based alternatives), primer, undercoat, and gloss paint — all with their own environmental footprint. Repainting every 3–5 years adds ongoing chemical input. Rotten timber goes to landfill. The shorter lifespan means more frequent manufacturing and installation cycles.
PVC-U: The Arguments
Against: PVC is made from fossil-fuel-derived chemicals. The manufacturing process produces chlorinated compounds. “Plastic” carries a negative environmental perception.
For: PVC-U is one of the most recyclable plastics. Post-use PVC from roofline can be recycled up to 10 times without loss of performance. The 30–40 year lifespan means fewer replacement cycles, less waste, and less energy consumed over the building’s life. No paint, no preservatives, no ongoing chemical maintenance.
The Lifecycle Analysis
When assessed over a 60-year building lifecycle (typical for UK housing), PVC-U roofline has a lower overall environmental impact than timber because:
- One PVC installation replaces 2–3 timber installations
- No paint manufacturing, application, or disposal
- End-of-life PVC can be recycled into new products
- Lower transport impact (lighter, fewer deliveries over time)
When Timber Is the Right Choice
There are limited situations where timber fascia is genuinely preferred:
Listed Buildings
Historic England and local conservation officers may require natural timber on Grade I, Grade II*, and some Grade II listed buildings. The requirement is based on preserving the building’s historic character and may extend to specific timber species, profile shapes, and paint colours.
Bespoke Architectural Projects
High-end residential and commercial projects by architects who specify natural materials for design reasons. These budgets accommodate the ongoing maintenance cost.
Temporary Structures
Where the building has a limited intended lifespan (under 10 years), timber’s lower upfront cost may be practical.
For the other 95%+ of UK homes, PVC-U is the rational choice.
What About Composite and Aluminium?
| Material | Cost (vs PVC-U) | Lifespan | Maintenance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC-U | Baseline | 30–40 years | None | The industry standard |
| Timber | −20% to +10% | 15–25 years | High (painting) | Declining market share |
| Composite (wood/plastic) | +30–60% | 25–35 years | Low | Niche market |
| Aluminium | +100–200% | 40–60 years | Very low | Premium market, mainly commercial |
Composite and aluminium are alternatives for those who want something beyond PVC-U, but neither offers a compelling value proposition for standard domestic roofline compared to quality PVC-U.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PVC fascia better than wood?
For the vast majority of UK homes, yes. PVC-U fascia lasts longer, costs less over its lifetime, requires no painting or maintenance, and does not rot. The only scenario where timber is preferred is on listed buildings where conservation requirements mandate natural materials.
How long does timber fascia last?
With regular painting (every 3–5 years) and prompt repair of any rot, timber fascia can last 15–25 years. Without maintenance, it may deteriorate within 5–10 years, particularly at vulnerable points like joints, end grain, and the bottom edge.
Does PVC fascia look cheap?
Quality PVC-U from a reputable manufacturer does not look cheap. Premium 16 mm boards with matt or woodgrain finishes are indistinguishable from painted timber at normal viewing distances. Budget 9 mm boards can look less convincing — invest in quality for the best appearance.
Can I paint PVC fascia to look like timber?
You can paint PVC-U, but it is rarely necessary. Woodgrain-finish PVC boards (rosewood, light oak, mahogany) replicate timber appearance directly. If you paint PVC, you introduce a maintenance cycle that defeats the purpose of choosing PVC in the first place.
Is PVC-U environmentally friendly?
PVC-U has a mixed environmental profile. It is derived from fossil fuels but is highly recyclable (up to 10 recycling cycles), extremely long-lasting (30–40 years), and requires no ongoing paint or chemical maintenance. Over a building’s lifecycle, the total environmental impact of PVC-U roofline is typically lower than timber due to the longer lifespan and absence of painting.
